Craftsman is coming out with quite a few new C3 19.2V cordless power tools this season. We previously discussed the new Craftsman brushless drill, which boasts a 600 in-lb torque rating, and a new multi-speed impact driver. One more new tool we’re excited about is the Max Axess auto ratchet.
Max Axess?
We wrote about this type of socket style in our 51pc Max Axess mechanics tool set review, and again in last year’s 80pc Max Axess tool set review.
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Basically, Max Axess sockets feature a pass-thru design, which makes it easier to access fasteners on longer bolts or threaded rod.
This new cordless powered ratchet, as well as the manual ones, can work with special adapters – often included – that allow them to be used with standard square-drive sockets and accessories. When used with an adapter and standard sockets, Max Axess ratchets often provide low-profile benefits.
Features
- Up to 360 in-lbs of torque
- Variable speed paddle trigger, 225 RPM max
- Forward/reverse/locked (manual) switch
- Pass-thru socket design
- Built-in LED worklight
- Comes with 3/8″ square drive adapter, as well as 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″ sockets
Price and Availability
The Max Axess cordless ratchet is powered by Craftsman C3 battery platform, so you can use it with newer lithium-ion or older NiCd battery packs and chargers. A battery and charger are NOT included, this is packaged as a bare-tool add-on.
MSRP is $70, but you should be able to find the ratchet on sale for $60 or less.
Buy Now(via Sears)
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http://youtu.be/94LUF0-XbjE
First Impression
I like the idea and the price point. For $60 for the tool, or ~$130 for the tool and Li-ion starter kit (more options discussed here), you get a reasonably capable cordless ratchet that can fit into areas drills, impact drivers, and cordless screwdrivers cannot.
It can be easy to dismiss pass-thru sockets as gimmicky, but they do come in handy from time to time. And if you don’t need the pass-thru feature, they work just as well on fasteners that you might use ordinary square drive sockets on.
There are two things left on our wishlist: a more complete C3 and manual ratchet bundle kit, which should be easy to do at the $150-200 price point, and a 1/4″-sized Max Axess ratchet that comes with a couple of sockets and screwdriver bit sockets.
Harry
That’s a BIG Battery on a little ratchet!! I think I’ll stick to my gearwrench vortex pass through sockets and my Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchets. The pass through design coupled with a cordless ratchet would be great for someone who works with long threaded rods but, that’s not me. The direction lever looks a little flimssy in the video but, I’m sure it will be fine. It’s nice that craftsman comes out with new tools though.
Nicholas
They are also coming out with a cordless multitool and auto hammer
george
well, that’s pretty much a limited use tool.
i got that style ratchet/socket set from matco over 14 years ago.
i also bought the air ratchet and never used it.
so if you get this you had better have a very specific need for it
or it will just sit in a drawer.
Steve Cox
Plus the refresh of the hammer drill and the heavy duty drill.
Nice to see this line expanding,
Soda
I have a Armstrong Eliminator 3/8″ drive Passthrough Socket Set. Although I don’t use it everyday, it does come in handy several times a year. My favorite use for it is removing/installing faucets on sinks, a place where deep sockets rarely work and a wrench is a hassle.
Still, for me I can’t think of a use for this Max Axess Auto Ratchet. It seems the battery is just too big and I imagine it’s quite heavy.
Jerry
I think this is one of those tools that will be very useful for a limited number of people. However, if you already have a MaxAccess socket set, and Craftsman cordless tools, it would be a nice compliment.
I do have to hand it to Craftsman, though. They are really upping the ante for high end homeowner/budget pro tools. I ran C3 tools for a while, and all I wished for were better arteries (all I had were NiCads, and Sears took my selling my C3 tools, and going DeWalt as the signal to introduce Li batteries. The tools themselves worked very well, and seemed durable for their price point. If th Li batteries work as well as the other brand’s Li batteries, I predict a good future for the Craftsman C3 lineup, as they are getting a really good selection of tools for the platform.
JC
That battery is HUGE. Not sure of how this will help when getting into tight spaces. I wanted it, until the idea of how big the battery came into play. Have to pass.
Manny
Too bad it doesn’t come with a 9/16″ drive
Ed
How do you stop the 3/8 adapter from popping out?
Scott B
I am thinking of buying this solely because I already have a number of C3 tools. I do assembly work and run across a number if tight spaces where my impact or drill just won’t fit so I have to resort to regular hand tools. Being paid by the piece, any time I have to use non powered tools, it’s costing me money.
The pass through design will actually work well in a few specific instances where a regular ratchet and socket/bit doesn’t even fit but I am worried about the question Ed posted about how to keep the 3/8 adapter from falling out. The most frequent use I will put this to is using an adapter so I can put a screwdriver bit on it. If the adapter has a habit of falling out the tool will not only be worthless to me, it will actually cost me time/money retrieving the adapter from the tight space I was trying to use it in to begin with.
Does anyone have an answer to Ed’s question about how to keep the adapter from falling out ? Or should I just go ahead and buy a non pass through cordless ratchet from a different manufacturer ?
Scott B
Sigh, only after my last post did I go looking for prices and availability, only to find that this tool seems to have dropped off the face of the Earth. I did find one place that says they have it, however the mass of messed up grammar on their page tells me that it is a “foreign” company that has NO English speaking staff members and uses an online translator. That is never a good sign if you are hoping to actually get anything for your money……..
Peter
Thought I might post how I use my pass through tools. Both the Max Axess socket set and cordless ratchet have been very helpful. I do have a specific need, in that, I have several classic cars (fixers) including my daily driver, all pre 1975. Fact is I need mobile and compact so that I can grab my kit and jump in another vehicle but be sure to have the right variety. The combination kit I bought has SAE and Metric, 1/4 and 3/8 drive, adapters to non Pass through, plus allen and torx . Adapters click in and I havent had one drop out yet. Really handy not to carry std and deep for both both sae and metric (2 VW’s in my lineup). Also nice to leave my Snap-on’s at home. Only thing missing was power. Enter Craftsman cordless pass through bought on Amazon. If I were always home in the garage I might want but not need pass through. Being mobile it has been a good time and space saver. Very happy I bought both. Take care. Pete.