To Quick Release or Not?

[Handyandy23]

I'm sure this is like many things that come down to preference, but what are the pros and cons of quick release on ratchets versus not having it?

Obviously the basic premise is it makes removing sockets easier, but what other nuances are there? Everything I have right now is QR, so I'm not really sure what I'm missing (if anything) in a non-QR.

Specifically I'm looking to buy a Tekton ratchet, and it comes in identical versions with or without QR, for about the same price, and that is throwing me off. Purely aesthetics the non-QR has a nicer, smoother head, and I would assume is marginally narrower without the button protruding? But like anything it has to come down to function over form.

 

[seanb02]

Personal preference. I don't use quick release myself as I find it too easy to bump the button and away the socket goes into the deep dark depths of whatever I am working on.

 

[Handyandy23]

Is it easier to remove a socket from a non-QR ratchet vs trying to remove a socket from a QR ratchet without pushing the QR button? Because my QR ones make it very difficult to remove a socket if you don't hit the button, and I wouldn't want that same level of struggle every time.

 

[PugetDude]

Using a quick release ratchet will inevitably cause you to drop the socket after you slither under the car or are in a contorted position reaching behind something visually and almost physically inaccessible.
It will also expand your vocabulary and improve your deep breathing capability.
You will also find other things you didn't even realize were missing while looking for the 10mm socket that rolled into the abyss where you couldn't see it because you couldn't turn your head 2 degrees to see where it went. If you regularly use a quick release ratchet, make sure you also own a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool.

 

[kb1982]

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Quick release is nice when your socket is covered in oil. Not so nice when you bump the button up against something when the socket is deep in the abyss that you cant see. Removing an oily socket from a non quick release snap on ratchet will require a rag or a wipe down. They dont give up the socket as easily as some other brands.

Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk

 

[eschoendorff]

I have both but I reach for non QR first every time.

 

[paulsomlo]

All I've ever used are quick release. I like being able to push a button and just have the socket drop into my hand. With flex heads, that can sometimes be annoying, as the head tries to move as you push the button. I can't recall instances of having a socket accidentally release, but I don't doubt that it happens. Regarding non-QR, it really depends on the ratchet and the socket detents. I just bought an SK tuff1 that hangs on for dear life, whereas an old Williams B-52 that I just tore down releases easily. I also found that my newer Craftsman USA sockets have the double detent, whereas the older ones do not, and that makes a huge difference. I'll probably use my impact sockets with the Tuff1, as they have the detent hole in just one of the four sides, and I can choose to utilize it, or not.

 

[gearhead1]

I prefer the quick release, but not absolutely mandatory for me either. I had some non quick release ratchets where it was very difficult to remove the socket.

 

[anndel]

Non as others pointed out. Easy to push the button and drop the socket into a black hole.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I used to use Craftsman ratchets just for the qr feature. I never dropped a socket by accident. Now I'm using Wright, SK and Snap On ratchets, and I miss the qr feature every time I have to take a socket off a ratchet.

 

[NC Rick]

I like the QR feature and have both kinds all old craftsman or Snap-On. I have got to admit, I have dropped a lot of sockets and off of both kinds. I hate it when you can’t pull the damn thing off with your fingers yet it falls off trying to reach that impossible place ;-)

 

[DGersic]

I’ve used both. I’ll only use and own QR ratchets. Too annoying to use a non QR and have to grab pliers to change sockets because oil and grease are a thing. I have one remaining non QR ratchet, a long 1/4” Snap On. I won’t miss it when it’s gone.


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[unslow1]

I have both but I reach for non QR first every time.

I'm the opposite. It's usually personal preference but there are times when one might be easier to use than the other. I like some of the Kobalt ones that have the QR button countersunk. My toolbox is full of ratchets but if those would also have had the direction lever on the socket side I would've probably bought the whole set.

 

[unslow1]

I prefer the quick release, but not absolutely mandatory for me either. I had some non quick release ratchets where it was very difficult to remove the socket.

I've had some where you have to use a flat blade to get them off.

 

[mr.lemons]

I think that accidental button presses on QR ratchets may only be an issue with ratchets that have a button that sticks out proud. Flush or recessed buttons don't have this issue or at least go some way to circumvent it.

 

[ATC]

For 1/4 and 3/8, I love QR ratchets. If I am working in a spot where a short socket + ratchet is hitting something to cause the button to drop the socket....I'm most likely going to be using a ratchet wrench anyways.

For 1/2", I can take it or leave it. The sockets are big enough to get a good grip on to remove them if using non-QR.

 

[Stevenn1]

I would think the non-Quick Release ratchet would be stronger then the Quick Release simply because the anvil on the Quick Release has a hole going through the center for the mechanism. Of course a Breaker Bar is supposed to be used in those breaking them loose situations.

 

[ATC]

I would think the non-Quick Release ratchet would be stronger then the Quick Release simply because the anvil on the Quick Release has a hole going through the center for the mechanism. Of course a Breaker Bar is supposed to be used in those breaking them loose situations.

There are videos on Youtube testing ratchets to breaking strength. I haven't seen enough of a difference in strength between the two to actually say one way or another.

In any case, even the cheapest 3/8 ratchet routinely goes over 300ft-lbs before breaking at the square. If one is putting 300ft-lbs on a 3/8 ratchet...they deserve for their **** to break

 

[paulsomlo]

I would guess that manufacturers err on the side of tight, when it comes to the detent ball/spring - because it's only going to get looser over time. Would be novel if the tension were user adjustable though, like maybe through drill the recess where the spring sits and back the spring up with a small set screw.

 

[uncwstudent]

I'm a GQ man, but I like recessed QR's. It is annoying when they get bumped and the socket falls off but more times than not, I'm wrestling with a non-QR ratchet trying to get a socket off with oily and grimey hands. Carlyle does a good job with their QR's.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I hate dropping sockets or having the socket pull off the ratchet.

That dropping sockets thing is part of the appeal of the QR mechanism for me. On the old Crapsman ratchets, that socket wasn't coming off until I pushed the button.

I have some locking extensions now, and like them because the socket comes off easily when I want it to, and not until I want it to.

 

[BajaScout]

I like both. Some days I like to take my time, other days I am in a little bit of a rush. Kinda depends on what mood I am in.

 

[M6erfan]

You're correct OP, personal preference.

I have both. I like QR especially for 1/4" drive. I can't remember ever "bumping" the QR button and having a socket fall off while I was using it. I have had sockets come off non QR ratchets though.

My thoughts pretty much line up with nelstomlinson's post above.