Snagged a Milwaukee 18V Ratchet for $80 - Too Good to Be True?

So I'm at a garage sale this weekend, and this guy has a Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/8" ratchet with a battery and charger. He said he's moving and doesn't need it. I asked how much, and he said $80. I checked it, turned it on, seemed fine. I bought it on the spot. Seems like a steal, but now I'm wondering if it's a counterfeit or something. Anyone else find deals like this and it turned out to be a clone? Should I be worried?

Dan, that's a heck of a find if it's real. Those things retail for like $250+ with a battery. I've seen fakes floating around, but usually they're sold online, not at a garage sale. Check the serial number, look for the proper Milwaukee logo, and make sure the battery is genuine. If it was in a house, probably just a guy who doesn't know what he had. I once got a Snap-On impact wrench at a flea market for $50, turned out to be legit. Some people just want to get rid of stuff. Does it have the FUEL designation on the housing?

Nice score! But I'd be careful about the battery - if it's an old one, it might not hold much charge. Also, check the anvil for any wear or damage. I got a 'deal' on a DeWalt impact driver once, turned out it had a stripped internals - the previous owner had dropped it. But if it works, $80 is a no-brainer. How's the fit and finish? Does the head have any slop? Let us know after you test it out.

Gary, it does have 'FUEL' on the side and the red link logo. Serial number looks legit - I'll check it online later. And Dave, the battery is a 5.0, seems to be in good shape. I charged it and tested it on a bolt - works like a charm. No weird noises. I guess I got lucky! I'm gonna use it on my next project, see how it holds up. Thanks for the input, guys!

Good to hear, Dan. Sounds like you scored a deal. Just keep an eye on the battery – if it starts acting up, you might need to replace it. But the ratchet itself is a solid tool. Welcome to the Red team, even if you're a DeWalt guy at heart! :)