Milwaukee Ratchets up the Speed on their Cordless Ratchets
Milwaukee Tool recently launched a pair of M12 FUEL high-speed ratchets that dial up the speed while trimming torque. These nut-runners deliver more than twice the speed of the current M12 FUEL ratchets. They also further reduce size. In fact, looking at the new tools, we immediately noticed the sub-compact head and reduced length. Milwaukee released two sub-compact ratchet models in 1/4″ and 3/8″ sizes, covering a wide variety of common automotive and mechanical applications.
10-Second Summary
- Model: Milwaukee 2566-22 (1/4″) and 2567-22 (3/8″)
- Brushless motor delivers up to 450 RPM
- 35 ft-lbs of torque
- Can be used manually without engaging motor
- Most compact head size in class
- Recessed shift knob
- Steel yoke housing and rubber overmold
- Available February 2021
- Price: $179 bare tool, $249 kit
Milwaukee M12 Fuel High-Speed Ratchet Features
The three main talking points surrounding the Milwaukee M12 Fuel High-Speed Ratchets come down to their speed, compact head sizes, and better durability.
Like the other M12 FUEL ratchets, the new Milwaukee Cordless High-Speed Ratchets feature a brushless motor. These turn up the speed to 450 RPM while still managing to produce 35 ft-lbs of torque. If you want more torque, the Milwaukee 2557-20 (3/8″ model) produces 55 ft-lbs but at a slower 200 RPM of maximum speed.
You can also use these M12 FUEL High-Speed ratchets manually. Without engaging the motor, you can break loose or snug up fasteners that require more torque.
The Milwaukee M12 FUEL High-Speed Ratchets have also been designed from the ground up to give you better access to tight spaces. They feature a much more compact head size. They also continue to use a recessed shift knob that doesn’t stick up off the head.
Milwaukee claims to have brought additional durability with these cordless High-Speed Ratchets. They should really stand up well to the sort of abuse that comes with automotive work. They feature a steel yoke housing, while a rubber overmold not only provides a comfortable grip but offers some impact protection.
Optional Accessories
You can also purchase a separate protective rubber boot (49-16-2567) to guard the head against corrosives and other abuse. And if you want, you can replace the original anvil assembly on the Milwaukee High-Speed Ratchets. An optional Tall Shift Knob Assembly allows for easier change of direction.
Milwaukee M12 High-Speed Ratchets vs Gen1
| 2567-20 (High-Speed) | 2557-20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 450 RPM | 200 RPM |
| Torque | 35 ft-lbs | 55 ft-lbs |
| Brushless Motor | Yes | Yes |
| Head size | Super-compact | Compact |
| Length (w/battery) | 11.1 in. | 11.8 in. |
| Weight (w/battery) | 2.1 lbs. | 2.8 lbs. |
Our Thoughts
These two new models really prove a “nutrunner”solution that didn’t exist previously. That’s really what we want out of our ratchets anyway, so trading a bit of torque for speed makes a lot of sense. I think a lot of mechanics are going to appreciate the speed these tools offer under the hood. The Makita RW01Z 12V ratchet spins up a bit more quickly at the same torque, but for people already on the M12 platform, these tools are definitely worth a look.
Pricing
You can pick up the Milwaukee M12 Fuel High-Speed Ratchet in either the 1/4″ or 3/8″ variety. Each option will retail either as a bare tool for $179 or as part of a kit for $259. The kit includes the tool, two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a carrying case. Milwaukee warranties the tool for 5 years, and their battery warranty is 2 years.
Milwaukee Cordless Ratchet Specs
- Model: Milwaukee 2566-22 (1/4″) or Milwaukee 2567-22 (3/8″)
- Torque: 35 ft-lbs
- Rpm: 450
- Length (w/battery): 11.1 in.
- Weight (w/battery): 2.1 lbs.
- Kit includes: 2.0Ah battery, charger, and carrying case
- Price: $179 bare tool, $249 kit
- 1/4″ and 3/8″ High-Speed Ratchet Protective Boot (49-16-2567)
- 1/4″ High-Speed Ratchet Tall Shift Knob Assembly (49-06-2566)
- 3/8″ High-Speed Ratchet Tall Shift Knob Assembly (49-09-2567)
Interesting. The big gripe about the new fuel ones over the older brushed one was the size… Yes, they were more robust, but if you can’t get it in there, then what good is it…and so…we finally see them trying to get the head size back down while maintaining robustness…and it appears that 55 is too much torque while 35 is the sweet spot. ???