KIMO 12V Best Electric Ratchet Review in My Workshop?

Picking the best electric ratchet can save you hours of turning wrenches and dealing with cramped spots. I tested the KIMO 12V model in my workshop for an entire month to find out if it delivers on its promises.

Most cordless ratchets offer torque between 25 and 50 ft-lbs with speeds near 250 RPM, so KIMO’s specs caught my attention right away. Testing it out, I found this electric ratchet worked great on car projects. Cordless ratchets are pretty reliable for that kind of work. Some high-end versions hit up to 800 RPM, but KIMO’s 400 RPM got the job done in most cases without issues. At just 3.48 lbs, the ratchet felt light enough to use for long stretches without wearing me down like heavier tools can. Its small size also made it a lifesaver in those tight spaces where regular manual tools fail to reach.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what I learned about how this tool performs in real-world situations. From dealing with tough fasteners to standing up to everyday tasks, we’ll see if this electric ratchet deserves a spot in your toolbox.

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Disclaimer

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KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet: Features and What You Get

Opening up the KIMO 12V electric ratchet package, I noticed right away how much it includes in the sturdy carrying case. It looks like this tool is designed to cover most fastening needs straight out of the box.

Drive Size and Torque: 3/8-inch; 40 ft-lbs

The KIMO electric ratchet wrench comes with a standard 3/8-inch drive, which works with most common sockets. Its torque output of 40 ft-lbs stood out to me and places it among the more powerful cordless ratchets available. This amount of torque was enough to loosen tough bolts on my project car without having to grab manual tools first.

To compare many other models tend to stick between 30 to 35 ft-lbs so the KIMO does have an edge. It delivers the torque . However, like other electric ratchets, I still needed a breaker bar to handle tight fasteners.

For other tools that handle tough fasteners, check out this review on the DeWalt Flexdrive.

Speed and Motor Details: 400 RPM controlled by a variable trigger

The 400 RPM top speed offers a solid mix of efficiency and precision. Unlike models with fixed speeds, this cordless ratchet comes with a variable-speed trigger that gave me more control when handling delicate fasteners. This feature stood out while putting parts back together where too much tightening might cause problems.

The motor operates more than most of the other battery tools I use. The trigger’s sensitivity also feels natural. A gentle press spins the tool , which is great to start fasteners. Pressing harder hits the full 400 RPM making it easy to remove loosened fasteners.

Battery Details: Two 12V lithium-ion batteries are included

This KIMO cordless ratchet stands out because it comes with two 12V lithium-ion batteries. Having the extra battery meant I could keep going on longer tasks without needing to stop. Each battery holds 2000mAh of power, which, during my tests, gave me around 35 to 40 minutes of non-stop use.

The batteries fit into place with a solid click and stay in place while using the tool. The charger however, handles one battery at a time, but its indicator lights make it easy to check the charging progress.

What’s Included: Sockets, an adapter, and an extension bar

The set includes seven Cr-V steel sockets in sizes 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm. These work well with most bolts and nuts found in car repairs and everyday maintenance jobs. A handy 2-inch extension bar comes with the kit too. It helps you reach deeper spots during tasks and adds to the impressive capabilities of this electric ratchet wrench.

There is also a 1/4-inch adapter in the kit that lets you attach smaller sockets making it more flexible to use. Everything fits in a tough carrying case made to keep the tools safe and easy to grab when needed.

30-Day Workshop Test: Hands-On Results

Using the KIMO electric ratchet every day in my workshop for a month has shown how it works in places where regular tools can’t. I tried it on many car repair jobs to see how it handles tasks outside of just looking good on paper.

Reaching Tight Spots: Like under the hood or in the engine bay

The recessed head design works great when dealing with tight spots. Its slim shape let me get to bolts in engine compartments that need extra extensions or special tools. When doing brake jobs or working close to engines, this Best electric ratchet made it possible to reach areas that bigger tools couldn’t handle. Even in the tightest corners of the engine bay, the lightweight 2.2-pound build (including the battery) let me move around without having to adjust my position all the time.

Battery Life and Swap Time

During long work sessions, each 2000mAh lithium-ion battery provided around 40 minutes of nonstop use. The built-in power indicator with green, yellow, and red lights made it easy to check how much charge was left. One of the handiest features was swapping out the two included batteries , which kept any work interruptions from happening. In my tests, using the spare battery allowed me to handle tasks that meant pausing to charge.

How LED Lights Help in Dim Conditions

The built-in LED light made it easier to see in dark spots under the dashboard and around tucked-away engine parts. The light turns on before the ratchet head moves helping you line up the socket on tricky bolts you can see. This feature made working underneath the vehicle or in shadowed engine spots less of a headache.

Noise and Heat After Long Use

This cordless ratchet does not blast constant air sounds like pneumatic options. Even after using it for a long time, it stayed at a manageable temperature. Some other models can get so hot near the head that you can’t even touch them, but this one didn’t have that issue. The rubber grip also kept the handle nice to hold even during long stretches in the workshop.

Comfort and Durability Over Time

Using an electric ratchet every day makes comfort very important. During my 30-day test, the KIMO stood out with a design that felt easy to handle and kept hand strain to a minimum. It avoided the tiring effort that comes with manual ratchets.

Comfortable Handle and Less Hand Strain

The rubber-coated grip on this tool softens the impact while you’re working. Unlike hard plastic handles that feel less forgiving, the padded material made long tasks easier on my hands. Even after hours of using it, my hands didn’t feel sore or cramped, which isn’t the case with many other tools I’ve tried. The grip also worked well even when my hands were greasy, which happens a lot in a workshop.

Weight and Balance for Daily Tasks

Weighing 1.7 pounds, the KIMO cordless ratchet feels light but also tough. The weight sits striking a good balance between the head and the battery. The battery stays out of the way and doesn’t make the tool feel clunky, so I could work in tight areas without hurting my wrist. Using this ratchet wrench stayed easy and comfortable even during full automotive jobs.

Durability of Housing and Trigger

The green coating on the housing has stayed in great shape despite daily use. After a month of being dropped bumped, and splashed with different fluids, the finish looks worn. The trigger allows for variable speeds and stays responsive most of the time, though it can stick when pushed against a surface. Its rubber grips have handled exposure to harsh chemicals without showing signs of damage.

Storage and Portability

The case that comes with this tool delivers strong protection while keeping things organized. Each part has its own spot, which stops them from moving around during transport. Its small size makes it simple to fit in packed toolboxes or take along to far-off job locations. In general, the well-planned storage improves how useful the battery ratchet wrench is for jobs at a workshop or on the go.

What You Should Know After a Month

After putting this tool to the test on various tasks around the workshop, I can say what makes the KIMO electric ratchet stand out and where it falls flat. This hands-on feedback focuses on how it works in real life, not just on paper.

Top Benefits: Power battery, portability

This tool, with its 40 ft-lbs of torque, handled most fastening jobs . It outperforms typical starter models, which provide 30-35 ft-lbs. The two included 2000mAh batteries lasted around 30 to 40 minutes each during constant use. Its slim head stands out making it easy to reach spots larger tools cannot. The cordless build also avoids the loud noise you get from air ratchets.

Downsides: LED placement slower speed

The most annoying drawback is how the LED light works. It turns on when you squeeze the trigger, which makes it pretty much useless to light things up while placing the tool. The 400 RPM top speed is above average, but it doesn’t quite match high-end models like the Makita, which hits 800 RPM. The way the battery is positioned adds some bulk and can make things tricky to use in super tight spots.

Who Will Find It Most Useful: DIYers or Pros

The KIMO cordless ratchet works well for dedicated DIY enthusiasts and casual mechanics. Its balance between cost and performance makes it a solid choice to use in home garages or for moderate car repairs. Professionals may notice it lacks enough power for constant heavy-duty work, but its torque handles around 90% of typical tasks. The included extras like the socket set and extension bar add more usefulness to hobby users.

Final Thoughts

I tested the KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet over a month, and I’m confident it’s worth looking at. It fits well with weekend hobbyists and more serious DIY projects. Its 40 ft-lbs of torque handled most fastening tasks with ease. For bolts that wouldn’t budge though, I still had to break them loose first.

What stood out the most was how it fit into tight spaces. The slim head design reached spots where my other tools just couldn’t making tough tasks much easier than expected. On top of that, having two batteries meant I could work non-stop without waiting, which came in handy during longer projects.

I didn’t expect such solid build quality from a tool at this price. Even after dropping it multiple times and putting it through tough workshop tasks, the KIMO stayed in great shape. The handle design also made a big difference by keeping my hand from getting tired after using it for long periods.

That said, it isn’t perfect. The LED light could be better since it turns on when you pull the trigger. Also, people working on heavy-duty tasks every day might feel that 400 RPM isn’t fast enough compared to higher-end tools.

The KIMO 12V offers a solid mix of power and affordability. It may not rank as the top choice among electric ratchets, but it still performs well considering its cost. With the extra tools and carrying case included, it becomes even more practical. This tool can save a lot of time compared to manual effort. So, to upgrade your toolkit without spending too much, hobbyists and DIY mechanics will find this cordless ratchet gets the job done where it counts.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main things to know about the KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet?
The KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet includes a 3/8-inch drive, delivers 40 ft-lbs of torque, and reaches a top speed of 400 RPM with a variable speed trigger. It comes with two 12V lithium-ion batteries, a socket set, an extension bar, and an adapter.

Q2. How does the KIMO electric ratchet work in small spaces?
The KIMO electric ratchet works well in small spaces because of its slim head and compact build. It fits into tight spots like under dashboards or in engine compartments where bigger tools struggle. This makes it great for car repair tasks.

Q3. How long does the KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet last on a charge? A single 2000mAh lithium-ion battery runs for about 35 to 40 minutes without stopping. The kit includes two batteries, so you can keep working by switching one out when the other runs low.

Q4. Can professionals rely on the KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet? The KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet works well for hobbyists and part-time mechanics. Professionals might feel it lacks the power needed for tough everyday tasks. It fits better in home garages or for light automotive projects.

Q5. How durable is the KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet? Testing over a month has shown that the KIMO 12V Electric Ratchet lasts well. Its powder-coated surface fights against wear . The tool stays intact even after being dropped and exposed to different workshop liquids. The rubber grips also hold up against harsh chemicals.