PALM RATCHET - 1/2" DRIVE - mechanics tools by 4137com

Note that this review applies after repair and adjustment unless otherwise noted.This basic design is made by 4137com, ATE Pro, Bike Master, Palm, Pittsburgh, True Power, TECKTON, Powerbuilt, Power Torque, Silverline, Tool Connection, Toolzone, and Wilmar.Note that the "Palm Ratchet - 1/2" Drive - mechanics tools by 4137com" has sharp edges where the knurling meets the sides of the finger wheel, which requires correction. All palm ratchet of this design currently being produced contain these sharp edges on the outer circumference of the finger wheel (Radius around 0.010-inches). For hand comfort, these sharp edges must be removed. For occasional use sharp edges on a tool are OK, but not for everyday use. This ratchet cannot be considered for "mechanics tools" or "for professional use" without removal of the sharp edges. I removed the sharp edges by grinding and polishing a bevel [Approximately 0.070 x 45 degrees] to replace the sharp edges.The key features to look for when considering a Finger Ratchet, Thumbwheel ratchet, speed ratchet or palm Ratchet are: Ratchet or non-ratchet selection, number of teeth in ratchet, Force required to operate ratchet, Diameter of finger driver, overall length, contour of finger wheel, texture of finger wheel, pliability of finger wheel, whether a dual driver is needed, quick release function, and resistance to automotive contaminants. The fit of the parts is important for function and seal against contamination. The presence of sharp edges is important for comfort and preventing injury. The materials used are important for quality and durability. Workmanship is also important for quality and durability. The ability to apply limited torque with the device is important. The amount of effort used to install and remove a socket is important for usefulness. Whether the socket is retained without wobble (especially important in 1/4 square drive) is important. The method of retention of any bit driver present must be evaluated for usefulness. The durability of any markings on the ratchet must be evaluated. The accuracy of the description of the ratchet is should be evaluated against what was received. It should be noted whether the ratchet as received is ready to use or required repair before use. The importance to be applied to these factors depends on the individual and the use intended.For this device the major factors are: Well made, High Quality, Rugged, All metal design, Chrome Vanadium Steel Polished knurled finger wheel, forged heat treated chrome plated 1/2-Inch socket holder. The fit of parts is excellent for this design. Sharp edges on the palm ratchet finger wheels required repair prior to use. The workmanship is equal to or better than BikeMaster and ToolZone. The ToolZone and BikeMaster come as sets only. The sockets are securely held without wobble. The force needed for socket installation and removal is average.The maximum diameter is -1.828-inches, the largest of this type. The thickness of the thumbwheel is -0.524-inches. Overall length is -1.355-inches. The number of teeth in the ratchet mechanism is 41 (8.8 Degrees). The ratchet rotation direction knob raised finger grip is wider than other ratchets of this type. The country of origin is Taiwan.Purchase of the 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet assumes that you already own or have access to sockets, adapters, extensions, screwdriver bits and "spinners".The 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet is heavy in weight and intended for working with 1/2 inch drive sockets.The 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet is a Drop Forged Chrome Vanadium Steel device heat treated and chrome plated. The finger wheel has smooth checkering on the outer surface.The palm ratchet has 41 teeth or 8.8-degree rotational increments and operates smoothly with little force.The ratchet action is smooth and requires little resistance to function (14 out of 18 max effort acceptable range). This device can be used with a "spinner" such as the Cal-Van 104-3 if you need to hold the drive stationary while ratcheting.The 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet 1/2-inch square drive portion has the typical ratchet drive spring loaded ball to retain the socket under use. The amount of force to remove the socket varies with the individual socket.A polished chrome vanadium steel metal ring with a raised ridge for finger grip controls the direction of ratchet action by rotation. There is no non-ratchet setting on this device (no center off). Arrows and "R" and "L" and cast into the ratchet direction knob.You will need adaptors to use 5/16 and 1/4 screwdriver bits with the 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet.With my right hand and with some discomfort I can apply 30 inch-pounds of force [after repair] with this device using a KD tools 2955 torque wrench as a measuring tool. This is sufficient for most screwdriver applications. This is well below what is required for typical 1/2 socket applications. However, some applications like carburetors require large sockets but low torque. Another device will be required to supply sufficient torque for automobile fasteners. While the 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet is sufficient for most screwdriver applications, another device will be required to supply sufficient torque for Torex seat belt fasteners for instance. This device will probably be used to snug up fasteners for final tightening by a torque wrench.The sharp edges (prior to repair) on the outer diameter of the finger wheel at the maximum width is hard on the hands and prevents the application of torque higher than 20 inch-pounds. The checkering is not sharp and should not bother your hands.You may well question whether a 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet is useful compared to a 1/4 inch driver. The answer is that this is a specialty tool for the advanced tool user.If your application requires pushing on the 4137Com 1/2-inch Sq. Dr. Palm Ratchet such as installing wood screws, this is possible, but other devices like an electric drill with a bit adaptor, are more suited for this type of application.Since there are no plastic parts on this device, and it is chrome plated, it should easily withstand oil, grease, gasoline, brake fluid etc. involved in automotive use.

Great tool when working on Ford trucks or any confined engine space car.I plan on buying the 1/4"and 3/8" palm ratchets also.Handy to have!!

When attempting to reverse the direction of the ratcheting, if you do not have it attached to something, the anvil (square drive) spins and you can't change the direction until you hold that part. That's a design flaw in my opinion. I have another thumb ratchet (ASIN B0C3BDPR96) that switches directions much better than this one.

Bought this for a particular job coming up,looksks like it will work well and probably for other projects.Fast delivery and good price,An earlier commentor mentioned sharp edges around knurling,the one I received has no such flaw.

I use this for putting locks on cabinets and drawers for work. Great for smaller spaces and much faster than a wrench. Sturdy and a good grip area. Would recommend.

I purchased this specifically to ratchet a cap on top of a motorcycle suspension tube. A spring had to be compress at the same time the cap was ratcheted on. This tool proved to be invaluable for that task.

looked for a LONG time to find one of these that was affordable. Real time saver.

No more trying to turn just the socket on the bolt. Good design and fit for tight spaces.