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If you’re working in a cramped engine bay or under a dashboard, you’re probably trying to decide between Milwaukee’s compact M12 tools: the 2457-20 Cordless Ratchet or the 2564-20 Right Angle Impact. The ratchet offers 35 ft-lbs of torque, while the impact wrench delivers a massive 220 ft-lbs.
This comparison is for mechanics, auto enthusiasts, and serious DIYers who need power in tight spaces. The real trade-off is between speed and brute force. I’ve used both, and the right choice depends entirely on the fasteners you’re fighting.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Ratchet
Ultimate for speed in tight spots at 9.47 inches long — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee Right Angle Impact
For breaking stubborn bolts with 220 ft-lbs of torque — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve laid out the hard numbers side-by-side so you can see exactly where these tools differ.
The specs tell a clear story: the ratchet wins on size and weight for maneuverability, while the right angle impact is the undisputed king of power.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both tools in my garage to see how they actually perform. Here’s my honest take on where each one shines and where it falls short.
Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact Ratchet
35 ft-lbs Torque | 9.47 Inches Long | 1.81 Pounds | 250 RPM
- RECESSED FORWARD - BACKWARD SWITCH on the back of the head prevents you...
- LOW PROFILE HEAD DESIGN allows you to work in an engine bay without issue
- ONBOARD FUEL GAUGE: Lights on the side of the unit will let you know how...
This is my go-to tool for speeding up repetitive disassembly jobs. Its 9.47-inch length and 1.81-pound weight let me get into engine bays and under dashboards where a regular ratchet would be a struggle. The 35 ft-lbs of torque is perfect for spinning off nuts and bolts that are already loose, and the variable speed trigger gives you great control. It’s ideal for mechanics and DIYers who want to save their wrists during big jobs. Just know it’s not made for breaking things loose; you’ll need to do that by hand first.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly compact at only 9.47 inches long
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver at 1.81 pounds
- Recessed switch prevents accidental direction changes
- Built-in LED light is great for dark spaces
❌ Cons
- 35 ft-lbs torque is too low for breaking fasteners free
- Plastic housing feels less rugged than all-metal tools
Milwaukee 2564-20 M12 Right Angle Impact Wrench
220 ft-lbs Torque | 14.5 Inches Long | 2.83 Pounds | 3/8″ Drive
- Battery-Operated: Runs on Milwaukee's M12 FUEL Lithium-Ion battery for...
- Right Angle Design: Compact 3/8 in. cordless wrench with 90-degree angle...
- High Torque: Delivers 220 ft-lbs of fast, efficient power for heavy-duty...
This tool is a beast in a 90-degree package. The 220 ft-lbs of torque is serious power, allowing it to zip off lug nuts and break free stubborn suspension bolts that would stall the ratchet. The right-angle head does get you into some surprisingly tight spots for an impact. I recommend it for anyone working on trucks, farm equipment, or older vehicles with seized fasteners. The trade-off is its size; at 14.5 inches long and 2.83 pounds, it’s noticeably bigger and heavier than the ratchet, so it won’t fit in the absolute tightest crevices.
✅ Pros
- Massive 220 ft-lbs of torque for breaking bolts loose
- Right-angle design clears obstacles in tight spaces
- Alloy steel construction feels very durable
- Still uses the compact M12 battery system
❌ Cons
- Significantly larger and heavier at 2.83 pounds
- Loud impact mechanism isn’t suitable for all spaces
- More expensive than the cordless ratchet
Which One Should You Buy?
There’s no single “best” tool here, only the best tool for your specific job. My recommendation changes completely based on what you’re working on.
Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless Ratchet is right for you if…
- You’re a mechanic who needs speed for removing dozens of fasteners in a cramped engine bay.
- You prioritize a lightweight, 1.81-pound tool that won’t fatigue your arm during long jobs.
- Your work involves mostly spinning off nuts and bolts that are already loosened by hand.
Milwaukee 2564-20 Right Angle Impact Wrench is right for you if…
- You need to break loose rusty suspension bolts or lug nuts with 220 ft-lbs of power.
- You work on trucks, tractors, or older vehicles where fasteners are often seized.
- You need impact power in a right-angle format to clear frame rails or other obstacles.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If your main task is installing fasteners to a precise torque, skip both. You need a dedicated torque wrench. Also, if you’re only doing light DIY and don’t own any M12 batteries, the cost of entering the battery system might not be worth it for one tool.
For most people working on cars, the M12 Cordless Ratchet is the smarter first buy. It saves more time and effort on common jobs, and you can always break bolts loose with a breaker bar before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for working on cars: the ratchet or the right angle impact?
For most car work, the M12 ratchet is better. Its 9.47-inch length and 1.81-pound weight let you get into tight spaces like engine bays and under dashes to quickly remove fasteners. The right angle impact is better for specific, tough jobs like suspension work where you need its 220 ft-lbs to break bolts free.
Can the Milwaukee M12 ratchet break loose bolts?
No, it cannot. The ratchet only provides 35 ft-lbs of torque, which is for spinning, not breaking. You must loosen bolts by hand with a traditional ratchet first. Trying to use it as an impact will damage the tool. It’s strictly a time-saver for removal and installation.
Is the right angle impact wrench worth the extra money over the ratchet?
It’s worth it only if you regularly face seized or over-torqued fasteners. The 220 ft-lbs of power is a big improvement for stubborn bolts, but you pay for that capability with more size, weight, and cost. If you mostly work on newer vehicles or do maintenance, the ratchet is the better value.
Do both tools use the same batteries?
Yes, both run on Milwaukee’s M12 lithium-ion battery platform. This is a huge advantage. If you already own M12 tools, you can share batteries between them. If you’re new to the system, any M12 battery will work with either tool.
Which tool is more versatile for general DIY?
The cordless ratchet is more versatile for a typical DIYer. Its compact size makes it useful for automotive, assembly furniture, and appliance repair where speed is key. The right angle impact is more of a specialist tool for heavy mechanical work, and its loud operation isn’t suitable for all environments.
Can I use the right angle impact to tighten lug nuts?
You can, but you shouldn’t for final torque. The 220 ft-lbs is enough to over-tighten lug nuts easily, which can warp brake rotors. It’s great for running lug nuts on and off quickly, but you must use a torque wrench to finish the job to your vehicle’s specified setting.
My Final Verdict
My clear winner is the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless Ratchet. For most mechanics and DIYers, its unbeatable 9.47-inch length and 1.81-pound weight make it the ultimate tool for speeding up work in tight spaces. The right angle impact is a powerful specialist, but the ratchet’s compact versatility makes it the better first tool to own.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself one question: do you spend more time fighting stuck bolts, or spinning out fasteners? If it’s the former, get the impact. For everyone else, the ratchet will save you more time and frustration on a daily basis.
Best Overall: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Ratchet
- RECESSED FORWARD - BACKWARD SWITCH on the back of the head prevents you...
- LOW PROFILE HEAD DESIGN allows you to work in an engine bay without issue
- ONBOARD FUEL GAUGE: Lights on the side of the unit will let you know how...
This is the tool for mechanics and auto enthusiasts who value speed and access. Its compact design is a big improvement for engine work and any job where a traditional ratchet is too slow.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee Right Angle Impact Wrench
- Battery-Operated: Runs on Milwaukee's M12 FUEL Lithium-Ion battery for...
- Right Angle Design: Compact 3/8 in. cordless wrench with 90-degree angle...
- High Torque: Delivers 220 ft-lbs of fast, efficient power for heavy-duty...
Choose this if you regularly battle rusted suspension parts or lug nuts. Its 220 ft-lbs of torque makes short work of fasteners that would stall any ratchet.
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