The center handle has play in it as the ends are not pushed in, I did not try to push them in as I am not sure if this is how it is suppose to be as I have seen others like that. The ratchet does work, although it is kind of hard to adjust, like you have turn and press the stop down, but, it worked in both directions. I put a piece of wood on the floor and held it with my foot and was able to drill a little bit into it before it just started spinning with no progress into the wood(Maybe it also uses special drill bits? that would make it easier to use). This also shows LOTS of wear from age, use, storage, and sitting for decades in a non climate controlled cabin. This is in no condition at all for a collector, and, I have no idea if it can be restored. Would also make a nice conversation piece. This was removed from a non climate controlled "cabin" that had not seen the light of day for 7+ years, and, before that was visited maybe once every few years before this item was removed.