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

[T45]

Hey guys,

What about extensions and T-bars?

I will admit a qr on a Tbar is something I have dreamed of...

 

[Al Borland]

Rather have a round-head without a quick release, preferably a New Britain or one of it's clones.
Early experience with quick release was Craftsman RP pear heads, so......
That probably explains Round-head preference AND no Quick release preference.

 

[MikeF2316]

I prefer my socket to stay on when I'm using it, and not slip out of my oily hand when I want to remove it, so quick release all the way!

 

[HanShotFirst]

When a ratchet's drive square and ball detent fit a socket well, then I prefer no quick release.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I have some QR's, but I only use them if all the other ones are far away.

 

[Estebanchee]

Nothing worse than trying to pull off a socket with greasy hands on a non QR. I prefer QR, but I do have some sentimental affinity for a KAL round head that belonged to my father and a stubby 1/2 Truecraft ratchet that has a thimble designed to it.

 

[lilxtra]

Quick release, ALL THE WAY, some of the Snappy ratchets I have are a witch to get sockets off of, have to use a small screwdriver to get them off,tried lubing them and everything,
still the same, loved the old Craftsman QR feature

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

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.

This is true (don't ask me how I know), however I have a variety of both Q/R and non-Q/R ratchets in tooth counts from 20 to 88 at my disposal. When working in an environment where it is entirely possible to lose some of the drive components to friction/interference (think changing an unseen sparkplug in a restricted access location), I reach for a Q/R ratchet, locking extensions and any other help I can muster. When working in a greasy/oily environment, a Q/R is the first choice to facilitate rapid socket changeover. In an emergency, you use whatever is at hand and make due. To ask what type of tool is preferred overall seems somewhat pointless to me. After all, isn't need for a specific tool for a specific application the reason that we all have overflowing toolboxes in the first place????

Or am I putting WAAAYY TOO MUCH thought into this???????

 

[Citation]

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.

The difference in strength due to the hole is insignificant. I calculated it to be something around 3% for a 3/8" ratchet I was looking at. Basically it's an argument that sounds good until you do the math.

 

[KM223]

I don't think QR ratchets are necessary for 1/4 and 3/8 drive. I do however think they are beneficial for 1/2 drive when sockets start getting into the bigger heavier sizes. Same goes for (different subject but I'm saying it anyway) locking swivel head ratchets for the same reason.

 

[joel63]

This is true (don't ask me how I know), however I have a variety of both Q/R and non-Q/R ratchets in tooth counts from 20 to 88 at my disposal. When working in an environment where it is entirely possible to lose some of the drive components to friction/interference (think changing an unseen sparkplug in a restricted access location), I reach for a Q/R ratchet, locking extensions and any other help I can muster. When working in a greasy/oily environment, a Q/R is the first choice to facilitate rapid socket changeover. In an emergency, you use whatever is at hand and make due. To ask what type of tool is preferred overall seems somewhat pointless to me. After all, isn't need for a specific tool for a specific application the reason that we all have overflowing toolboxes in the first place???? Yes!

Or am I putting WAAAYY TOO MUCH thought into this???????

Maybe, but well stated.

 

[gearhead1]

This is true (don't ask me how I know), however I have a variety of both Q/R and non-Q/R ratchets in tooth counts from 20 to 88 at my disposal. When working in an environment where it is entirely possible to lose some of the drive components to friction/interference (think changing an unseen sparkplug in a restricted access location), I reach for a Q/R ratchet, locking extensions and any other help I can muster. When working in a greasy/oily environment, a Q/R is the first choice to facilitate rapid socket changeover. In an emergency, you use whatever is at hand and make due. To ask what type of tool is preferred overall seems somewhat pointless to me. After all, isn't need for a specific tool for a specific application the reason that we all have overflowing toolboxes in the first place????

Or am I putting WAAAYY TOO MUCH thought into this???????

+1, I have non-QR, but definitely prefer the QR for the same reasons. I hate the fiasco trying to remove a greasy socket. Time to get something done not screwing around.

 

[dan360]

It depends.

If it's an oily situation, I prefer quick release. Hyd oil can be a pain.

I have both styles. Try to stick with the Snap-on fine tooth head as IMO they're better for my needs than others. Lots of good options out there, though.

 

[joel63]

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

I even converted a short handle FK720 to QR.

I guess I must like them.