Ratchets: Quick release vs no quick release. Which do you prefer?

[TorKe]

And why? Maybe for certain jobs?

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Quick Release so the extension/socket stays attached and doesn't fall down where I can't reach it.

 

[LB-1911]

And why? Maybe for certain jobs?

You can compare your results to a previous thread

Standard or Quick Release

 

[rjvjeepster]

No preference really. As long as the socket/extension stays on, I'm good.

 

[-OSIS-]

As much as I hate not being able to take off an oily socket I prefer no push release. I find I hit it off things too much, inadvertently losing my socket or extension.

 

[mcmtech]

Non quick release. Quick release stuff got taken home

 

[Stooge]

I guess I would say standard detent, but that could be skewed by that my nicer, premium brand ratchets are standard release and for the most part, any quick release ratchets I have, are lower tier ones, so of course im generally going to reach for the nicer one. In general, I get more frustrated from bumping the release button than I do when I cant pull a socket off, but neither really happen often enough

 

[Infinia]

quick release definitely

Historically QR was associated with one brand name, so other makers didn't offer the feature... since the patent has since been retired perhaps it will become standard across the board.

 

[Stevenn1]

All the mechanics I know prefer non-quick release. The non-quick release ratchets are stronger; the anvil (square drive) is not hollowed out. If you click on that link above you will find that the quick release wins, but I almost bet that most voters are DIY/homeowners too.

 

[losvre]

I am biased to the QR and I have a full 3/8 Stahlwille.

However, I hate how sloppy are the extensions and I am considering any option,

1. Either QR extension from other manufacturer or

2. Non QR with tight fitment

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[ken w.]

I prefer a standard ratchet.

 

[rjvjeepster]

One thing that I always like on a ratchet is the thumb wheel, like what Challanger put on there. Haven't seen many others put a thumbwheel on a normal ratchet.

 

[Brad54]

Quick Release since I was a teenager. My dad's vintage Snap On rathers weren't QR, my Craftsman were, and I always preferred the Craftsmans, even though the Snap-On handles felt a hundred times better in my hand and didn't hurt my hand on tough fasteners.

I work on hot rods and cars (my own) and a lot of other projects a lot, so I'm wrenching on something at least once a week. I HATE non-Quick Release ratchets. I've got a decent collection of Snap-On ratchets now, and have converted all of them to QR.

-Brad

 

[wmm2]

I have both, but I'm in favor of quick release.

I think the strength argument is a non-issue. The only ratchet I've ever broken was a quick release that I beat on with a sledge hammer. The anvil was not hurt, but the pawl teeth stripped. That would have happened to quick release or non-quick release. After I learned to stop abusing tools, I've never broken anything that had a brand name of any kind on it.

 

[mlum6969]

i perfer standard for 3/8 and 1/2, but QR for 1/4 just because i think my 1/4" ratchet holds on to sockets and extension tighter than i'd like.

 

[Wyoming09]

I also have both. I prefer the quick release as sometimes on the no release ones I have to pry the sockets off with a screwdriver.

 

[Mikeske]

My preferred is a 1/4" with no extension is to have the quick release as they tend to retain the socket better with a extension non quick release. All others I like the non quick release.

 

[Road_runner]

Non QR. I always seem to hit the release button at the most inopportune time...

 

[M_George]

I have both but prefer the quick release because getting a greasy socket off a non-quick release can be a pain on some ratchets.

 

[SuperCat]

I prefer quick release, but I have both types (more SK 45170 than others). When I have a problem removing the socket from a non-quick release ratchet, I know it is time for me to take a break. When you're tired, you make mistakes. I have not had a problem with accidentally bumping the quick release button/lever and dropping a socket. I'm not a pro wrench, just a DIY shade tree hack. My driveway does not have any trees, though.

 

[APEowner]

Non QR. I always seem to hit the release button at the most inopportune time...

This is my experience as well. Plus the button is just in the way sometimes and it solves a problem that I've never experienced.

 

[losvre]

Pictures please[emoji106]


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[Schurkey]

The older non-sealed Snap-On pear heads can be converted to quick-release by installing the proper repair kit. I treasure my non-sealed-head Snappys for this reason.

The last 3/8 repair kits I bought had more teeth/finer action than the original from 1986. Still not a "fine tooth" ratchet by today's standards of 80+ teeth.

MMMMMmmmmmm....Quick-Release.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Quick Release!!!!

 

[gdocktor3]

I don't think you'll find a finer ratchet than a dual 80 quick release. That's my opinion of course having owned many different brands and style ratchets.

 

[jumbojak]

I generally prefer non quick release rat chest because I have dropped sockets by bumping the button. Just this week I got a Carlyle 1/4 drive flex that has the release nearly flush with back and completely flush with a sort of collar. I might like that one.

 

[T45]

I am biased to the QR and I have a full 3/8 Stahlwille.

However, I hate how sloppy are the extensions and I am considering any option,

1. Either QR extension from other manufacturer or

2. Non QR with tight fitment

Some times I wonder if other brands almost think some wobble is a benefit.

Maybe try Hazet, they don't have much slop.

 

[bpjr]

I have both and go to the quick release first.

 

[CR888]

I don't like the QR ratchets with tiny buttons that are fidly to depress. I have both and am a bit of a ratchet sucker. A button won't stop me buying it if I like it and want it. But non-locking flex heads.....they get to me at times.

 

[bulldogr6]

I am partial to no QR ratchets, much that the ones provided at work still mess with me a lot, I catch myself trying to pull the socket off ..... duh lol push the button silly.

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[mbshop]

I have both but in most situations I preferred qr. In fact the first time I used a qr ratchet i did a little happy dance.

 

[Olafur]

I prefer QR.

 

[BIG BACCHUS]

A lot of people are saying they accidentally bump the QR. For what it's worth, Prey Pneumatic has a 3/8 with a recessed quick release button that prevents me from accidentally hitting it. I bought it from a GJ member and have loved it every since.

 

[bubinga]

No quick release.
never really saw the need for quick release.

 

[doorfx]

When you get older and arthritis sets in you will love the quick release , it's less painful. When I was young I never used one.

 

[bubinga]

When you get older and arthritis sets in you will love the quick release , it's less painful. When I was young I never used one.

I'm getting it now, (arthritis) so Maybe it won't be long.

 

[finn]

A properly designed quick release, one that doesn't require a screwdriver to remove the socket.

My Snapons are failures in that respect, possibly because they ere getting old.

 

[mudflap]

QR for me....the Carlyle's i use now have a recessed button..

 

[ajchien]

It depends on how I plan on holding the ratchet. If I plan on going quickly and palming the head of the ratchet, then no quick release.

If I'm holding the handle of the ratchet for more torque, then QR.

 

[losvre]

Hey guys,

It seems that QR ratchet is preferred mostly for several reasons.

What about extensions and T-bars?

Cheers

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