Powered ratchet wrench with reversing mechanism

A ratchet tool comprising:

• a handle housing including a generally tubular surface having a grip, the handle housing defining a longitudinal axis;
• a ratchet assembly including a pawl and an output shaft, wherein the pawl is moveable between a first position in which the pawl is operatively coupled to drive the output shaft in a first direction and a second position in which the pawl is operatively coupled to drive the output shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction;
• a switch in the handle housing having an external actuation surface for engagement with an operator's hand;
• a rotatable gear having at least one tooth, the rotatable gear operatively coupled to the pawl such that rotation of the rotatable gear effectuates movement of the pawl between the first and second positions;
• a linkage operatively coupled to the rotatable gear to effectuate rotation of the rotatable gear by actuation of the switch;
• and
• a means for isolating the rotatable gear from the output shaft such that the rotatable gear is not driven during operation of the output shaft.