Description:

Key Features

35 ft-lbs Output Delivers enough torque to speed through common maintenance work without dragging out an air hose. It is built to save time on assembly and removal, not replace your high-torque impact. 250 RPM Speed The fast run speed helps the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 12V 3/8 Inch Cordless Ratchet move nuts and bolts quickly once they are started. That means less hand cranking in tight engine bays and service areas. Subcompact Reach This cordless ratchet is made for cramped spaces where a full-size tool or air setup gets in the way. The compact body and 3/8 inch drive make it a practical fit for automotive and repair work.

Overview

The Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 12V 3/8 Inch Cordless Ratchet is a bare tool cordless ratchet built for mechanics, maintenance techs, and repair pros who want to move fasteners faster in tight spaces. This is a cordless ratchet designed for automotive maintenance, repair work, and general service tasks. Model Number: 2457-20. If you already run Milwaukee M12 batteries, this tool gives you air-ratchet-style convenience without the hose.

On the numbers that matter, this ratchet produces up to 35 ft-lbs of torque and runs at 250 RPM. That combination matters because it is enough to run nuts and bolts down quickly on covers, brackets, clamps, and light to medium service work, while still keeping the tool compact and easy to control. It is a time-saving tool, not a breaker bar. For the right job, that is exactly the point.

The 3/8 inch format makes sense for common automotive socket sizes and general service hardware. If you are working under the hood, inside wheel wells, or around engine accessories, the subcompact body helps you get where a larger impact wrench or even a standard ratchet swing arc becomes a problem. That is where a cordless ratchet earns its keep: less hand fatigue, less wasted motion, and fewer knuckle-busting positions.

Milwaukee built this model around the M12 12V platform, so it is a good fit for users who want light weight over brute force. At about 1.7 lbs tool weight and 10.75 inches in length, it stays manageable during repetitive work and extended use. The body uses metal and plastic construction with a powder-coated finish, and the grip shape is set up for one-handed control when you are reaching into crowded service areas.

Because it is battery powered, you get cleaner setup and easier mobility than an air tool. No hose means less clutter around the lift, the driveway, or the bench. That matters more than people think when you are moving from fastener to fastener during maintenance work. It also makes this ratchet a smart option for mobile service, roadside kits, and quick repair jobs where compressor access is not realistic.

This is sold as a tool only configuration, so battery and charger are not included. That is a plus if you are already on the Milwaukee M12 system and just need the bare tool. It uses Milwaukee M12 lithium-ion batteries and the matching M12 charger, which keeps it simple for current M12 users who want another job-specific tool without buying another full kit.

Who should buy it? This one makes the most sense for automotive work, equipment maintenance, and general repair tasks where speed and access matter more than max torque. If your day involves brackets, hose clamps, engine bay fasteners, dashboard hardware, or repetitive run-down work, this tool will save real time. If you need to break loose rusted suspension bolts or torque down critical fasteners to spec, you still want a stronger tool for loosening and a torque wrench for final tightening.

Work Faster in Tight Engine Bays

The big advantage here is access. When you are working around hoses, covers, and engine components, a cordless ratchet lets you keep moving without needing the swing room of a hand ratchet or the setup of an air line.

• Subcompact cordless ratchet format built for service work in confined spaces
• 3/8 inch drive suits common automotive and repair sockets

Save Time on Repetitive Fasteners

Where this tool pays for itself is on repeated run-down and removal work. The motor handles the spinning so your wrist does less work, which adds up fast during tune-ups, teardown, and routine maintenance.

• Up to 250 RPM helps move nuts and bolts quickly once engaged
• Battery-powered operation gives you air-ratchet convenience without a hose

Built Around the Milwaukee M12 12V 3/8 Inch Cordless Ratchet Platform

If you already own M12 batteries, this bare tool is an easy add. You get a lightweight job-specific ratchet that fills the gap between hand tools and larger powered fastening tools.

• Runs on Milwaukee M12 12V lithium-ion battery packs
• Tool-only configuration helps existing M12 users avoid paying for duplicate batteries and chargers

Key Specifications

Compatibility

Battery Platform Compatible with Milwaukee M12 12V lithium-ion battery packs. Charging System Uses Milwaukee M12 chargers. Charger is not included with this tool-only version. Socket Interface Built around a 3/8 inch ratchet drive for matching 3/8 inch socket use.

Built For

Automotive Maintenance Repair Work Mobile Service General Contracting DIY / Hobbyist

Pro Tip

Use this ratchet to run fasteners on and off quickly, then switch to a hand ratchet or torque wrench for final tightening. With 35 ft-lbs of max torque, it is strongest as a speed tool for service work, not as your final-torque tool.

Warranty & Support

Milwaukee lists this product with a 5 Year Limited Warranty.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 12V 3/8 Inch Cordless Ratchet Gets the Everyday Work Done

This is the kind of tool that earns a permanent spot in an automotive cart because it saves time every single day.

• Who it's for: Mechanics, maintenance techs, and M12 users who need faster fastener removal and installation in cramped spaces.
• Why it stands out: You get 250 RPM, 35 ft-lbs, and cordless mobility in a compact 3/8 inch ratchet that is easy to control around engines and service hardware.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, and it is not meant to replace a high-torque impact. Use it for speed and access, then finish critical fasteners with the right hand tool.

Common Questions

• Is this a bare tool or a kit? This is a tool-only configuration. Battery and charger are not included.
• What battery platform does it use? It runs on the Milwaukee M12 12V lithium-ion system.
• How much torque does it make? Milwaukee rates it at up to 35 ft-lbs of torque.
• How fast does it run? The no-load speed is rated at 250 RPM.
• What kind of work is it best for? It is best suited for automotive maintenance, repair, and repetitive fastening work where access and speed matter more than maximum torque.