Quick release or not?

[dkop1]

I'm looking to get a long handle. Comfort grip snap on 3/8 drive ratchet, and I can get the quick release or non... It's only a $5 difference for me, so price isn't the issue. Most every ratchet I own isn't quick release, but I'm considering getting that one to make removing small sockets (<13mm) easier. Any thoughts?

 

[dkop1]

*flex head long handle ratchet, BTW.

Sent from my MotoE2 using Tapatalk

 

[Fedwrench]

Strictly a personal opinion but, I feel that a quick release mechanism weakens the square drive and I don't care for quick release buttons that aren't flush with the ratchet head but, that's just me.

 

[bobcatdan]

I don't really care either way. Never found a reason to want it, never found a reason to dislike. My go to ratchets at work in 1/4" and 3/8" flexheads are both QR SO for the last year or so. I like them and the QR causes no problems. That said I made it 15 years in the industry without a QR ratchet just fine. 100% your personal choice. I see no real world downfall to either design.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I personally don't like quick release ratchets, the button just get in the way in tight spots.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

No for me.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[APEowner]

I personally don't like quick release ratchets, the button just get in the way in tight spots.

ditto

 

[Wakefield]

Are newer designs improved,that is not as much weakened out of the square drive?
Wasn't the first one introduced on a Craftsman?

 

[Ponchoguy]

Are newer designs improved,that is not as much weakened out of the square drive?
Wasn't the first one introduced on a Craftsman?

The Sears QR was the subject of a lawsuit that was settled in the '80s. A Sears clerk designed it, showed it to his superiors and Sears bought the idea stating that they wouldn't sell that many of them. Well, the idea exploded. Eventually, the inventor sued and prevailed, but it took a LONG time.

I'm a mostly QR ratchet person.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?...AIBAJ&sjid=y-EDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7138,4472004&hl=en

 

[M6erfan]

I started with C'man QR ratchets many years ago so I'm used to them. I don't find them any "weaker" than non-QR nor has the QR button got in my way. I used to not care one way or the other but if I had a choice I would go with QR every time.

Recently I've been going to all QR ratchets due to the fact that I have early arthritis setting in...

 

[lightning02]

If your use to non-QR then I'd stick with that. Your might get one with QR and fine the fatter head getting in the way since you ain't use to it. I like both so I own both.

 

[Tim37]

What do you do?

If you deal with a lot of greasy equipment but arnt in a lot of tight spots I would say go for the qr.

 

[sac02]

I like QR ratchets and use them more often than not. Actually, it's not the RELEASE feature that I like, but the fact that the socket/extention is locked on when I don't want it to come off. I find that really useful, personally.

As a rebuttal to seemingly everyone else who says they don't like QR ratchets because they are thicker and bulkier in tight spots - really? You don't have more than 1 ratchet? I have slim ratchets for when I need to get in a tight spot (10% of the time) and my more preferred QR ratchets for the other 90% of the time.

 

[Vantastic]

If you are a 12 year old girl get the quick release.

 

[Wamsutta]

Quick release ratchets are habit forming. If you get used to them, you'll start pushing on the tops of every ratchet you own. Conversely, if you're used to regular ratchets and you pick up a quick release ratchet, you'll be tugging on the socket for a split second wondering why the socket doesn't come off.

 

[royesses]

I have both. I always go for the QR if available. Holds the socket or extension when in long reach tight places and if you are on your back under a vehicle and your hands are covered in greasy slime you can easily remove the socket. I've never broken or seen a broken ratchet because of the QR.

 

[66354dream]

I don't mind either type but can't stand struggling to pull off a socket with greasy hands on the non QR.

 

[BMack37]

Quick release ratchets are habit forming. If you get used to them, you'll start pushing on the tops of every ratchet you own. Conversely, if you're used to regular ratchets and you pick up a quick release ratchet, you'll be tugging on the socket for a split second wondering why the socket doesn't come off.

Yup. It's easier going from quick release user to non-qr than the other way...so I say go non-qr. I prefer QR just because my first ratchet set was a Kobalt Williams set which was quick release, so it's just habit and I like the way it looks. I have no problem with non-quick release, as long as they aren't cheap. I've seen cheap non-QRs have the retaining bearing stick in either position so the socket is stuck on or just falls off.

 

[davethorik]

I have QR and non, I prefer non. As someone once told me, less parts less problems.

 

[malibu101]

I am a QR man.
I like the socket retention and the ability to QR a socket with 1 hand when I'm in an awkward position under a car and need to change a socket.

 

[BK13]

Personal choice. I'm personally not a fan, but my current most-grabbed ratchet has QR.

 

[Skin]

Love my QR. Pulling stuff off with oily hands *****. Same with having your sockets or extensions pop off your ratchet during removal which happens constantly in the rust belt. Remember, its not just quick release, its locking. The Snap-Ons have been my most used ratchets since they introduced them.

If the button is going to "interfere" then chances are a regular ratchet is going to barely work too and there is a better tool (through socket or ratcheting wrench). We're talking about a mere 1/8th of an inch here, nothing game changing and with Snap-Ons the direction lever is already sticking out roughly the same distance anyway.

QR also have the added benefit of using the button like the back of a palm control ratchet, so that you're applying resistance to a loose fastener preventing the back-drag from spinning the bolt/nut the wrong way.

If you really want a flush design Nepros 90 tooth feel very similar to dual 80s and have a flat button. Unfortunately they also cost more.

 

[Empty Pockets]

My go to ratchet is a Wright 4400 that I bought in the 1970's.... I have many others but that one just fits my hand well, I've used a few QR ratchets, but the old favourite is still the favourite.

 

[lightning02]

Iv never had a socket or extention fall off or of the sort on any non-QR ratchets Iv ever owned. Maybe bc I don't just use one ratchet all the time. I like to give them all a workout lol

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Personal preference really... But with greasy hands I prefer quick release..

 

[ajchien]

I like QR ratchets and use them more often than not. Actually, it's not the RELEASE feature that I like, but the fact that the socket/extention is locked on when I don't want it to come off. I find that really useful, personally.

As a rebuttal to seemingly everyone else who says they don't like QR ratchets because they are thicker and bulkier in tight spots - really? You don't have more than 1 ratchet? I have slim ratchets for when I need to get in a tight spot (10% of the time) and my more preferred QR ratchets for the other 90% of the time.

I'll second this sentiment. There are some situations where I like my extensions locked on with the QR ratchets. It annoys me when I pull the ratchet up and the extension pops loose. You know, times when the socket sticks to the bolt or you've passed an extension through a plastic shroud, or there are quite a few things that may catch on the socket as you're removing things.

On the other hand, for a long handled flex head which you might be sticking the head of the ratchet down somewhere, I'd prefer non QR, as I don't want an accidentally dropped socket.

 

[dkop1]

Thanks everyone! I'm thinking I'll grab the QR. I have a hard time pulling small sockets off when they, me, or both are grease covered. With Snap On I get the student discount, so I'm looking at 60-65 dollars. I like my long handle dual 80 so I figure I'll like the flex handle too.

Sent from my MotoE2 using Tapatalk

 

[dkop1]

I have a craftsman flex head that is QR, and I don't like the handle, but the button had never gotten in my way that I can remember

Sent from my MotoE2 using Tapatalk