Ratchets - Quick release or not

[_brian_]

What is your preference on ratchets and why, quick release or non quick release? Is it simply a preference or is there a tangible reason?

I was always to understand that the non quick release was a bit stronger as there was no release through the anvil, but in looking at specifications (like Tekton for example) the rated torque is the same. I would assume another reason could be that not having the release button can provide more room / clearance, but so many ratchets now have the button at least somewhat flush to the ratchet head.

 

[lardy1]

I think I'm supposed to like quick release for all the reasons the marketing department can come up with...………….but I don't. I grew up with and still prefer SK round head ratchets. I just never developed the habit of using quick release so, to me, it's a distraction.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I use quick release when it would cause a problem if the socket came off the ratchet.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Quick releases to me are pointless. In practice, I've had quick releases not work properly before and release the socket.

 

[Dave455]

I think it depends on what you use. I have regular ratchets (KoKen spring to mind) that I never have problems removing a socket or extension from, and don’t own any quick release ratchets.

On the other hand, I have others, such as Snap On (especially 3/8 drive) where the sockets and extensions lock on so positively, that they can be a struggle to remove with greasy hands. I’ve got a mixture of regular and quick release, but am reaching for the quick release most often!

 

[davethorik]

I don't own many ratchets with QR, and hardly ever use them.
Any time I do have to use one, watch me struggle to pull the socket off because I forget it does have QR. I guess I'm just used to non-QR.

 

[bob15]

Depends on what your working on. If I am working on a pump that will cover my hands in oil, and oil is still running out of the pump and I need to change sockets, the quick release is real handy. But then there are also times that the quick release can be a nuisance.

It isn't bad to be able to go both ways.....

 

[The Fall]

Non QR. Preference.

 

[Wamsutta]

In some situations I can see an advantage. Like when you have your arm stuck between the engine and the firewall changing spark plugs. If you want to remove the ratchet separate from the extension and the socket, a quick release is nice. Sometimes you don't have the room to bring all three out at once.

Another situation would be the engaging the ratchet into the square drive of a Lisle inner tie rod tool.

 

[CAMMShaft]

I use both, but prefer QR. There have been way to many occasions when an oily socket has been a pain to get off the ratchet.

CAMM

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[Fedwrench]

I prefer no quick release.

 

[CJM8515]

i like qr, oily/greasy sockets are a paint to get off.

 

[M6erfan]

I have and use both but QR, I'm a fan. Too often my hands are oily/slippery and QR is super handy to have, especially in 1/4" drive with straight wall sockets. Euro and Japan design sockets facilitate removal a bit better with their undercuts, but still it's sometimes a pain. Nitrile gloves only compound the issue.

 

[_brian_]

Depends on what your working on. If I am working on a pump that will cover my hands in oil, and oil is still running out of the pump and I need to change sockets, the quick release is real handy. But then there are also times that the quick release can be a nuisance.

It isn't bad to be able to go both ways.....

Can you elaborate on the nuisance aspect?

 

[davethorik]

Pulling a ratchet with an extension and swivel socket out of a tight area, bump QR button, your extension and socket are now in Narnia. It happened to me once, using someone else's tools, I forget what brand. It wasn't too bad to retrieve with a magnetic pick up tool. It could have been worse.

 

[kb1982]

Snap on non quick release ratchets are bear to get sockets off. If the socket gets oily, its takes a wipe off to get them off. Its a double edged sword. Your not losing your socket in the deep unobservable abyss in a tight spot by accidentally hitting the button. A good quick release should never let a socket come off, until you back the ratchet up into something in a tight spot. If you never want a socket to come off, get a pin detent ratchet.

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[WAID]

Was raised on raised panel craftsmen so the non QR ratchets are weird. Bought some craftsman premium ratchets years ago and barely use them because of the lack of QR until recently.

 

[David0858]

I can't stand a ratchet without QR.

 

[tym]

I have both but always seem to reach for the non-QR. If I'm in a really tight spot, I'll typically reach for a ratcheting combo wrench--if it'll fit.

That said, agree with the others that an oily socket can be a real PITA to remove from SO 3/8" ratchets given the kung-fu grip of the detent. Don't hate me, but I might have used a screwdriver to pry sockets off 'em in the past.

 

[Yarpo]

Not a single QR ratchet in my box at work, own one or two at home, I really prefer the non QR. No reason really. Just always used them and I don't see any reason to have QR.

 

[Qualitytools]

I prefer the QR especially when your hands are slippery and trying to pull the socket off, it can be frustrating. I don't think strength plays a part in the equation.

 

[gearhead1]

I prefer the QR especially when your hands are slippery and trying to pull the socket off, it can be frustrating. I don't think strength plays a part in the equation.

+1, I prefer the QR also.

 

[Htscheg]

Absolutely no quick release here for me!

 

[16again]

Growing up i only knew Craftsman with the QR. I actually got used to finding the dropped socket in the abyss when i hit the button. These days I like my SNAP ON without QR.

 

[bob15]

Can you elaborate on the nuisance aspect?

If I am quickly spinning a fastener down using one hand, the palm of the hand is sitting right on the button and can release the ratchet from the socket unexpectedly and untimely. I also find that the previous scenario can sometimes happens with round head ratchets. To me, I find that to be a nuisance.

I don't have that issue with my Snappy (non-QR) pear heads (F830) which have the selector switch partially recessed.

I am not bashing any style because like I said earlier I have QR and use them at work.

 

[kythri]

No specific preference myself - I've got a ton of QR and non-QR.

I do seem to typically be using a non-QR (Snap-on or GW) more often than not.

Can't say that I've ever had an issue with a QR ratchet "accidentally" releasing a socket.

 

[MikeF2316]

I prefer quick release for all the reasons stated above, but especially because of the "oily hands/can't pull socket off" reason.

 

[jshillin]

I have several of each, but prefer QR in most cases.

 

[CR888]

Its a personal preference, best the op get one of each & start turning metal. We can't answer what you will like.

 

[_brian_]

Its a personal preference, best the op get one of each & start turning metal. We can't answer what you will like.

I am seeing this as the general answer from all, it is either a preference type of decision or preference is at least one of the major factors.

I have never had the issues explained by others with QR dropping and releasing extensions and sockets when not intended. Personally, I find the non QR a hassle as it takes more effort to remove the socket and I fail to see the advantage of non QR. I believe that in tools and designs, there is always a give and take exchange. If not, then one design goes obsolete and replaced by the superior one. It appears that trade off is in the possibility of accidentally releasing the socket with QR, especially in some situations where the non QR can safeguard against it.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I started out using non QR, but I am starting to see the advantages of QR, and though I have plenty of ratchets, if I ever get another one it will be quick release. If you think QR can be a nuisance because you forget that stupid little button, just wait until you have to get a small screwdriver to pry a socket off a ratchet because the damn 8mm is too small to grip with stubby greasy hands like mine and the friggin 3/8 snap on that cost me a small fortune just won't let go, then you'll know what a nuisance really is.

 

[eschoendorff]

I use quick release when it would cause a problem if the socket came off the ratchet.

Same here. Otherwise no QR

 

[Davefr]

I love quick release but if you're in a situation where accidental release would be a major problem then pick one without.

I hate trying to pry a socket off a non QR ratchet with oily hands - and some tend to be on very tight.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have an odd reason for not preferring the quick release. Eclatorq makes a digital angle gauge that you attach to the back of your ratchet via a magnet. The magnet doesn't work if there is a quick release button standing proud of the surface. It works great on a flat surface. So I don't use quick release ratchets. Also, drilling out the drive for the quick release mechanism weakens the drive which is normally what breaks if you over torque a ratchet.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

For working on cars, given the choice of either, I would not get a QR. Sometimes you find the ratchet you like and don't have a choice.

If you are working in a foreign object sensitive area, like an airplane, or other aerospace hardware, QR is mandatory.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I don't have a preference. As I like round head ratchets it kind of limits the options for quick release. I used SO ratchets for the twenty years that I was working dealerships, I just got used to grabbing a screwdriver to pry off the socket if it was too slippery to pull off by hand.

 

[71firebird400]

Nothing quick about a quick release. I avoid them.

 

[plinker]

The problem with QR ratchets is the second you put an extension on it it voids the idea of the QR in the first place, unless you use a locking extension in conjunction with it.

I would say sockets coming off of extensions by accident (particularly long ones) is a bigger concern.

 

[CJM8515]

I started out using non QR, but I am starting to see the advantages of QR, and though I have plenty of ratchets, if I ever get another one it will be quick release. If you think QR can be a nuisance because you forget that stupid little button, just wait until you have to get a small screwdriver to pry a socket off a ratchet because the damn 8mm is too small to grip with stubby greasy hands like mine and the friggin 3/8 snap on that cost me a small fortune just won't let go, then you'll know what a nuisance really is.

Thats why i like QR over not having it. I swear Ive PRIED sockets off ratchets before and it took all my might to get it off.

 

[BarryWells]

I prefer knurled socketry.