review – Due to current supply chain issues and the general rise in the cost of goods and services, there has been a lot of focus lately on consumers’ “right to repair”. I’m a huge DIY advocate, especially when it comes to auto repair, but I’m often limited by the tools available. One tool I’ve always wanted to add to my collection is a good electric ratchet wrench. These tools are great for automating work, are relatively inexpensive, and save a lot of time. I recently tested the Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench, and while it gets the job done, I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the tool and the $89.99 price.
what is it?
The Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench is a battery powered 3/8″ ratchet wrench that operates like a normal socket wrench, but the head rotates automatically when you pull the trigger. Electric ratchet wrenches like the Hammerest are suitable for low torque applications and work well in tight spaces where traditional socket wrenches won’t fit.
Hammerest comes in a nondescript cardboard box with no branding at all. The unit and its components are shipped in a plastic carrying case.
What’s in the box?
- Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench with 3/8″ Head
- 12 V Li-Ion battery
- 12 volt power supply
- socket:
- 10 mm
- 11 mm
- 12 mm
- 13 mm
- 14 mm
- 15 mm
- 17 mm
- 1/4″ adapter
Hardware Specifications
- Voltage: 12V
- Specified Torque: 40 ft-lbs.
- Spinning head speed: 280 rpm
- Handle Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 3.5 inches.
- Weight (with battery): 1 lb 14 oz.
- Battery life: 45 minutes – 60 minutes
- Charging time: 90 minutes
Design and Features
Hammerest electric ratchet wrenches are designed similarly to most similar tools. The body is made of plastic and the head is made of steel.
The Hammerest has a 3/8″ head, which is most common in automotive work.
The Hammerest head looks and functions like a normal socket wrench, with a socket connector on the front and a directional switch on the back. Turning the switch to the left turns the head clockwise to tighten, and turning it to the right turns the head counterclockwise to loosen.
Once they are attached to the head, a small ball bearing holds them in place.
Like a standard socket wrench, the socket remains attached to the head and requires a little force to remove. When used on particularly stubborn bolts, the socket may come off the head.
The head is securely attached to the body with four socket head cap bolts.
The Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench feels great in the hand, and with the battery installed, it’s easy to maintain control during use.
The only controls on the Hammerest are the trigger to activate the head and an on/off switch that acts as a safety lock that prevents the trigger from being pulled.
When the device is charging, three colored LEDs on the handle indicate the battery level when the trigger is pulled.
The Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench comes with 7 six-point metric sockets and a head adapter, which all snap into the carrying case for easy storage.
The seven sockets range in size from 10mm to 17mm with a 1/4″ head adapter.
All included receptacles have a 3/8″ connection and 1/4″ adapters for use with receptacles with 1/4″ connections.
For $89.99, I thought the Hammerest would include 7+ sockets like the other standard sizes, including 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ and 3/4″ sockets.
In addition to the socket, the carrying case has room for the Hammerest unit, power supply and battery pack.
The suitcase closes with two rather flimsy red plastic latches.
The case itself has a textured surface with no markings or branding at all on it.
There is a small integrated handle in the case for easy carrying of the Hammerest and all its accessories.
The power supply for the Hammerest electric ratchet wrench is a standard 12 V plug and cable.
Power is connected to the battery via a small port on top of the battery pack
The battery pack is attached to the Hammerest and snaps securely into place with two side panels. The three-sided design of the battery does make it difficult to pop the battery into place immediately. I often find myself spinning the battery a few times before putting it on.
One major disappointment of the Hammerest is that, despite being sold brand new, all components appear to have been used before.
The case has obvious wear and tear, and the inner part is broken. Out of the box, upon closer inspection, the battery pack has numerous scratches, indicating that it has been inserted and removed from the unit multiple times.
The Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench itself has scratches, oil, and out-of-the-box wear, which is really unacceptable at $89.99.
set up
The only setup required by the Hammerest is to charge the battery pack.
Using the included power supply, a full charge from empty takes about 90 minutes on average.
Performance
For about a month I’ve used a Hammerest electric ratchet wrench for various jobs, but for me the main test of the unit was removing a couple of old rusted rock rails from my FJ Cruiser.
I’ve been wanting to remove these rails for a long time, but have avoided doing so because the bolts are long, tight, and rusted. The perfect scene to use an electric ratchet wrench.
Because electric ratchet wrenches like the Hammerest are good for low torque applications, I use a standard socket wrench to loosen the rusted bolts first. While I barely have room to operate a standard socket ratchet wrench in the cramped space under my truck, the Hammerest has room to work without issue.
Since only the head on the Hammerest moves, it requires much less work space. The Hammerest’s built-in LEDs are also used as it is difficult to see when working under the vehicle. Still, it would be nice to have the option to turn on the lights without touching the head.
The first rails fell off without a hitch, and Hammerest’s speed greatly reduced work time.
The rail bolts on the other side of the FJ are harder to reach.
Even if space is limited, it’s not difficult to get the Hammerest in place
Hammerest also briefly works on the remaining bolts once positioned and loosened with a standard socket wrench.
The Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench worked well for this job and most others I’ve used. Battery life and charging times are in line with what the manufacturer says, torque on the head appears to be in line with similar units, and features like LED lights and battery indicators work as designed. I do have concerns about the longevity of this unit, but mostly because it appears to have been previously owned.
what do I like
- Suitable for small spaces
- easy to use
- LED lights are useful
Areas for improvement
- should include more sockets
- The suitcase is fragile and breaks easily
- Units appear previously used
final thoughts
The Hammerest Electric Ratchet Wrench has done every task I’ve done with it, but I was disappointed to find some wear on the unit indicating it had been used before. At $89.99, the Hammerest kit should offer more value, like a sturdier carrying case and more sockets, especially extensions. While the Hammerest has most of the features you’d look for in an electric ratchet wrench, such as LEDs, safety locks, and a power indicator, there are many better quality, cheaper options from well-known brands.
price: $89.99
where to buy (this: hammer
resource: This product sample is provided by hammer.
