If you’re looking to quickly service an engine of any kind, consider using this ratchet. The Makita RW01R1 12V MAX CXT Cordless 3/8 - 1/4 Inch Square Drive Ratchet is a great addition to your toolbox. Makita offers this as a bare tool, or in a kit. My suggestion is picking up the kit. It’s a much better value since besides getting the ratchet, you’ll also get a battery, charger, and a tool bag for only 50 bucks more.

The speed of this ratchet is what I find most impressive. The variable speed trigger rapidly delivers up to 800 RPM with a max torque of 35 ft. lbs. giving the mechanic a wide range of fastening applications. For instance, you can fasten the bolts on an exhaust manifold and finish the job by torquing them down with a handheld torque wrench. Vice versa, you can torque down each bolt first and quickly unfasten them with this 12V (2.0Ah) ratchet. It's that easy! This will save you time and reduce strain & fatigue.                                                                                                                                                                                    One of my concerns before walking into this was the weight. A regular ratchet this size will weigh about a pound or less. With a battery, this will weigh in at a little over 2 lbs. but don’t let that fool you. To my surprise, you really can’t tell the extra weight difference after a few minutes. It's very well balanced! Ergonomically crafted handle with rubberized soft grip provides increased comfort and control. The low-profile design is engineered for improved handling in compact areas. Ideal for working in tight spaces and overhead applications.

At this point, I think I know what your thoughts are. Do I need to decide between purchasing a 3/8” or 1/4" drive ratchet kit? It’s not worth buying both versions, is it? Well, you don’t have to worry about any lack of versatility, because this comes with Interchangeable 3/8" and 1/4" anvils. Now how you change them out is a bit unusual and maybe the only criticism I have.

Installing the anvils is a snap! Literally, just push the adaptor in until you hear a snap. Removing them is another story. So, the manual states and I quote, “To remove the socket adaptor, insert a stick like a screwdriver into the backside of the socket adaptor, and then tap it gently”, followed by an illustration. My experience was not as gentle as they described it to be, I had to put a lot of force behind it just to get the anvil out. However, in Makita’s defense, I feel that the only reason I had such a hard time with it was that the friction ring is so new. Once you’re over the break-in period, you’ll be able to “gently” switch out the anvils.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now, if you are looking for power, look away. This isn’t the tool you want, trust me. You’ll be highly disappointed if you try to remove lug nuts with this. This is NOT a torque nor an impact wrench. This is purely intended for speed and agility. Designed to run nuts on and off or to push bolts in and out QUICK. With that in mind, this is a great tool to own and easy to recommend to any gear head. Don’t miss out, go get yours HERE!