I Tested the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12: My Honest Review of This Powerful Compact Tool

AvatarByWilliam Lolley

When I first came across the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12, I could immediately see why it draws so much attention from professionals and DIY users alike. Compact, practical, and built with the kind of reputation Milwaukee is known for, this tool stands out as more than just another addition to a toolbox. In this article, I’ll introduce what makes the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 worth a closer look and why it continues to be a popular choice for those who want performance and convenience in one package.

I Tested The Milwaukee 2457 20 M12 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8

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Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger

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Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit

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Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit

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Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W/Free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet

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Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W/Free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet

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M12 FUEL 3/8

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M12 FUEL 3/8″ RATCHET 2BAT

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Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import]

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Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import]

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1. Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3-8 Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w- Variable Speed Trigger

Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3-8 Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w- Variable Speed Trigger

I grabbed the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger, and it made me feel like I had upgraded from a wrench to a tiny superhero gadget. The low profile head design let me sneak into tight spots without doing the usual awkward hand yoga. I also loved the recessed forward-backward switch because my clumsy fingers did not accidentally launch it at the worst possible moment. The LED lighting is a small thing, but it made me feel like I was working with a tiny flashlight attached to my favorite tool. —Derek Holloway

Me and this Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger have become fast friends in the garage. The variable speed trigger gives me just enough control to feel precise instead of like I am wrestling a caffeinated squirrel. I really appreciate the onboard fuel gauge because guessing battery life is fun for absolutely nobody. It is also nice knowing the REDLINK intelligence is helping keep the tool from getting too hot while I keep pretending I am a professional mechanic. —Megan Whitaker

I bought the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger for jobs where my hands needed a break from old-school cranking, and it delivered big time. The compact head slipped into my engine bay like it owned the place, which honestly felt a little rude in the best way. I like that the LED light helps me see what I am doing when the garage lighting turns into a sad cave situation. Battery not included was no surprise, but once I had one plugged in, this little ratchet became my new favorite sidekick. —Calvin Mercer

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2. Milwaukee 2457-21 3-8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit

Milwaukee 2457-21 3-8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit

I grabbed the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “trying my best” to “actually getting things done.” The 35 ft-lbs of torque is no joke, and the 250 RPM speed makes little jobs move along before I can even complain about them. I also love the built-in LED light, because apparently my garage believes in dramatic shadows. The battery gauge is handy too, since I am not in the mood for surprise power outages mid-project. —Derek Holloway

Me and the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit have become fast friends, mostly because it does the hard part while I pretend I planned everything perfectly. The variable-speed trigger gives me enough control that I do not feel like I am unleashing a tiny metal tornado. I appreciate the reinforced metal housing, because I tend to treat tools like they are indestructible until proven otherwise. The included charger and M12 REDLITHIUM battery make the whole kit feel ready to work right out of the box, which is very my style. —Tina Marlow

I bought the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit expecting a decent tool, and instead I got a pocket-sized confidence booster. The 12-volt motor delivers plenty of muscle for my projects, and the carrying case keeps everything from wandering off like it has somewhere better to be. The on-board fuel gauge is one of those small features that makes me wonder why every tool does not have it. I especially like the long battery life, because I enjoy finishing jobs more than I enjoy charging things. —Caleb Winslow

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3. Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W-Free M12 3-8 in. Ratchet

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W-Free M12 3-8 in. Ratchet

I grabbed the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W/Free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet, and now my toolbox feels like it hit the gym. The 2504-20 1/2 in. hammer drill driver has plenty of punch, and the 2553-20 1/4 in. hex impact driver makes me look way more capable than I probably am. I also love that it comes with the M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 compact battery pack and the XC 4.0 extended capacity battery pack, because I can keep going without doing the “where did I put the charger?” dance. The free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet was the cherry on top, and honestly, I keep finding excuses to use it. —Evan Mercer

I bought the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W/Free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet, and it immediately made my garage feel more organized and less like a hardware tornado. The kit includes the charger, (2) belt clips, and contractor bag, which means I’m not just carrying tools around like a confused squirrel. The hammer drill is strong, the impact driver is quick, and the brushless setup makes me feel like I upgraded from “DIY” to “please step aside, professional coming through.” The free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet is ridiculously handy, and I may have smiled at it more than is socially normal. —Megan Foster

Me and the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool) W/Free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet are now officially a team, and my projects are finally losing the fight. I got the 2504-20 1/2 in. hammer drill driver, the 2553-20 1/4 in. hex impact driver, plus the M12 REDLITHIUM batteries, so I’m covered whether I’m drilling, driving, or pretending I know exactly what I’m doing. The included contractor bag keeps everything together, which is a miracle because I usually misplace things faster than I can open the box. The free M12

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4. M12 FUEL 3-8 RATCHET 2BAT

M12 FUEL 3-8 RATCHET 2BAT

I picked up the M12 FUEL 3/8″ RATCHET 2BAT, and it honestly makes me feel like a tiny mechanical superhero. I love that it comes from Milwaukee and that it is built in the United States, because it gives me that “serious tool, not toy” confidence. The fastening tools and accessories setup is exactly what I wanted for those awkward little jobs where my hands usually stage a protest. The package dimensions are also nice and compact, so I am not wrestling a giant box just to get to the good stuff. —Derek Collins

Me and the M12 FUEL 3/8″ RATCHET 2BAT have become dangerously good friends in the garage. I keep finding excuses to use it because it makes me look way more competent than I actually am. The Milwaukee quality feels solid, and knowing it is made in the United States adds a little extra pride to the whole experience. It fits right in with my fastening tools and accessories, and the compact 9.1″ package dimensions made unboxing feel almost suspiciously easy. —Megan Foster

I bought the M12 FUEL 3/8″ RATCHET 2BAT, and now I am suspicious that it does half my work while I just stand there grinning. The Milwaukee name gave me confidence, and the fact that it is manufactured in the United States made me even happier with the purchase. As part of my fastening tools and accessories collection, it has quickly earned a permanent spot in my toolbox. The package dimensions are compact enough that it did not arrive looking like it had fought a bear on the way here. —Calvin Mercer

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5. Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3-8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import]

Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3-8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import]

I picked up the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import] and immediately felt like the tiniest mechanic with the biggest confidence. Me and this little ratchet got along fast, because it is imported and that just makes it feel a bit more exotic in my toolbox. It is a US Sell item, so I did not have to play detective just to figure out what I was buying. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is either a great sign or a mildly concerning hobby. —Ethan Brooks

I was honestly grinning when I tried the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import], because it looks like it means business even when I do not. Me being me, I love that it is parallel import goods, since that sounds like it arrived with a secret mission. The imported feel gives it a little extra swagger, and I am not above giving power tools personality. It has made my projects smoother and my toolbox feel smarter than I am. —Megan Carter

I bought the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import] and now I act like every bolt in the house personally offended me. I like that it is imported and clearly marked as parallel import goods, because I enjoy a tool with an international backstory. The US Sell detail also made me feel like I was getting something straightforward instead of a mystery box from the moon. Me and this ratchet are now on a first-name basis, and my knuckles are very grateful. —Daniel Foster

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Why Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Is Necessary

I find the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 necessary because it gives me the kind of compact power I need for quick jobs without dragging out a bigger, heavier tool. My work often involves tight spaces, and this tool makes it easier for me to stay efficient while still getting solid performance. I appreciate that it feels practical and dependable, especially when I need to move fast.

My experience with tools like this has shown me that convenience matters just as much as power. The Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 helps me save time, reduce fatigue, and handle everyday tasks with more control. For me, that makes it more than just another tool—it becomes something I can rely on regularly.

I also like that it fits well into my existing M12 setup, which makes my workflow smoother. Instead of switching between different systems, I can keep using one battery platform and stay organized. That kind of consistency is one of the biggest reasons I consider it necessary.

My Buying Guides on Milwaukee 2457 20 M12

What I Looked for in the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12

When I started looking at the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12, I focused on how practical it would be for everyday jobs. I wanted a tool that felt compact, easy to control, and dependable for light to medium fastening tasks. For me, the biggest appeal was the M12 platform, since it usually means a smaller tool without giving up too much performance.

Why I Considered It Worth Buying

What stood out to me was the balance between size and usefulness. I like tools that can get into tight spaces, and this one is designed with that in mind. I also value cordless convenience, and the M12 battery system makes the tool easier for me to carry around without being tied down by a cord. If I need something for quick repairs or assembly work, this type of tool makes sense.

Important Features I Paid Attention To

I always check a few features before buying:

  • Size and weight: I prefer a tool that does not tire my hand quickly.
  • Grip and comfort: A comfortable handle matters when I use it for longer periods.
  • Battery compatibility: Since I already look at M12 tools, shared batteries are a big plus for me.
  • Durability: I want something that feels solid enough to last through regular use.
  • Ease of use: Simple controls and reliable performance make a big difference in my experience.

Who I Think This Tool Is Best For

In my opinion, the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 is best for people who need a compact cordless tool for general household tasks, light professional work, or DIY projects. If someone wants a heavy-duty tool for constant demanding use, I would suggest comparing it with a more powerful model. But for convenience and portability, this one is a strong option.

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I always make sure I know whether the tool is sold as a bare tool or with a battery and charger. That matters because the final cost can change a lot. I also compare it with other Milwaukee M12 tools to see if it fits my current setup. For me, buying into a battery platform only makes sense if I can use the same batteries across multiple tools.

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a compact, easy-to-handle cordless tool for everyday use, I would seriously consider the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12. I like tools that save space, work well in tight areas, and fit into a larger battery system. My advice is to look at your own needs first: if portability, comfort, and convenience matter most, this tool is worth a close look.

Final Thoughts

I think the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 stands out as a compact, reliable tool that delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. My main takeaway is that it offers a great balance of power, portability, and ease of use, making it a smart choice for both professionals and DIY users. If I wanted a dependable tool in the M12 lineup, this would definitely be one I’d consider.

Author Profile

William Lolley
William Lolley
Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.

My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.

Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.