Iron Bridge Hand Held Rachet Tool (Dual-Sided Palm Ratchet)

The key features to look for in any device like this 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 weight to be applied to these factors depends on the individual and the use intended.For this device the major factors are: light duty use, 36 tooth (10-degree increments), three position ratchet (Right/Off/Left), red anodized aluminum finger wheel with 20 grooves, dual driver (1/4 square (M) and 1/4 Hex (F)) so no bit adaptor is needed, supplied with dual ended screwdriver bit 1.221 inch long (Husky: Phillips #1 and slotted (.187 x 0.036)) . The palm ratchet Max diameter is 1.61 inches. The Palm ratchet overall length is 1.329 inches. The fit of the ratchet parts is similar to the Wilmar finger ratchets (slightly loose). The finger wheel is 0.60-inches thick at the base. This is a very compact dual drive palm ratchet.The Iron Bridge 908 207 is compact for a dual drive device and great for light duty general household use, electronics, hobbies and fine repair.The hex bit portion is recessed in the body of the palm driver, and accepts 1/4 screwdriver bits and retains the bit through the use of a retaining magnet. The depth of the socket is 0.55 inches and is a little deeper than the norm. Therefore the screwdriver bits will sit a little lower than Normal.The 1/4-inch square drive portion has the typical ratchet drive spring loaded ball to retain the socket used. The force needed to install and remove a socket is typical for a device without a quick release feature.A three position plastic ring with raised ridges at the base of the 1/4 inch hex drive controls the direction of ratchet action by rotation. The center position is ratchet off.I recommend that you do not apply greater than 20 inch pounds of torque to the device (especially in the off position). Note that 20 inch pounds of torque sufficient for most screwdriver applications, which are typically less than 10 inch-pounds.Purchase of the Iron Bridge 908 207 assumes that you already own or have access to sockets, adapters, extensions, screwdriver bits and “spinners”.The ratchet mechanism operation is not as smooth as the AmPro, Titan or Wilmar products.Use the palm ratchet as a bit driver with ratchet off when the resistance of the work is less than the amount needed to activate the ratchet.You will need an adaptor (such as the Cal-Van Master finger driver set Part number 100 and a Napa 7755957 3/8 square drive (M) to 5/16 screwdriver bit holder (F)) to use 5/16 screwdriver bits with the Iron Bridge 908 207.With my right hand and with some discomfort I can apply 20 inch-pounds of force with this device using a KD tools 2955 torque wrench with a ¼ inch drive as a measuring tool. Again, this palm ratchet is meant to be used at much lower torques (10 inch-pounds).If your application requires pushing on the Iron Bridge 908 207 such as installing wood screws, use the 1/4 inch square drive with a bit adaptor and push on the hex drive area since it protrudes very little from the palm ratchet body.I cannot comment on the ability of the plastic parts on this device to withstand oil, grease, gasoline, brake fluid etc. If you have a hostile environment you may want to consider an all metal construction such as the SK 49270 which does not have a bit driver. It is unlikely that this device was meant for automotive use.There are no other palm ratchets available with the features of this device.The OEM FR1414 is similar but has a finger wheel rather than a palm wheel.Similar products without the ratchet center off feature and recessed hex driver are: Garret Wade, Palm Ratchet, Cal-Van, and OEM Tools.For automotive use I would consider the Wilmar W1716 whose drivers have a bigger cushioned grip area and are heavier duty. Or consider the SK tools devices if you are working in oil, grease, gasoline, or brake fluid.I suggest that you combine this device with the Cal-Van Master finger driver set Part number 100 for maximum versatility.

as described.

The ratcheting mechanism on mine jams after a dozen clicks or so. I sprayed WD 40 on both sides where the snap ring is. It isn't perfect, but I think it will work. For $6, it would cost me as much to ship it back as I paid for it. I may edit after I have used it for some real tasks.

Very nice and useful tool. Great for tight spaces where regular or even short screwdriver doesn't fit

Great Concept but the ratcheting mechanism gets stuck. I have to use Chanel lock pliers on the dial that reverses direction from clockwise to counter clockwise because it is hard to turn by hand.

Good idea but poor quality. The ratchet mechanism was jamming every few clicks, so I had to return it.

Awesome in places that can require a tight turn to break looseWe keep one in our telescope bag as they will work on almost every scope accessories attachment

No sooner was the package opened that the tool disintegrated. A bearing ball fell on the garage floor not to be found again. And apparently a clip was missing to hold that assembly together. What a dud. Reviews were not very good but I took the chance seeing the price. Oh well...