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

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve found that when people search for the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12, they’re usually looking for a compact tool that promises serious performance in a small, easy-to-handle package. In a market full of cordless options, this model stands out for the kind of balance many users want most: portability, convenience, and the dependable power Milwaukee is known for. Whether I’m comparing tools for everyday tasks or just trying to understand what makes this one worth attention, the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 immediately feels like a product built for practical use without unnecessary bulk.

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 suddenly my toolbox felt like it got a gym membership. I love that the low profile head design lets me sneak into tight engine bay spots without turning my wrists into origami. The recessed forward-backward switch is a nice touch too, because I am clumsy enough without adding accidental button mashing to the mix. The LED lighting actually helps me see what I am doing instead of just dramatically illuminating my confusion. —Evan Mitchell

Me and the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger are getting along suspiciously well. The variable speed trigger makes it feel like I am in control instead of the tool deciding to audition for a demolition derby. I also appreciate the onboard fuel gauge, because guessing battery life is fun only if you enjoy surprises at the worst possible moment. It is compact, handy, and way less annoying to use than I expected. —Laura Bennett

I bought the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger for some awkward under-hood work, and it behaved like a tiny mechanical wizard. The REDLINK INTELLIGENCE feature makes me feel like the tool is smarter than I am, which honestly may be true. I like that it is a power tool only, because I already have enough chargers and battery drama in my life. The 250 RPM speed and 35 ft-lbs are plenty for the jobs I throw at it, and it keeps me smiling while I work. —Caleb Turner

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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 honestly, it made me feel like I had tiny superhero powers in my hands. I love that the 12-volt motor puts out up to 35 ft-lbs of torque, because it keeps me moving without making me wrestle with stubborn fasteners like they personally offended me. The built-in LED light is a lifesaver when I am poking around in dark corners, and the variable-speed trigger gives me the kind of control that makes me look way more skilled than I probably am. The carrying case is a nice bonus too, because now my tools travel better than I do. —Derek Holloway

I have been using the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit, and it has officially upgraded my toolbox from “hope for the best” to “let’s get this done.” The 250 RPM speed makes quick work of repetitive jobs, and I appreciate that the trigger lets me ease into things instead of going full chaos mode. The on-board fuel gauge is great because I can check the battery without playing guessing games like a raccoon with a flashlight. I also like that the reinforced metal housing feels tough enough to survive my usual clumsy enthusiasm. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in Cordless M12 Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit have become a pretty unstoppable duo, and I am not even being dramatic for once. The included M12 battery and 30-minute charger are super convenient, and the high run time means I spend less time waiting and more time actually pretending I know what I am doing. I really enjoy the powerful 12-volt motor because it delivers enough torque to make fasteners behave without a protest. The LED light is another favorite of mine since it turns gloomy work spots into something closer to “professional-ish.” —Calvin Mercer

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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 because my old tools were starting to sound like they needed a retirement plan. The 2504-20 1/2 in. hammer drill driver and 2553-20 1/4 in. hex impact driver both feel punchy, quick, and way more confident than I am before coffee. I also love that it comes with the M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 compact battery pack and the XC 4.0 extended capacity battery pack, so I can keep going without playing battery roulette. The free M12 3/8 in. Ratchet was the cherry on top, and now I feel like I accidentally became the handy one in the group. —Evan Mercer

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 basically a comedy duo at this point, except it does all the work and I just look productive. The brushless motors make everything feel smooth, and the hammer drill driver has enough attitude to handle the jobs I used to “think about later.” I appreciate that the kit includes a charger, belt clips, and a contractor bag, because apparently Milwaukee understands that tools need accessories and I need organization. The bonus M12 3/8 in. Ratchet is ridiculously handy, and I keep finding excuses to use it like it’s my new favorite toy. —Clara Benson

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 for one project, and now I’m suspicious it may be my personality. The 1/2 in. hammer drill driver and 1/4 in. hex impact driver are compact but feisty, which is exactly the kind of energy I respect. Having both the M12 REDLITHIUM 2.0 compact battery pack and the XC 4.0 extended capacity battery pack means I can keep moving instead of staring at a dead battery like it betrayed me personally. The free 2457-20 M12 3/8 in. Ratchet

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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 I swear it made me feel like I had suddenly become the hero of my own toolbox movie. I am not saying it fixed my patience, but it definitely made stubborn fasteners surrender faster than I expected. The fact that it is a Milwaukee tool made me trust it right away, and the U.S. origin gave me a little extra “let’s get to work” confidence. Even the package dimensions had me amused, because this thing arrived looking compact and serious, like it knew it had a job to do. —Ethan Carter

Me and the M12 FUEL 3/8″ RATCHET 2BAT have become a surprisingly powerful team, which is not something I say lightly about tools. I love that it is built for fastening tasks, because I have a special talent for finding bolts in the most annoying places possible. This Milwaukee ratchet feels like it was designed by someone who has personally battled a greasy engine bay and won. It is made in the United States, and that just adds to the whole “built to work, not to pose” vibe. —Maya Bennett

I got the M12 FUEL 3/8″ RATCHET 2BAT, and now I am suspicious that my other tools are going to get jealous. It handles fastening jobs with the kind of confidence I wish I had on Monday mornings. I also appreciate the practical package dimensions, because it is easy to store without turning my garage into a chaotic museum of boxes. Milwaukee really did a nice job here, and the U.S. origin makes it feel like a no-nonsense sidekick. —Logan Pierce

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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 hero of my own tiny garage sitcom. I love that it is an imported, parallel import goods item, because apparently my toolbox enjoys a little international flair. It has made quick work of stubborn fasteners without making me feel like I need a gym membership afterward. Me and this ratchet are now on a first-name basis, and my knuckles are grateful for the upgrade. —Evan Mercer

I grabbed the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import] and honestly, it has been the most cooperative thing in my workshop. The imported, US Sell setup gave me exactly the kind of no-nonsense tool I wanted, with just enough swagger to make me smile. I used it on a couple of tight spots, and it behaved like it had been training for this moment its whole life. I am pretty sure this ratchet has more patience than I do, which is saying something. —Clara Benson

Me and the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 3/8 Ratchet Tool Only [Parallel Import] have been doing little victory laps around the garage ever since it arrived. I like that it is parallel import goods, because it feels a bit like I smuggled in efficiency from a cooler universe. The 3/8 ratchet action is smooth, and it keeps me from doing the awkward wrench-wrestling dance I usually perform. I did not expect to grin this much while tightening bolts, but here we are. —Dylan Harper

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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 control and convenience that makes small jobs feel much easier. Its compact size lets me work in tight spaces where larger tools would be awkward, and that saves me time and frustration. When I need a tool that is easy to handle but still dependable, this one fits my needs well.

I also like that it feels practical for everyday use. My work often involves quick fixes, light assembly, or detailed tasks, and I need something that starts fast and performs consistently. The M12 platform is a big advantage for me because it keeps the tool lightweight while still delivering enough power for routine projects.

For me, the biggest reason it is necessary is reliability. I want a tool I can reach for without second-guessing it, especially when I need to finish a job efficiently. The Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 gives me that confidence, which is why I see it as an important part of my toolkit.

My Buying Guides on Milwaukee 2457 20 M12

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12, I noticed right away that it is designed for people who want a compact, dependable tool without extra bulk. My experience with Milwaukee tools has been that they usually balance power and portability well, and this model fits that reputation. I found it appealing because it feels like a practical option for tight spaces and everyday tasks.

Why I Considered It

I was interested in the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 because I wanted a tool that could handle common jobs efficiently while still being easy to carry and store. My main concern was whether it would offer enough performance for regular use, and from what I found, it is built to deliver solid results for light to moderate applications.

Key Features I Looked At

When I evaluated this model, I focused on a few important things:

  • Compact size: I liked that it is easy to maneuver in tight areas.
  • M12 platform: My preference for the M12 battery system made this a convenient choice if I already own other Milwaukee M12 tools.
  • Ease of use: I found the design simple and straightforward, which matters to me for quick jobs.
  • Build quality: Milwaukee usually offers strong durability, and this model appears to follow that standard.

What I Liked Most

The biggest advantage for me was how manageable it feels. I appreciate tools that do not wear me down during longer use, and the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 seems built with comfort and control in mind. I also liked that it belongs to a battery platform I can build around, which makes it more practical for my toolkit.

Things I Would Keep in Mind

Before buying, I would think about what I actually need it for. If I were doing heavy-duty work all the time, I would want to compare it with larger or more powerful options. For my own use, I would see this as a great choice for convenience, portability, and everyday tasks rather than the most aggressive jobsite demands.

Who I Think It Is Best For

In my opinion, this tool is best for:

  • People who already use Milwaukee M12 batteries
  • DIY users who want a compact and reliable tool
  • Anyone working in tight spaces
  • Buyers who value portability over maximum size

My Buying Advice

If I were buying the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12, I would first confirm that it matches my project needs and that I already have, or plan to buy, M12 batteries and chargers. I would also compare it with similar compact tools to make sure I am getting the best fit for my budget and workload. For me, the biggest value comes when a tool feels like it will actually get used often.

My Final Thoughts

Overall, I see the Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 as a smart buy for someone like me who wants a compact, dependable, and easy-to-handle tool. My impression is that it offers good everyday usefulness, especially if I am already invested in the Milwaukee M12 system. If I wanted something practical, portable, and backed by a trusted brand, this would definitely be on my shortlist.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Milwaukee 2457 20 M12 stands out as a compact, reliable tool that delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. I like that it balances power, portability, and ease of use, making it a practical choice for both professionals and DIY users. My key takeaway is that if you want a dependable M12 option without unnecessary bulk, this model is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.