Milwaukee M12 Fuel High-Speed Ratchets
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)