Powerbuilt 1/4" Inch Drive Finger Ratchet, Small Thumbwheel Tool Silver 640501

Note that this review applies after repair and adjustment unless otherwise noted.The PowerBuilt 640501 is the best 1/4 drive example of this design type, better than BikeMaster and ToolZone. For a better design you will probably have to go to SK or Snap-On.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. Only PowerBuilt and Power Torque stamp their name on the ratchet.Note that the "PowerBuilt 640501" 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 PowerBuilt 640501 the major factors are: High Quality, All Metal, Rugged, 1/4-Inch square drive, 43 tooth smooth ratchet operation, polished CrV Thumbwheel, black oxide coated ratchet knob and socket holder. The finger wheel is stamped "POWERBUILT CrV" unusual since most devices of this type are not marked at all. Maximum Diameter is 1.50-inches. Overall length is 0.984-inches. The width of the finger wheel is 0.443-Inches. As received, the edges of the finger wheel at the outer circumference are not beveled giving it a sharp edge which is hard on the palm. The finger ratchet is delivered mounted to a plastic label and shrink wrapped so that you know it is new.Purchase of the PowerBuilt 640501 assumes that you already own or have access to sockets, adapters, extensions, screwdriver bits and "spinners".The PowerBuilt 640501 is rugged and intended for working with 1/4-inch drive socket applications where an all metal construction is most convenient like automotive applications in the presence of contaminants.The PowerBuilt 640501 uses a Chrome Vanadium Steel construction. The 1/4-Inch drive post and rotation knob are black oxide coated. The finger wheel is Polished CrV and has good checkering on the outer surface.The PowerBuilt 640501 has 43 teeth or 8.6-degree rotational increments and operates smoothly with little force.The ratchet action is smooth and requires little resistance to function (16 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.To always ratchet independent of the resistance of the fastener, use the PowerBuilt with the Cal-Van 109 and the appropriate adapter. Using an adapter, connect the PowerBuilt to the 1/4 square (f) post of the Cal-Van 109, and set both devices to ratchet in the same direction, hold the Cal-Van 109 finger wheel stationary with one hand and use a tightening or loosening motion with the PowerBuilt (depending on the setting) and the assembly will ratchet on or off any fastener independent of the fastener resistance.The PowerBuilt 640501 1/4-inch square drive post has the typical socket retaining spring loaded ball bearing to retain the socket under use. The post holds the socket without wobble which is unusual in a 1/4-inch drive. The amount of force to remove the socket is acceptable. There is no quick release mechanism.A black oxide coated metal Knob, 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" are cast into the ratchet direction knob.You will need adaptors to use 5/16 and 1/4 screwdriver bits with the PowerBuilt 640501.With my right hand and with some discomfort I can apply 20 inch-pounds of force with this modified device using a KD tools 2955 torque wrench as a measuring tool. This device will probably be used to snug up fasteners for final tightening by another device, or remove fasteners in close quarters once they have been initially loosened.The sharp edges (lack of chamfer) on the outer diameter of the finger wheel at the maximum width are hard on the hands. This and the small diameter prevents the application of torque higher than 10 inch-pounds. The checkering is not sharp and should not bother your hands.Since there are no plastic parts on this device, and it is polished on the finger wheel and black oxide coated on the socket holder, it should easily withstand oil, grease, gasoline, brake fluid etc. involved in automotive use.The construction of the PowerBuilt 640501 is simple and rugged; consisting of 8 parts (Thumbwheel, socket holder, Pawl, Pawl shaft, Knob, Knob spring, Knob plunger, and Helical spring holding assembly together). Disassembly is relatively easy but requires some skill and manual dexterity. The assembly consists of small parts which are easily lost if you are not careful. The assembly is operated dry (without lubricant).The PowerBuilt 640501 design is very common in thumbwheel ratchets, varying only in the size of the parts. This manufacturer cares enough to stamp his name on the finger wheel.

I needed a heavy spinner for 1/4” sockets. This worx great. It is well built and has great knurling. Fits in tight spots and helps spin sockets faster on long extensions too.

Works great. Checkering on the sides make it easy to grip. Appears to be well made, time will tell but it operates smoothly and has a good chrome finish.

I like this little ratchet. I have a hard-rubber-grip ratchet set from Wilmar (W1716), and it is excellent, but when working in greasy, oily, and dirty environments, the metal ratchets clean up much more easily than the rubber gripped ones. Also, this ratchet is small. The Wilmar 1/4" drive ratchet is 1 and 5/8" in diameter. This one is 1 and 7/16" in diameter, great for the tight spaces. It also has a pretty good feeling ratcheting mechanism. It feels smooth and of fairly good quality.This ratchet is by no means an equal to the SK Hand Tool finger ratchet. But the SK 49270 costs around $28.73 as I type this. This little Powerbuilt ratchet is of decent quality, it gets the job done, and I know it will last me for years. And at $6.37, I consider it to be an excellent buy, and so I give it five stars for that.

It is fantastic in getting in tight spaces.

I used this with my 3D printer to swap nozzle's and it works great. I wouldn't buy this to do large projects with, but for small hand tight applications its great.

I have had these for a couple of years now and they work great. They have a nice grip to keep you finger from slipping. This is a must have tool for getting into tight spaces.

Smooth operation of forward/reverse setting. Affordable. Sockets attach on off with ease. Good feel.Better price than Harbor Freight or any swap meet. Way better price than auto parts stores and other tool suppliers.

The knurling is not very deep at all, makes it quite slippery, also there isn't a nice chamfer on the edges like in the pictures, so that cuts into your hands. Very small amount of teeth, very rough feeling. I waited too late to return it so now I'm stuck.Do yourself a favor and buy the Titan finger ratchets, lower profile, better grip, more teeth.

Erfüllt leider nicht seine Funktion. Verzahnung springt über. Völlig unbrauchbar

Very bad quality. I used it once and then it damaged