quick release ratchet or not?

[a52-830]

simple enough, which do you prefer, and why?

 

[camd64]

I prefer them in 1/4 drive but others can be either way.

 

[gdocktor3]

Snap On dual 80 quick release is IMO the best ratchet available and great for 1/4" and 3/8" drive. I also recently picked up a 1/2" Proto XL with quick release and its a bad mother!

 

[Fedwrench]

Quick release buttons often add too much to the thickness of the ratchet head.

I've never really had issues removing sockets on non quick release ratchets

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Snap On dual 80 quick release is IMO the best ratchet available and great for 1/4" and 3/8" drive. I also recently picked up a 1/2" Proto XL with quick release and its a bad mother!

I'm a recent convert to the Dual 80 QR ratchets, and can't believe I didn't do it sooner. They really do make it easier dealing with smaller chrome sockets, not so much with impact sockets on a ratchet.

Quick release buttons often add too much to the thickness of the ratchet head.

Some brands seem to, I was happy that with a socket locked on, the Snap-on button sat flush with the direction lever, so no real added overall thickness.

 

[M6erfan]

Quick release buttons often add too much to the thickness of the ratchet head.

I've never really had issues removing sockets on non quick release ratchets

Interesting view. Many of my QR ratchets are lower profile than some of my standard ratchets...

Oily glove trying to remove sockets...BTDT

 

[Skin]

Tried them all, I still have some normal ratchets left but my go-to are Nepros 90 and dual 80 QR and I've largely sold off the rest. Larger sockets aren't a problem but shallow chrome with no undercut can be a pain and its a plus that the socket is locked on so it doesn't pop off at every rusted bolt.

Another advantage is you can use the button to keep resistance on the gear so the ratchet continues to ratchet where a standard one would hit a point where the fastener free spins back and forth.

The button adds some thickness but I seldom use them in locations where the extra 1/4 of an inch matters and if I need max clearance I use a ratcheting wrench or the Apex ratchets (Cman Premium, Matco 88, Armstrong 60/88 etc..) which are the thinnest heads around, so I keep 1 of each drive size handy.

Nepros 90 are the same thickness as a dual 80 with the QR button flush for what its worth. Still pricey.

 

[PFSard]

Quick release when I have greasy hands. Otherwise, most of mine are not.

 

[PugetDude]

Real men are secure enough in their manhood to deal with sockets that fall off the wrench every now and then.

 

[Infinia]

Real men are secure enough in their manhood to deal with sockets that fall off the wrench every now and then.

It makes you feel better "premature release mishaps happen to all men one time or another"

yuck-yuck




.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Getting this back on track... 1/4" is always quick release preferred, 3/8" is sometimes, and 1/2" is usually not. Really slimy hands and snap on non quick release in 1/4" drive is remarkably frustrating.

 

[BK13]

Non for me. Every time I use the HF composite rat I yank on the socket trying to remove it. Doesn't work real well... all my rats I like are sans-button...older Snappy, Armstrong MAXX, GW 120...


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[Qualitytools]

I like the added convenience of the quick release but I do have both kinds. However, I do prefer the QR!

 

[mrjaw14]

Does the hole in the drive tang for the release not make it weaker? I'd rather have a stronger ratchet if that is actually the case

 

[Parrothead]

Quick release and only quick release. Non quick release are just a pain in the ****

 

[ChrisLS8]

I prefer QR

 

[oldldh]

I have both...

4 - 120 tooth GearWrench flex heads and 10 - 72 tooth Tekton all types with Quick Release...

Both types have their uses, but the Tekton's are mighty nice, and they are well worth the money...

 

[Dimitri]

I used to own quick release ratchets when I was younger. Primarily cheap brands.

All my "good" ratchets (SK, Snapon) are non-quick release. Never had a problem with them.

Dimitri

 

[joel63]

I like the added convenience of the quick release but I do have both kinds. However, I do prefer the QR!

^^^^^ x2

I have QR in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 drive.

 

[winlinmac]

I have both as well, my QR ratchets are primarily those Made in Taiwan. Used aggressively when working on cars. However, I prefer the non-QR style in the tight areas when it may be easy to loose a socket because the QR button accidentally gets in contact with something around it. SK and Wright are good brands to consider as far as non-QR style ratchets go, the only con is the bulk size on the head of the ratchet as those are round-head ratchets. The QR ratchets are typically pear-shaped and maintain a slimmer profile.

 

[gungatim]

need a 3rd option: Both have their place

I prefer quick release for some jobs. like doing spark plugs where I want to pull the ratchet off without pulling the extension and socket off to finish spinning by hand.

other times I want the solid connection of a non-quick release.

they are both used fairly equally in my shop. getting a socket off a tight non-quick release can be a pain sometimes, but not enough to stop me from using a ratchet in that format.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Quick release zisespecially helpful with oily or greasy hands

 

[Olafur]

QR is better 99% of the time. For the remaining 1% one could have more than one ratchet. Believe it or not - it's not unheard of people have more than one.

 

[FigureItOut]

I prefer quick release mostly, but not a huge deal. Extensions though are a different story. Except for wobbles I never grab a non-locking extension anymore.

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[cliftonbros89]

I know there was a thread on this topic not long ago. But I still say no quick release for me. Just don't care for it. I know people complain about Snap On ratchets and having trouble getting the socket off. They may be a little trouble some at first. But it's nothing a pocket screwdriver can't take care of. Plus once they're broke in they're fine. Just never cared for the quick release. After all SK and Armstrong aren't quick release. I never have any trouble with them. There's not a quick release to be found in my shop box, service truck box, or tool kit in my personal truck.


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[maxpower_hd]

I voted yes but it really is "it depends". When I am all greasy and oily in the heat of battle I like the quick release. But most of mine are not.

 

[fatfillup]

need more options

Have and use both kinds

 

[L.Cheapo]

I only had QR ratchets until I bought my first Snap on ratchet in the mid 90s. Havent bought a QR ratchet since, and most likely wont.

 

[openwheelracing88]

I've been debating whether to get Gearwrench (Taiwan) or DeWalt (Taiwan). Only the latter has quick release but the former has more teeth (84 for 3/8 and 120 for 1/4). I already have a 3/8 SK Tuff 1 ratchet (45175) therefore I am leaning towards the DeWalt just for sake of variety. Any thoughts?

I just gave all my old Walmart crappy socket set to my dad (sorry Dad) and I am in full hand tool upgrade mode. Exciting times!! I am only left with my backup 1/4 set Kobalt Xtreme Access that I got for dirt cheap a year ago.

 

[Roobaix]

I have both and use both.

All of my Snap On dual 80's are non QR and those by far get the most use.

 

[TJKamp]

The only non-quick release ratchets I have ever used have been the cheap Crescent Brand (recent production) 3/8 drive non-QR ratchets we keep on the service trucks at work. If your hands are even mildly moist (we work on water wells) you have to go grab a flat head screw driver to get the socket off.

I’ve been eyeballing higher quality fine tooth ratchets for my personal toolbox at home, and am noticing many of the higher quality fine tooth ratchets are not offered in a QR version. Am I correct in thinking that they will be at least slightly less of a PITA than the ones we have at work?

If I end up spending SK or Proto level $ on it, I don’t want have the desire to through it across the garage every time my hands are a little greasy and I need to swap back and forth between sockets.

Thanks!

 

[Ton ton]

I use both and prefer QR.

 

[lardy1]

It doesn't matter. If it's QR I still try to pull the socket off. I have a hard time remembering QR even exists and some of my newer ratchets have it.

 

[_Riddle]

When I was researching ratchets I chose non QD to keep the thickness down. I've had a few experiences where the slightly thinner head made all the difference. I'm also not a pro so it doesn't bother me if it takes a few seconds longer to change sockets since I'm not doing it for 8+ hours per day.

 

[richfinn]

No QR for me, can't get along with it. Keep it simple less chance of dirt getting in without QR

 

[gatlibs]

I prefer Quick Releasing rat gets because they can be operated one handed.

 

[jgromada]

I have usually not had too much difficulty removing sockets from a ratchet so not a biggie.

I DO wish there was a better way to release ratchets from my 20v Dewalt impact, that is ALWAYS a problem.

 

[SkinnyG]

While I do prefer a QR ratchet, it's not a deal breaker for me either way.

 

[platypus20]

You mean they make ratchets that you don’t have to change the drive plug to the other side of the head to change directions??

 

[16again]

Doesn’t really matter to me. I only have one QR and I just got it. Koken 1/4 Drive.