Sealed Head vs. Quick Release Ratchets...

[pfbz]

So Sealed Head vs. Quick Release Ratchets...

Thoughts? Opinions?

Bonus points for pictures of your favorites...

 

[pfbz]

I have plenty of both, but in general I think I prefer the standard/sealed vs quick release in most situations...

 

[YotaTRD4x4]

I prefer sealed most of the time because I have had to fight some of the quick release ratchets to release stuck sockets in tight spaces etc. Also like to not push a button for socket removal most of the time.

There are times where push button is nice like greasy wet hands or small sockets in 1/4 that sometimes are a bear to pull off a ratchet.

I have a mix of both sealed and push button releases and use both frequently though.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I prefer quick release as Ive had the opposite happen to me. Sockets stuck on sealed head ratchet, or super loose and just fall off. It's super annoying at times, specially when your hands are covered in oil. But that's it you need to get a quality quick release cuz some are just plain trash . I think strength is no longer an issue, but if you're looking for that then go non QR.

 

[Callelle]

I prefer my anvils not to have a hole bored through the middle of them.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I have a few quick release (Craftsman RHFT for example), and maybe 1 or 2 others, but that's about it. I like it as a feature, but not enough that I'd eschew a ratchet that didn't have it, or buy one just because of it. It's not something I ever felt I needed enough to factor it into purchasing decisions.

 

[KnurledNut]

I like having both within reach.
QR is nice for being able to leave the socket and extension on the bolt after breaking loose, removing the ratchet and then spinning the extension out the rest of the way. This is especially helpful removing recessed bolts in belly pans for instance. Same for installation. I’ll usually grab a locking extension in those cases too.
I also like QR when I cant easily reach my hand to the fastener so that the socket doesnt get stuck and come off. The QR on my extra long flex heads has been beneficial for said use.
Its also helpful when using short adaptors so they don’t get stuck in the socket.

 

[finn]

I prefer my anvils not to have a hole bored through the middle of them.

One of the exercises we did in a long forgotten finite element class in engineering school 55 years ago was to compare the strength of a solid bar vs one with a hole bored through the center. It surprised me at the time to find the amount of lost strength when a hole was punched in the center was relatively insignificant.

 

[Callelle]

One of the exercises we did in a long forgotten finite element class in engineering school 55 years ago was to compare the strength of a solid bar vs one with a hole bored through the center. It surprised me at the time to find the amount of lost strength when a hole was punched in the center was relatively insignificant.

That's fine in a lab environment where situations are perfect. In the real world when you deal with deflection from various reasons, it's a bit different.

 

[kctgb]

I prefer my anvils not to have a hole bored through the middle of them.

Me too!

 

[seber]

One of the exercises we did in a long forgotten finite element class in engineering school 55 years ago was to compare the strength of a solid bar vs one with a hole bored through the center. It surprised me at the time to find the amount of lost strength when a hole was punched in the center was relatively insignificant.

I ran that calculation not too long ago. As I recall it was around a 3% loss in torsional strength.

 

[darkzero]

I prefer standard but probay cause that's what I'm used to. Quick release don't bother me but it's not really a feature that I thought was "better" or necessary for my uses. The only ratchets I currently own with quick release are Nepros.

I say standard because sealed has a whole new meaning to me now. Before sealed meant there were orings in the head. When I got those SB&D Craftsman V-series ratchets that were described as sealed, I had no idea that they really meant it & can't easily be opened up. But really those should be called non-serviceable rather than sealed.

 

[finn]

I prefer standard but probay cause that's what I'm used to. Quick release don't bother me but it's not really a feature that I thought was "better" or necessary for my uses. The only ratchets I currently own with quick release are Nepros.

I say standard because sealed has a whole new meaning to me now. Before sealed meant there were orings in the head. When I got those SB&D Craftsman V-series ratchets that were described as sealed, I had no idea that they really meant it & can't easily be opened up. But really those should be called non-serviceable rather than sealed.

In reality, so called “serviceable” ratchets are a relic of the past.

It suspect would cost SnapOn, for one, less to just replace the entire ratchet with new rather than stocking low volume mechanisms for ratchets long out of production. People underestimate the inherent and inevitable cost of stocking and distributing parts. Old habits die hard, though.

When sealed ratchets started becoming popular, there was a huge outcry that the sky was falling. You just don’t hear that now that non rebuildable ratchets are popping up everywhere.

 

[William Payne]

When I brought my trusty snap-on f936 it was my first sealed head. Honestly it didn’t take long to get used to it. I don’t like a lose sloppy ratchet. I really couldn’t pick one over the other except the head must be tight. None of the sloppy joes special that many ratchets seem to be.

Hard to find better than snap-on for ratchets. But I can’t say what the f80’s are like. I only have my old f936.

 

[darkzero]

In reality, so called “serviceable” ratchets are a relic of the past.

It suspect would cost SnapOn, for one, less to just replace the entire ratchet with new rather than stocking low volume mechanisms for ratchets long out of production. People underestimate the inherent and inevitable cost of stocking and distributing parts. Old habits die hard, though.

When sealed ratchets started becoming popular, there was a huge outcry that the sky was falling. You just don’t hear that now that non rebuildable ratchets are popping up everywhere.

Perhaps that may be true & I don't disagree. To me serviceable means that the ratchet can be disassembled for at least cleaning even if a manufacturer never offered a rebuild kit.

After that V-series fiasco, I will never buy a "non-serviceable" ratchet again (the V-series were gifts). But that's not to say I would not buy a ratchet if a rebuild kit wasn't available. If I can't open the ratchet, I won't buy it.

But perhaps I'm becoming a relic of the past too. All my other ratchets are serviceable, my old Danaher/Armstrong era Matco ratchets are still some of my favorites & I actually just put new kits in them some months ago. Up until last year, the Nepros & SO Dual 80s are the newest ratchets that I own (not counting those V-series which I don't use anymore), haven't purchased ratchets in a long time. I never use the Nepros & I still use my 936s more over the dual80s. I'm good with the relics I have.

 

[finn]

Perhaps that may be true & I don't disagree. To me serviceable means that the ratchet can be disassembled for at least cleaning even if a manufacturer never offered a rebuild kit.

After that V-series fiasco, I will never buy a "non-serviceable" ratchet again (the V-series were gifts). But that's not to say I would not buy a ratchet if a rebuild kit wasn't available. If I can't open the ratchet, I won't buy it.

But perhaps I'm becoming a relic of the past too. All my other ratchets are serviceable, my old Danaher/Armstrong era Matco ratchets are still some of my favorites & I actually just put new kits in them some months ago. Up until last year, the Nepros & SO Dual 80s are the newest ratchets that I own (not counting those V-series which I don't use anymore), haven't purchased ratchets in a long time. I never use the Nepros & I still use my 936s more over the dual80s. I'm good with the relics I have.

I assume you’re rebelling at the high backdrag the V series has when new.
I like my VSeries better than my Snapons that need disassembly and cleaning. I don’t enjoy working “on” my tools. A little backdragging is more tolerable than having to spend the better part of an hour ripping apart a ratchet, then looking for the balls, springs, and clips that rolled on the floor, to say nothing of ordering the kits.

I still have a kit for one of my 1/4” SnapOn ratchets that’s probably eight years old. It’s a low priority job that has to be done, but probably won’t in my lifetime. I just grab another ratchet from the box, even if it has high backdrag.

By the way, the backdrag on the v series seems to improve with use.

 

[liliysdad]

I don’t, and won’t own a ratchet I can’t rebuild. I have kits for every ratchet I own, save one, in the box just in case.

 

[darkzero]

I assume you’re rebelling at the high backdrag the V series has when new.
I like my VSeries better than my Snapons that need disassembly and cleaning. I don’t enjoy working “on” my tools. A little backdragging is more tolerable than having to spend the better part of an hour ripping apart a ratchet, then looking for the balls, springs, and clips that rolled on the floor, to say nothing of ordering the kits.

I still have a kit for one of my 1/4” SnapOn ratchets that’s probably eight years old. It’s a low priority job that has to be done, but probably won’t in my lifetime. I just grab another ratchet from the box, even if it has high backdrag.

By the way, the backdrag on the v series seems to improve with use.

Yep the backdrag. There was one Christmas where between my brothers we a requested are own gifts. Although I'm not a fan of SB&D Craftsman I choose those V-series ratchets. The ones without comfort grips or whatever, only because of their looks, I love single diagonal knurling. I had no idea "non-serviceable" ratchets even existed at the time.

They got me the full set, 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2. Used them a few times, thought nothing much of them. Then when I started my current job working on cars again, I took the 1/4 & 3/8 to work. The 3/8 & 1/2 backdrag aren't too bad. Their thick heads didn't bother me at all. But the backdrag on my 1/4 is absolutely horrible, by far the worst of any ratchet I own. I tried applying oil into it, spinning it with a drill, none of that really helped. I kept using the thing daily hoping it work "break in". Finally I gave up after so.many months. I got tired of having to use two hands to overcome the backdrag or using my finger to spin the socket when holding the ratchet.

So I retired them & took em home. I won't ever get rid of them cause they were gifts from my brothers. I may use them occasionally around the house but I have plenty of better ratchets at home. Funny cause at my current job, the name of the game is mostly buying cheap but acceptable tools for work. All my good stuff from my past wrenching career stays at home. I currently work on cars but it's not repairs.

For work I replaced those 1/4 & 3/8 with Die Hard branded ratchets from Advanced Auto. Paid $37 for both of them & have been happy with them ever since.

Sorry for the novel, I really wanted to like those V-series. And with all my SO & Matco ratchets, the Matcos are the only ones I have ever put rebuild kits in but not cause they needed them. Just decided to convert them from 60T to 88T. None of my SO ratchets have ever needed rebuild kits except for my FHL936A when I broke the anvil (which my dealer installed).

 

[liliysdad]

V-series is dead….

https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-v-series-discontinued-2025/Craftsman Discontinued their Best Hand Tools – Goodbye V-Series

 

[darkzero]

V-series is dead….

https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-v-series-discontinued-2025/Craftsman Discontinued their Best Hand Tools – Goodbye V-Series

Thanks for the link, I would have never seen that, I stopped visiting that guy's a site a while ago.

Although I'm not a fan of SB&D Craftsman & I hated the backdrag on that 1/4 ratchet, the V-series line didn't seem too bad to me. A bit overpriced, yes. I have the V-series RBRT hex sockets.

I feel like they did a poor job offering them. Around here I have never seen them in stores Lowes or anywhere else. They opened a new Ace Hardware near me & they started stocking them but Ace's prices are even higher. I never see anyone browsing their tool aisles.

Sorry to the OP for continuing to steer off topic. But yeah standard/sealed!

 

[Andres26tnt]

I assume you’re rebelling at the high backdrag the V series has when new.
I like my VSeries better than my Snapons that need disassembly and cleaning. I don’t enjoy working “on” my tools. A little backdragging is more tolerable than having to spend the better part of an hour ripping apart a ratchet, then looking for the balls, springs, and clips that rolled on the floor, to say nothing of ordering the kits.

I still have a kit for one of my 1/4” SnapOn ratchets that’s probably eight years old. It’s a low priority job that has to be done, but probably won’t in my lifetime. I just grab another ratchet from the box, even if it has high backdrag.

By the way, the backdrag on the v series seems to improve with use.

The backdrag thing is hilarious to me. No one cared for it a few years ago, not a peep until certain YouTube's and influencers talk about it. Now it's the most important thing ever.

I don't mind sealed ratchet when they are quality, craftsman or I should say Stanley B&D had the right ratchet to rebrand from usag/facom. Instead they chose a random tooth count with double stacked pawls design. Not super bad, but Not something professional buyers will want.

 

[finn]

Thanks for the link, I would have never seen that, I stopped visiting that guy's a site a while ago.

Although I'm not a fan of SB&D Craftsman & I hated the backdrag on that 1/4 ratchet, the V-series line didn't seem too bad to me. A bit overpriced, yes. I have the V-series RBRT hex sockets.

I feel like they did a poor job offering them. Around here I have never seen them in stores Lowes or anywhere else. They opened a new Ace Hardware near me & they started stocking them but Ace's prices are even higher. I never see anyone browsing their tool aisles.

Sorry to the OP for continuing to steer off topic. But yeah standard/sealed!

Lowe’s had them on sale as part of this past year’s Christmas promotion.

Price was reasonable so I picked up a set. Probably not my favorite, but a far bit better than the old raised panel from the eighties.

 

[Professor Gascan]

When I only had three ratchets, I appreciated that they had qr buttons. Having to swap sockets while you're laying on the ground under a vehicle with greasy hands was pretty useful. Now that I have enough ratchets to have them set up for different sizes it doesn't matter as much, either way is fine for me.

If I'm applying enough force that I think I might sheer off a qr anvil I'm switching to a breaker bar. Also back drag is a term i'd never even heard of until I started watching YT ratchet "reviews" and researching them here. If I have a fastener loose enough where back drag is preventing a ratchet from ratcheting, it's loose enough that I'm spinning it off with my fingers or with just the socket if it's out of reach. It's what I did for years and never thought twice about tbh. It's nice bonus if I happened to buy one with it, but it's not a reason to specifically seek one out, at least for me.

 

[mikey03]

I think if I was working at an oil change shop I’d want QR since could be easier to drop the socket off with oil covered tools and hands. But then again if I was doing that job I would just have 2 or 3 ratchets set up with the common sizes. 14 mm is what I seen most but maybe 2 or 3 would cover all drain plugs idk

for everyday stuff honestly just no QR for me

 

[Steve_P]

I ran that calculation not too long ago. As I recall it was around a 3% loss in torsional strength.

This may be true for 3/8 and 1/2 drive, but if you look at the Project Farm tests on 1/4 drive ratchets, every QR ratchet failed significantly lower than non QR; I don't remember the amount, but it was more like a 10-20% difference.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Also back drag is a term i'd never even heard of until I started watching YT ratchet "reviews" and researching them here.

Me too, but it is just the terminology that was unfamiliar, the concept was a pain.

If I have a fastener loose enough where back drag is preventing a ratchet from ratcheting, it's loose enough that I'm spinning it off with my fingers or with just the socket if it's out of reach. It's what I did for years and never thought twice about tbh.

I agree with that too, but there is a range of drag, mixed with slippery tools, where a fastener is too tight for fingers and too loose for the "back drag".

In the scheme of things, a minor complaint.

Jack

 

[Snapped-off]

Quick release all day here. My favorite ratchet is outlined below.

I swapped a QR head onto it, since Snappy doesn't offer one on a bent handle.

 

[Al Borland]

Does it turn the bolt?
Does the socket stay on?
Can I get the socket off?
Whatever works.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Given a choice I choose a quick release.

I liked some of the Craftsman v tool stuff so I bought a ratchet. I have it away and made a conscious decision to avoid facom ratchets.

 

[Samuel D]

I liked some of the Craftsman v tool stuff so I bought a ratchet. I have it away and made a conscious decision to avoid facom ratchets.

What don’t you like about Facom ratchets?

 

[Andres26tnt]

What don’t you like about Facom ratchets?

Maybe he thinks the V ratchet is a facom ratchet . I'm confused too , the facom QR is so much better than the V series. I would buy that over many even some serviceable ratchets.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Maybe he thinks the V ratchet is a facom ratchet . I'm confused too , the facom QR is so much better than the V series. I would buy that over many even some serviceable ratchets.

Beckdrag was awful. Yes, I thought the v series was facom. Are they not?

The wrenches were fine.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Beckdrag was awful. Yes, I thought the v series was facom. Are they not?

The wrenches were fine.

Nope, the V series is a mash of 3 brands(craftsman/facom/proto), to make what they thought would be a great ratchet. Not terrible, I actually like it. Just has higher backdrag. It's become my beater ratchet as it is strong .

The Facom is well a facom, very high quality. 72t smooth mechanism, and less backdrag. It's unserviceable, but doesn't need to anyway. Its mainly marketed towards the aircraft mechanic industry. I have the QR version, it's one of my favorites. Not sure why Craftsman decided to redo the 1 tool, people will judge them from if they got it wrong.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Nope, the V series is a mash of 3 brands(craftsman/facom/proto), to make what they thought would be a great ratchet. Not terrible, I actually like it. Just has higher backdrag. It's become my beater ratchet as it is strong .

The Facom is well a facom, very high quality. 72t smooth mechanism, and less backdrag. It's unserviceable, but doesn't need to anyway. Its mainly marketed towards the aircraft mechanic industry. I have the QR version, it's one of my favorites. Not sure why Craftsman decided to redo the 1 tool, people will judge them from if they got it wrong.

V series screwdrivers are fine.

V series ratcheting wrenches I like, it is my small set for quick things. When I want complete I have a larger proto set that I grab.

Have not tried the v series non ratcheting. Those are mostly Wright tool with smaller USA Craftsman and overdrive Craftsman.

Lots of ratchets from lots of brands. Given the choice with quick release and serviceable. The ratchets I disliked enough to promptly dispose were SK Chinese pearhead (I like their USA pearhead and am ok with the Chinese round head) and the Craftsman v series, I think it was in 1/4 set. I like the Craftsman overdrive even though the head is large.

I also like my wright, proto, Tekton, and Mac (to make a few) ratchets. I did give away some of my USA Craftsman but not because I disliked them, it was more of a "here, I think you need this more than I do" kind of thing.

 

[i84x]

Always preferred quick release for when im at work, keep the socket on and no chance of it falling off, especially why you can guarantee it will bounce off into a machine or get lost forever. Regular / sealed ratchets are fine in my garage at home or in a workshop.

 

[American Locomotive]

The backdrag thing is hilarious to me. No one cared for it a few years ago, not a peep until certain YouTube's and influencers talk about it. Now it's the most important thing ever.

I don't mind sealed ratchet when they are quality, craftsman or I should say Stanley B&D had the right ratchet to rebrand from usag/facom. Instead they chose a random tooth count with double stacked pawls design. Not super bad, but Not something professional buyers will want.

Backdrag has been a "thing" for as long as I've been on GJ, not just from a "few years ago". It came up all the time in discussion on here as a major differentiator between cheap and more premium ratchets. It's one of those things you don't realize until you get ahold of a ratchet with low backdrag. If all you ever used are clunky old Craftsman ratchets where you always have to hold the socket to get the thing to ratchet, you just accept that's how ratchets are. That is until you pick up a low back-drag ratchet and discover the difference.

I prefer my anvils not to have a hole bored through the middle of them.

The center of most "rods" contributes almost nothing to the torsional strength. This is why your truck's driveshaft is 95% hollow, yet can handle thousands of lb-ft of torque.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Backdrag has been a "thing" for as long as I've been on GJ

Only a small part on this forum for a few people that were into that kinda thing. Now it has made it mainstream, due in part to influencer YouTubers. We gotta remember this forum only represent a very small part of the tool buying community. YouTube and other websites have a larger impact on the perception of things. Example: for the longest time, people rated ratchets by how strong they where. It gave rise to tool destroyers on YouTube. Basically reviewers who don't even use the tool, just destroy them and make a claim about it's usability or attributes.

Not saying it's never been a thing ever, just that it has taken over as the defacto metric.

Anyway back to QR ratchet the original question. We derailed this thread long enough .

 

[Max]

Only QR for me. With just a few exceptions for odd style ratchets, I won’t buy a non QR ratchet. I’ve had too many issues where a socket was too hard to get off and I had oily hands. With a QR I push a button and done. The same with my extensions - the older ones are standard, but the newer ones that I use are locking.

I’m not looking to convert or criticize anyone - just noting what works for me.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Own mostly sealed. Only a couple of CM QR ratchets. May add SO QR 3/8 long

• FHRLLF80

 

[joel63]

Quick release all day here. My favorite ratchet is outlined below.

I swapped a QR head onto it, since Snappy doesn't offer one on a bent handle.

Very tricky and slick.