Why make quick release buttons that are easy to accidentally press?

[mr.lemons]

I know a lot of people (maybe most) don't like quick release ratchets under any circumstances, so this will not be an issue. For those that 'do' like quick release, I wonder why ratchets are designed with buttons that are easy to accidentally knock when they don't have to be. Does anyone use a Snap on quick release ratchet and find it not to be much of a problem, or does everybody end up swapping them for non-quick release?

Vid comparing Snap on button to Stahlwille.

 

[measuredtwice]

By far, I mostly see Snap-On without the quick release in the USA. There have been posts on Garage Journal from Americans who didn't even know Snap-On made quick release.

 

[APEowner]

I haven't found the Snap-On quick release any less annoying than the other brands.

 

[sweet victory]

Nearly all of my SO ratchets are quick release and I've never had an issue with the button.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I don't have many quick release ratchets aside from the Easco/Craftsman RHFT style. I've never found that particular design to be even remotely easy to accidentally push, largely because the button recesses down between the 'ears' of the direction selector, rather than sticking up by itself.

That said, gotta be honest, I feel like it's a complete non-issue and the having the button flush with the back of the ratchet is a solution in search of a problem. I seriously would have to go out of my way to accidentally release a socket from any quick release ratchet that I've ever used. Most are not "hair trigger" as it were, and you need a good push to have them let go.

If you've got a habit of knocking sockets loose at inopportune times and dropping them into the abyss, maybe these are the ticket. For me I don't see enough need and it wouldn't make or break any purchasing decision. Frankly, having the button flush with the face of the ratchet might actually put me off because of the difficulty in working it with gloved hands.

 

[bwringer]

Somewhat tangential, but what I'd be VERY interested in is a ratchet with no QR or change lever al all on the back. Put 'em on the side or something. That way, I could apply palm pressure on the back for various situations where you have to push against a spring or whatever to get a fastener started.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Somewhat tangential, but what I'd be VERY interested in is a ratchet with no QR or change lever al all on the back. Put 'em on the side or something. That way, I could apply palm pressure on the back for various situations where you have to push against a spring or whatever to get a fastener started.

I still have my SK "Frankenstein" ratchets. Never thought of that particular use until you mentioned it, but that makes a good case for them. Will have to remember that.

 

[charbar]

I only have one ratchet with the release button. Its a Napa brand, but the button sticks out on the back of the head just like the Snap Ons. Ive never had a problem with it other than forgetting that you need to push a button to get the socket off. Usually remember it has a button after Ive tried to get the socket off about 5 times and Im headed to the toolbox to get a screwdriver to pry it off.

Never seen much of a need for the buttons. Cant ever remember a time that I wished my Snap Ons had one.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

That’s why I try to avoid them in tight spots. The only quick release ones I have are my Craftsman and Blue Hawk which I don’t really use. I don’t care for quick release except when it’s a pain to get a socket off a new ratchet without quick release lol.

 

[Ralf11]

I worked for decades w/o quick release and now I'm trying to get used to it... still not sure which is better overall.

 

[Al Borland]

Don't care one way or the other. For the socket to fall off, I would have to:
1. Have the socket pointed straight down.
2. Strike the button JUST SO, to release the socket.
3. Be completely oblivious to what I'm doing.
Of course, if a 10mm. is involved, the ratchet could be a non-QR, pointed up, and watched closely. Socket will still make the leap to freedom.

 

[dscheidt]

Somewhat tangential, but what I'd be VERY interested in is a ratchet with no QR or change lever al all on the back. Put 'em on the side or something. That way, I could apply palm pressure on the back for various situations where you have to push against a spring or whatever to get a fastener started.

I had a ratchet like that. It had a push through rod thing on the side, at the base of the head, push it so it stuck out one side, it ratcheted that way, push it the other, it ratcheted the other way. It was a piece of garbage ratchet, probably 18 teeth, and I would always hit it when I chocked up on the ratchet to spin the fastener off or on. I have no idea what brand it was, where it came from, or where it went, but I never used it much.

 

[Tools4Me]

I don't like using quick release ratchets any time the ratchet head itself is being stuffed into a tight area (like down into a modern engine compartment). When working in open areas or when the ratchet itself is outside of a tight area, I like to use quick release whenever possible. I like how a quick release ratchet locks the socket or extension to the ratchet so it won't pop off. It is also much easier to switch out sockets rapidly when my nitrile gloved hands are greasy. 3 of my 10 1/4" drive and 3 of my 10 3/8" drive ratchets are quick release. All my 1/2", 3/4", and 1" drive ratchets have regular spring ball detent ratchet heads.

Part of my preference is because I don't only have spring detent ball extensions and swivels like most people. I also have a good sized collection of pin lock extensions and pin lock swivels (in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive) that I use along with impact sockets and my quick release ratchets to make socket, swivel, extension setups that can reach very tight areas without having to worry about anything coming apart during use. Great for engine compartments that contain portals to Narnia.

 

[Mr_B]

I often wondered the same, many slim QR ratchets ruined with a protruding QR button .
Sometimes I wonder how much thought if any goes into the design and testing/user feedback .

 

[Walkers]

The best situation a Quick Release ratchet is good for is, pushing the button to quickly release the socket so you can throw the damn thing in the scrap bin.