Who makes the best quick-release ratchet?

[Brownsfan]

this is looking like the most likely choice at this time...not a c-man fan, but....

They are actually really nice. Also I have seen USA made Kobalt sold by Cripe distributing for pretty cheap.

 

[APEowner]

I'm not trying to be a jerk. I'm genuinely curios. In what application is a quick release ratchet an advantage? I've been wrenching on cars, trucks, motorcycles and industrial equipment for more decades than I care to admit and I don't once remember ever wishing for a quick release ratchet.

 

[1982fxr]

certainly a fair question. I'm just a hobbyist. Most of my wrenching is refurbing old things like vises and drill presses. I work on my Harley when I have to, and that's about it.

I was thrilled to get the Armstrong 88 tooth aerospace but found that I really like having the QR feature. I just don't work in tight enough spaces for any of the usual negatives to really matter. And if I am in a tight spot I have Proto round head and a few others.

And......I have a bit of an Irish temper. I've found it's the little things that keep me cool in the 120 degree Phoenix garage. Like being able to quickly change sockets/extension/whatever even with greasy oily hands. At least I'm honest

 

[trout]

not a big deal to remove a socket that's smaller in diameter than the head of the ratchet. it can be a real pain to remove when I only have the sides of the ratchet to grab on to, especially on the flex heads.

 

[KinzeMech]

I'm not trying to be a jerk. I'm genuinely curios. In what application is a quick release ratchet an advantage? I've been wrenching on cars, trucks, motorcycles and industrial equipment for more decades than I care to admit and I don't once remember ever wishing for a quick release ratchet.

It's an advantage *always*.

The socket/extension never falls off accidentally. Or say you are reaching in/around/under/back and behind something tough to reach, you've just finished tightening the fastener, and you pull the ratchet back, but *pop*, that socket you can barely reach stuck to the fastener instead of the ratchet.

I won't even attempt to change spark plugs in difficult to reach places without a QR ratchet or locking socket extension...damned spark plug sockets love to stick on the spark plug as soon as they get into a tough to reach spot.

I will put to you what I consider to be a better question. When has a QR ratchet EVER been a disadvantage? Sometimes the best answer to the question "why?" is simply "why not?"

 

[Wakefield]

The QR ratchet should be slightly weaker than the non-QR one because of the bore through the gear and drivesquare. Although I think the bore in an expensive QR is made smaller than the one in a Craftsman.

 

[TwoInch]

It's an advantage *always*.

The socket/extension never falls off accidentally. Or say you are reaching in/around/under/back and behind something tough to reach, you've just finished tightening the fastener, and you pull the ratchet back, but *pop*, that socket you can barely reach stuck to the fastener instead of the ratchet.

I won't even attempt to change spark plugs in difficult to reach places without a QR ratchet or locking socket extension...damned spark plug sockets love to stick on the spark plug as soon as they get into a tough to reach spot.

I will put to you what I consider to be a better question. When has a QR ratchet EVER been a disadvantage? Sometimes the best answer to the question "why?" is simply "why not?"

i disagree.

i was always a quick release type of guy. but after using round heads, and regular non QR tear drop/pear heads, i realized that i actually drop considerably more extensions and sockets off QR style ratchets. the problem being that the QR ratchet locks the extension/socket on, but when the QR button is bumped or depress on an obstruction, there is zero tension holding the extension/socket on, and falls off easily. with nonQR ratchets, the retention ball is always exerting a considerable force hold the socket/extension on.

unless you are seriously pulling, or the retention ball spring is seriously worn out, the nonQR ratchets can be a pain if you have greasy hands. they hold that well.

my .02, YMMV

 

[joebachor]

I have a proto 5282BL that I got for 20 something on ebay new .its made in USA and is very strong and well made. looks good too. I let my son use it for his mini bike builds so he leaves my snappys alone. he beats the **** out of it. get one.

 

[joebachor]

sorry - that number is 5252BL, proto professional -my bad

 

[KinzeMech]

i disagree.

i was always a quick release type of guy. but after using round heads, and regular non QR tear drop/pear heads, i realized that i actually drop considerably more extensions and sockets off QR style ratchets. the problem being that the QR ratchet locks the extension/socket on, but when the QR button is bumped or depress on an obstruction, there is zero tension holding the extension/socket on, and falls off easily. with nonQR ratchets, the retention ball is always exerting a considerable force hold the socket/extension on.

unless you are seriously pulling, or the retention ball spring is seriously worn out, the nonQR ratchets can be a pain if you have greasy hands. they hold that well.

my .02, YMMV

You have a valid point, but my experience has been that accidentally pressing the release button is something that just almost never happens, where as non QR rats that are either too loose or too tight is quite commonplace.

Just as the spring in a retention ball rat can be too loose, the spring on the QR button can be too loose as well. My goto rats are nothing special, just USA craftsman thin profiles, but it takes a decent strength finger press to release them, and the button must be depressed below flush before the drive *** releases.

I'm gonna buy one without it sooner or later. I need a good long locking flex 1/2", and the leading candidates are armstrong maxx or snap on dual80. If either was a QR that would have been the decision maker