Milwaukee Tool has officially launched the next generation of M12 FUEL cordless ratchets — and if you work under a hood or in tight mechanical spaces, these are worth paying attention to.
Three new models are now available at Home Depot: the 1/4-inch (3052-20), 3/8-inch (3053-20), and 1/2-inch (3054-20). Bare tools run $229 each; kits with a battery and charger are $329.
What’s New in This Generation
The previous M12 FUEL ratchets forced a trade-off: you could have either speed or torque, depending on which model you bought. The new generation eliminates that choice with a redesigned brushless outer rotor motor that delivers both simultaneously.
- 1/4-inch (3052): 550 RPM, 45 ft-lbs max torque, 1.5 lbs
- 3/8-inch (3053): 400 RPM, 70 ft-lbs max torque, 1.5 lbs
- 1/2-inch (3054): 300 RPM, 80 ft-lbs max torque, 1.7 lbs
The 3/8-inch model — the most popular size — went from 55 ft-lbs at 200 RPM on the old generation to 70 ft-lbs at 400 RPM. That’s a meaningful improvement for production work.
Smallest Head in Class
Milwaukee claims the new ratchets have the most compact head and body profile of any cordless ratchet in their respective size classes. Each tool measures just 12 inches long and weighs under 1.7 lbs, which matters when you’re working in cramped engine bays or undercarriages.
Each kit includes both a finger-button trigger cap and a paddle-style cap, so you can pick which control style works best for your application. Modular trigger cap kits are also available separately if you want to swap between styles on bare tools.
What This Means for M12 Users
If you’re already on the M12 platform — whether for hand tools, lighting, or other compact cordless gear — these ratchets integrate seamlessly with your existing batteries and charger. Milwaukee’s M12 ecosystem spans more than 100 tools, making it the most battery-compatible compact platform on the market.
For shops already running M18, the new ratchets are a compelling reason to add a few M12 batteries: lighter, more compact, and purpose-built for the kind of fastening work that doesn’t need a full-size impact wrench. See our guide to the best cordless impact wrenches to understand where ratchets fit vs. full-size ½-inch wrenches.
For a full comparison of Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 platforms against DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch, our battery platform comparison breaks down the trade-offs. And for more on Milwaukee’s broader 2026 product announcements, see our World of Concrete 2026 roundup.
Prices and availability at time of writing. Check manufacturer specifications for complete details.
