DeWalt Just Dropped an 18 Inch Long Cordless Ratchet

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Once considered luxury items, cordless ratchets are now becoming commonplace in the tool arsenal of both professional and weekend warrior mechanics.  Major tool brands have responded by launching new versions of these once niche tools. While DeWalt has carried cordless ratchets for several years, the brand just upped its offerings in this market with the debut of three new ratchets across its Atomic line of compact cordless power tools.

Specs:

DeWalt 20V Atomic Extended Reach Ratchet

• Max Torque: 70 ft-lbs.
• Max Speed: 250 RPM
• Drive Size: 1/2-inch; 3/8-inch
• Length: 18 inches

Highlighting this lineup of new cordless ratchets is an extended ratchet that comes in both 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drive sizes. Both drive sizes feature a long neck design that gives it a total tool length of 18.1 inches, which is 3 inches more than the previous version of this tool. That longer length coupled with its streamlined head means you can reach deep into the depths of an engine bay to turn bolts this this cordless ratchet.

The ratchet delivers a no load speed of 250 RPM and a max torque of 70 ft-lbs., and there's a variable speed trigger that allows you to adjust speed based on the bolt you're working. Both tools retail for around $239. DeWalt also has a standard length 14-inch ratchet with the same specs. 

Related: Milwaukee Just Released Its First Click Torque Wrenches

Driving demand for these cordless ratchets are the advantage they offer over manual ratchet drivers when working in small spaces. Manual ratchets require enough open space to accommodate a 4 to 8 degrees swing arc (depending on the number of teeth in the ratchet). Since cordless ratchets use motors to rotate their head as opposed to a ratcheting mechanism, they effectively have a 0 degree swing arc, allowing them to work in tighter confines.

Along with those Atomic 20-volt max tools, DeWalt also released 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch 20V MAX XR sealed head ratchets targeting prosumers and professional mechanics. They produce 75 ft-lbs. of torque and a 300 RPM no-load speed. The tools also retail for $239.