He Hercules 12 Volt Cordless Ratchet is a great example of how saving money on power tools doesn’t always mean you’re taking a hit in terms of quality and performance. While you can expect some drawbacks compared to professional-level models, it is still a very well-rounded tool. In fact, it even has different advantages that put it ahead of the rest in some cases.

Harbor Freight sent me one to review a while ago. I finally put it to use in the second half of an engine project that benefited greatly from the compact head and ample power output. And despite being an affordable option, the quality is on par with some expensive models. If you are in the market for a cordless ratchet but if you need to stick to a budget, this 12-volt Hercules is a serious contender to consider. Heck, I’d consider buying it anyway.

The conclusion

Hercules 12 Volt Cordless Ratchet Specifications

On paper, the Hercules 12 Volt Cordless Ratchet He is a great hitter. It is rated to deliver 40 pound-feet of torque through the 3/8-inch drive with operating speeds up to 275 RPM. A variable speed trigger offers full control of power output.

Powered by Hercules 12-volt batteries. Which can share a charger with 20 volt batteries, adding great value to the whole package. It also has a rubber handle for a comfortable grip, internal metal gear for long life, and built-in LEDs to help you see while you apply the wrench. Right now, it sells for $89.99, with the extended range version retails for $99.99.

Despite the affordable price, this has a big advantage over conventional cordless ratchets. Its head is really compact, even smaller than most regular 3/8-inch drive ratchets I have lying around. We’ll get into the advantages of that design in a moment. But it’s a spec you really can’t overlook when purchasing cordless ratchets, as it’s usually reserved for special designs.

Putting it to work

I used the Hercules 12 Volt Cordless Ratchet for the final stages of a high-end job on the 4.7-liter V8 in my 2003 Ram 1500. More specifically, I used it to bolt on the intake manifold, valve covers, air box, radiator, and engine cover. fan. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time with him.

This is a really great tool for your money. The quality and performance are on par with the Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchets I’ve been using, and it’s only a fraction of the cost. It is not as powerful as the normal M12 cordless ratchet or the M12 insider information. Still, it’s more than up to the task. 40 foot-pounds is plenty of strength for the fasteners I use these ratchets for, and 275 rpm gets things done quickly. I’m sure the differences would be evident on long days in pro shops, but it’s great for the DIY enthusiast.

However, the compact head is the real draw here. Again, it’s smaller than many regular 3/8-inch ratchets, which is great for limited space situations like this truck presents. This, coupled with the power behind it, makes it a really useful tool that will help you accomplish many projects that other cordless ratchets simply cannot.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. The LEDs only light when the trigger is pulled, making the feature useless in many situations. I’m also not crazy about the orientation of the battery. It’s bulky and a bit awkward, and can be a problem in some situations with limited space. However, it’s definitely not as bad as models that run on larger batteries, like some DeWalts. Most of it also comes with the benefit of impressively long battery life.

The verdict

In general, the Hercules 12 Volt Cordless Ratchet It’s a really good tool for the money. It may not be as fast or as powerful as others, but it has more than enough power for the job it is designed for. You’ll never feel limited by the performance it has to offer, which is all you can ask of a tool anyway.

Not only that, the compact head gives it a practical advantage over many other models on the market. For the money, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cordless ratchet that can handle as much work as this. It’s simply a no-brainer for the DIYer looking to add a cordless ratchet to their collection.