Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
Ratchets are great for reaching into tight spaces to deal with nuts and bolts, but the constant back and forth motion is both mind-numbing and knuckle-busting. We took a closer look at the Hart 20V cordless 3/8-inch ratchet to see how it can alleviate those pains.
Hart’s 3/8-inch cordless ratchet delivers up to 35 ft-lbs of torque and 230 RPMs. That’s very different from the power and speed you see from an impact wrench—even a compact model starts around 100 ft-lbs. But a ratchet isn’t designed to have the higher power and speed of an impact wrench.
Instead, these tools reach into tighter spaces and take care of removing and tightening fasteners that shouldn’t be super-tight to avoid damaging threads. For that kind of work, 35 ft-lbs is plenty and even exceeds what some Pro-brand cordless ratchets offer.
If you need more loosening power or to snug a bolt down a little more, you can use the ratchet manually. Just take your finger off the trigger and the drive locks in place with no movement in either direction.
The speed is right where it needs to be. 230 RPM gives you a lot more control, making it less likely you’ll completely spin off a bolt and drop it down an engine compartment.
What’s really nice is that a cordless ratchet removes the limitations of a hand ratchet’s swing arc. Working in tight spaces is a little easier when the traditional “ratcheting” motion is no longer necessary. Just make sure you’ve got clearance for the tool and you’re good to go.
Hart’s 20V cordless ratchet feels well-balanced in my hand and the kitted 1.5Ah battery acts well as a counterweight. However, you’ll get the best performance with a 4.0Ah battery which is a little heavier and bulkier on the back. It’s not overbearing, but we could feel the shift in weight.
Socket retention is highly important to me, especially if I’m working in tight spaces or using any type of extension. Hart’s 3/8-inch anvil holds on tight using a pin detent to secure your socket in place.
The ratchet uses a two-finger trigger that works with rubber overmold around the grip zone to offer comfortable use. Its central position also gives you a lot of freedom in where you grip the tool.
You can pick up Hart’s 20V cordless 3/8-inch ratchet at Walmart for $98.00. It comes with a 1.5Ah battery and a compact charger. However, if you already have plenty of Hart batteries, the bare tool is available for $79.00. As with all Hart 20V power tools, the tool carries a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day defect return policy.
Hart continues to roll out competitive power tools aimed at weekend warriors and DIYers, and the Hart 3/8-inch cordless ratchet is a high-value solution for automotive projects. Even if you’ve blown off cordless ratchets because your old trusty hand ratchet never let you down, Hart’s sub-$100 price tag makes it a chance worth taking.
To learn more about Hart’s full 20V lineup, click here.
Having worked in the automotive and metalworking trades, Josh has even found himself core drilling commercial properties for purposes of surveying. His knowledge and love of tools are exceeded only by a greater love for his wife and family.
A fan of all things that can stretch him mentally, Josh quickly dives into new products, tools, and product testing with ample amounts of both enthusiasm and precision. We look forward to many years of growth alongside Josh as he settles into his role at Pro Tool Reviews.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros