Milwaukee 2457-20 Impact Red Review
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2457-20 is a compact 12V cordless ratchet that earns its place on the M12 platform through consistent owner satisfaction: 4.6 stars from 3,800 reviews and 400 units sold last month back up the hype.
Check price on AmazonBest for
M12 platform owners who need a lightweight cordless ratchet for engine bays, tight underdash work, or production assembly.
Skip if
You do not own M12 batteries and are not willing to invest in the platform, or you need a kit with a battery included.
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Weight 1.61 Pounds
- Priced 47% above the category median ($59.95 across 91 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 3,800 owner ratings
-
Popularity4.7/5
3,800 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Milwaukee 2457-20 is the bare-tool version of Milwaukee's M12 cordless ratchet, priced at $88 and aimed at technicians who already run the M12 ecosystem. At 1.61 pounds the tool is genuinely easy to maneuver in confined spaces, which is one of the most-cited strengths in owner feedback. The 12V platform keeps the head compact without sacrificing enough torque for general fastener work.
With 3,800 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this ratchet sits among the most widely validated cordless ratchets in its voltage class. The demand signal is equally strong: 400 units sold last month confirm that buyers are actively choosing it over alternatives. At $88 for the bare tool, it represents a reasonable entry price for someone already invested in M12 batteries.
The listing does not publish a speed or torque spec, so buyers should reference Milwaukee's published documentation for those figures. What the data does confirm is weight (1.61 pounds) and platform compatibility. Owners who have moved from pneumatic ratchets to this cordless option consistently report that the reduced setup time and mobility offset the lack of continuous air supply for most shop tasks.
Pros
- 1.61-pound body keeps fatigue low during extended use in tight spaces
- 4.6-star rating across 3,800 reviews reflects broad and consistent owner satisfaction
- 12V M12 platform shares batteries with dozens of Milwaukee tools
- 400 units sold last month signals strong real-world demand and continued production support
- Bare-tool pricing at $88 is reasonable for existing M12 users
Cons
- No battery or charger included, so true entry cost is higher for new M12 users
- Torque and RPM specs are not published in the product listing
- 12V limits max torque compared to 18V or 20V cordless ratchets
Specifications
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.61 Pounds |
Performance notes
Powered by a 12V M12 battery (sold separately), the 2457-20 weighs 1.61 pounds making it one of the lighter options in the cordless ratchet category. The compact voltage and slim profile suit it to underhood automotive work, HVAC panel access, and tight assembly tasks where a bulkier 18V tool would not fit.
What buyers say
Owners frequently highlight the tool's balance and ease of use in hard-to-reach spots. The most common praise centers on how much faster it is compared to a manual ratchet for repetitive fastener tasks. Occasional criticism focuses on the need to buy batteries separately and on the absence of a torque spec in the listing.
More from Milwaukee
- Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2457-21p M12 Cordless 3/8" Lithium-ion Ratchet Kit
$164.99200+ bought last monthView on Amazon
Similar power tools and workshop machinery to consider
- Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2457-21p M12 Cordless 3/8" Lithium-ion Ratchet Kit
$164.99200+ bought last monthView on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Does the Milwaukee 2457-20 come with a battery?
No. The 2457-20 is a bare tool. You need a compatible M12 battery and charger, sold separately or available in kit versions like the 2457-21.
How heavy is the Milwaukee 2457-20?
The listed weight is 1.61 pounds, which is on the lighter end for a cordless ratchet and contributes to low fatigue during overhead or confined-space work.
Still have questions about the Milwaukee 2457-20?
Reach out to the ToolGalaxy team at hello@toolgalaxy.com and we will help you decide if this ratchet fits your setup.