Powerbuilt 641515 3/8-Inch Finger Ratchet Driver

Note that this review applies after repair and adjustment unless otherwise noted.The PowerBuilt 641515 is the best 3/8 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 641515” has sharp edges where the knurling meets the sides of the finger wheel, which requires correction. All palm ratchets 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 641515 the major factors are: High Quality, All Metal, Rugged, 3/8-Inch square drive, 41 tooth smooth ratchet operation, polished Chrome Vanadium Thumbwheel, black oxide coated ratchet knob and drop forged socket holder. The finger wheel is stamped “POWERBUILT CrV” unusual since most devices of this type are not marked at all. Maximum Diameter is 1.812-inches (most others are smaller: 1.5 or 1.7 inches-I prefer 1.8 inches.). Overall length is 1.204-inches. The width of the finger wheel is 0.519-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 you know it is new.Purchase of the PowerBuilt 641515 assumes that you already own or have access to sockets, adapters, extensions, screwdriver bits and “spinners”.The PowerBuilt 641515 is rugged and intended for working with 3/8-inch drive socket applications where an all metal construction is most convenient like automotive applications in the presence of contaminants.The PowerBuilt 641515 uses a Chrome Vanadium Steel construction. The 3/8-Inch drive post and rotation knob are black oxide coated. The finger wheel is polished and has good checkering on the outer surface.The PowerBuilt 641515 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 (17 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 641515 3/8-inch square drive post has the typical socket retaining spring loaded ball bearing to retain the socket under use. The socket is retained without wobble. 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 3/8 screwdriver bits with the PowerBuilt 641515.With my right hand and with some discomfort I can apply 30 inch-pounds of force with this 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 which prevents the application of torque higher than 20 inch-pounds (before modification). 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 641515 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 641515 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 bought this for a second second socket set I keep at home. The photo is accurate. The quality is good for the price and it looks like it should last a lifetime for the home user / casual mechanic. I've owned a pair (3/8" and 1/4") of similar, inexpensive thumbwheel / finger ratchets for years which I keep with my main socket set. They're a GREAT addition to any socket set. I definitely recommend picking one of these up.FYI - If you're a professional mechanic, SK makes a higher quality (more finely machined) version that sells for 3+ times the price of this one. I was tempted to go that route, but in the end couldn't justify the price difference. This one works fine.

This finger ratchet has performed well for me on several jobs on my car. It is quite heavy for it's size and the knurling is fairly aggressive. BOth of those details are a plus for me as I'm sure it will take a beating and perform well even when covered in oil from time to time. There is no quick release button and I can't get a great amount of torque on it do to it's size, but it does its job very well. I use it after I've loosened a fastener in the engine bay with a larger ratchet. I then use an extension to quickly spin the nut/bolt off in a more comfortable manner than trying to spin a ratchet 360 degrees. This should last a really long time and is an excellent, affordable tool to add to the toolbox.

I wanted to like it but it's not ideal. Not as nifty and has a sharp top edge so you can't snug it firmly.

This is not intended to compete with SnapOn, MAC, SK, etc.For the home mechanic, this is far superior to its price and you won’t be disappointed!I bought a second one right after I tried it so I could give it to a friend.

Goidelic enough. You can't really put much force/torque on these types of ratchets, but it is great in tight spaces. I use this for my cars oil drain plug after I break it loose with a bigger ratchet.

Good tool. Great for getting long bolts in or out without the used of a bulky ratchet. They are better looking in the pictures then they actually are. They work exactly how they were intended to. Would recommend product!

I wanted a heavy feeling spinner to drive 3/8” sockets and 1/4” drive sockets. This fits the bill. Nicely made, worx better than I expected. Fits into tight places and speeds some things up.