Standard or Quick Release
- Thread starter Kev442
- Start date
1950mercury
Well-known member
They will get better with use. I has the same problem, esp with double detent sockets like Armstrong and craftsman
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
1/4" and 3/8" drive are quick release for me.
The smallest clearances benefit from non QR ratchets, so the answer is probably buy both as per usual. 
All kidding aside ergonomic is the most important consideration for everyday use. If you ar struggling with taking tools apart for several hours a day you are doing yourself a dis-service. Most situations don't require anything beyond a standard tool
That one time out of 10 you need a high stregth, super slim ratchet you can pull out that special tool, say a breaker bar, a TL72, or your favorite alternative.
All kidding aside ergonomic is the most important consideration for everyday use. If you ar struggling with taking tools apart for several hours a day you are doing yourself a dis-service. Most situations don't require anything beyond a standard tool
That one time out of 10 you need a high stregth, super slim ratchet you can pull out that special tool, say a breaker bar, a TL72, or your favorite alternative.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
quick release, is my choice
jakemac
Well-known member
I hate QR.
It's a PITA gimmick that keeps getting in the way of bearing down on the head of the ratchet when I need to get tough.
It's a PITA gimmick that keeps getting in the way of bearing down on the head of the ratchet when I need to get tough.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Who voted "QR except for 1/4"?? Shouldn't it be except for 1/2"? I have trouble getting 1/4" sockets off when they aren't oily. Also, you can buy ratchets with flush quick release buttons so the argument of them getting in the way in tight spaces is no longer an issue.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I don't really care. I own both styles and use each a respectable amount. A real mechanic has a pocket screwdriver on them at all times which is perfect for popping sockets off.
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
I don't want to whip out a little screwdriver every time i need a different size. For me the options are quick release or have out enough ratchets that there is one for each socket in use, which is usually three to five.
lazer50
Well-known member
These polls popping up have to be young fellas lol! I guess when i was young i would have preferred quick release on 1/4.you shouldnt have a problem on the larger sized.i use marvel mystery oil on the detention ball on my ratchets so i dont have issues with sockets coming off difficult.i guess depending on the job your working on you may get oil all over your ratchet/socket but as you get more experienced you'll find ways to avoid that or have a shop rag handy.using a pocket screw driver on sockets like one member mentioned would be a pain after awhile.i would just say when it comes to ratchets buy good quality!all of mine are snap on,mac,armstrong,corn well,older craftsman professional proto etc.i understand not everyone can afford snap on but armstrong is affordable! And if you must buy a non usa buy a gearwrench or carlyle.in the taiwan made carlyle is probably the best they have a 90 tooth in quick release or non and a 100tooth Roto head.
Super Sport
Well-known member
I prefer quick release, but I have newer Craftsman sockets with that double detent. Of course I have some non-QR ratchets in my box as well, but they're not really my go-tos. I've been on the hunt for a decently priced FR80 for some time now, but have yet to find a deal.
Roobaix
Well-known member
I don't really care. All of my Snap On stuff is standard release but I have a bunch of QR from other manufacturers.
bcradio
Well-known member
Couldn't be further from the truth. QR is much nicer when you need to switch sockets often. I much prefer it to fighting with getting the socket off every time.
I have many of both styles and almost always grab the QR first... hence why it is leading in this poll also.
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
Don't care for quick release. In my experience they usually release when you don't want them to. I like my standard ones better. My Snap On, SK, and Armstrong ratchets all keep them on. I don't really have trouble with the sockets not coming off either. With the exception on the last Snap On 1/4" ratchet I purchased. But that's just because it isn't used that often so it's not quite broke it yet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
abvw
Well-known member
I have 12 ratchets, 2 cordless and 4 air ratchets, I almost never had to swap sockets. That is for amateurs.
mcmtech
Well-known member
Standard. Not a fan of quick release
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I searched around for almost 6 months and just recently found a FR80 on eBay a few weeks ago. Got the guy down to $50 and boy oh boy am I one happy sob. In all honesty, I have an 84t 3/8" low profile ratchet from Craftsman with qr and it's really, very nice. Same exact internal design as maxx 88, but 4 less teeth. Hasn't let me down yet and I've put it through its paces many times. I wouldn't pay full price, but find one on clearance like I did and jump on it. Soon as I see a 1/2" one on clearance I'm going to go for it.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Yes, 1/4 is so damn small. Agreed.
QR except for 1/4" drive is for guys who A) like to palm the 1/4 for speed and/or B) use 1/4 in extremely tight spaces like under the dash, where a bump of the QR results in a socket hitting you in the eye or worse, rolling somewhere so you spend 10 minutes looking for it.
Been there, done that with both A and B myself.
I see no one in the Aerospace industry has voted yet.
Been there, done that with both A and B myself.
I see no one in the Aerospace industry has voted yet.
wvhillbillie
Well-known member
Use both but prefer standard.
OK so QR on everything except 1/4". Interesting that I did not have that preference until reading it in the poll choices and now I think that is my preference. Funny how these things work.
However, the ratchet I prefer the most my F80 is not QR. If I use another rat besides it, it will probably be a QR.
However, the ratchet I prefer the most my F80 is not QR. If I use another rat besides it, it will probably be a QR.
MikeF2316
Well-known member
Quick release all the way. Sockets stay on until you want them off. Then they fall off, after pushing the quick release button.
I would like to add that I have this issue with shallow sockets and oily hands. Semi- deep which I usually go for, are usually not too bad, deep sockets are easier.
I like to put the socket wheel adapter thing on if the space is not confined, as it makes it easier for me to take the shallow sockets off. I will as someone else mentioned use multiple ratchets, as I find that is quicker than swapping sockets. Even quicker than swapping sockets with my cordless impact with QR extensions, unless the run out is long.
I also like QR on flex head ratchets.
I prefer standard ratchet movement as I feel it is more precise. There is some give and take, nothing is perfect, but for me the 100 tooth roto head gets the closest to perfection.
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
I have both, QR is generally NOT my 1st choice
jdlong
Well-known member
LMAO. I had to go look at my ratchets. All of them are quick release. So I had no choice but to vote quick release.
1950mercury
Well-known member
You need to spend more time with your tools
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Awkward.