Will there be an F80 quick release?

[r6_cannibal]

I was looking at some SO F80 autopsy pictures and it looks to me that there isn't really much room for the quick release mechanism to fit. I'm not wise in the ways of ratchets, so I was curious if there will ever be an FR80? The only thing keeping me from picking up an F80 is the possibility that there might be a quick release model.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I doubt it.

 

[bchee]

quick release is a nice feature, but I think it would ruin the beauty of the 80's. They have a very simple look to them IMHO

Having said that, I still think there is room for quick release. The craftsman thin profile still incorporate a quick release, and the button is almost flush with the rest of the body.

 

[Fedwrench]

I doubt if there will be a quick release F80 series ratchet. Snap on isn't big on selling quick release ratchets and there really isn't a reason to offer one. I don't think most of Snap on's customers are beating down the door demanding more quick release ratchets. However, I guess you could get 10,000 of your closest friends to petition Snap on, it may change their minds. Come to think of it, none of the tool truck brands are into quick release ratchets.

 

[r6_cannibal]

I was wondering why there isn't much love from the truck brands for quick release, and decided it probably has something to do with the structural integrity of the drive head. Having it hollowed out probably reduces the strength, though I would think the gears would go first being so fine...but this is all just speculation. Maybe I could just get SO to make me a custom ratchet

 

[Merkava_4]

I like to hear the snapping noise of the drive end snapping on a socket; you can't get that with a quick release.

 

[zuspiel]

I was wondering why there isn't much love from the truck brands for quick release, and decided it probably has something to do with the structural integrity of the drive head. Having it hollowed out probably reduces the strength, though I would think the gears would go first being so fine...but this is all just speculation. Maybe I could just get SO to make me a custom ratchet

I think that's it. And I'm sure for 100k, SO might just make one for you...

 

[krusty the clown]

it seems the quick release feature is a hobby guy thing. it didn't go over with the pro's. so i doubt they will do it. it was easy to make the older style's quick release by changing the drive gear but the sealed heads don't have the hole throught the head. even danaher makes quick release ratchets for sears but not for matco.

 

[paramudduck]

Most quick release designs let more **** into the heads.

 

[jerk_chicken]

That was one of the problems I had with my QR ratchets: debris and liquids getting into the drive a lot easier. I have zero backing for this, but I would figure the ratchet wheel could possibly be made stronger and stiffer, but who really knows.

I like the fact that my Armstrongs are pretty well sealed, but I've run my Craftsmans through some bad conditions when repairing and tearing cars apart and my hands were covered in coolant and/or oil and completely slick. That's where the QR came in handy. It was a bit difficult with the Armstrongs I have, but my sockets are polished with no gnurling. I'm guessing it would be a lot better.

 

[paramudduck]

Nah it don't get better. A lot of the older mechanics I know carry a small screwdriver or a mini bar in their pockets to help get the sockets off.

I like the quick releases for just those situations. I have a few old QR style from snap on that I use. But they usually get disassembled and cleaned after use.

 

[r6_cannibal]

Most quick release designs let more **** into the heads.

That makes perfect sense to me. If forcing your driver into a crusty socket (not a euphemism ) could get a bunch of crud into the mechanics of the ratchet and effect longevity.
I now see the light

I don't spend 8 hours a day with a ratchet in my hand, so i will be ok with a quick release. looks like I better cash in my 401k for that custom ratchet

 

[paramudduck]

I do a lot of dusty, cruddy, muddy work. Farm equipment and construction equipment in the field.

In those conditions the QR ratchets can get totally crudded in a short period of time. The area around the release seems to be a magnet for crud to get in.

 

[bchee]

I would think a pro (time is money) would WANT the QR feature. Seems like opening it up maybe once per month or every other month would take less time than several hrs per day of pulling the socket on/off.
Of course most pros have several ratchets with different sizes on them I'm guessing

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I would think a pro (time is money) would WANT the QR feature. Seems like opening it up maybe once per month or every other month would take less time than several hrs per day of pulling the socket on/off.
Of course most pros have several ratchets with different sizes on them I'm guessing

I know I don't like accidentally hitting the button and having the socket fall off so thats why I avoid quick release, also I have no problem pulling sockets off so I guess its not a issue.

 

[krusty the clown]

I would think a pro (time is money) would WANT the QR feature.

i've never had a problem pulling a socket off of a ratchet

i think it's more of a gimmick than a usefull time saver........

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Personally I'm not sold on QR so I avoid buying ratchets with them. In the older style the release button just stuck up to far and seemed like it would be in the way. The newer designs have a more recessed button but at this point my ways are pretty well set.

SO will do a custom for you but for what they'll likely charge for NRE you'd probably have to line up a thousand or so friends who want one too to justify the cost.

 

[bchee]

I was just thinking with greasy hands it can be hard to pull those off. For me, even without greasy hands, sometimes it's hard to pull them off.

A lot of the older mechanics I know carry a small screwdriver or a mini bar in their pockets to help get the sockets off.

 

[Merkava_4]

"Quick release ratchets are for girly-men"

 

[Bolster]

I like QR, sometimes my hands slip off the sockets, and I wish I could buy a QR dual 80.

So dat makes me vun uff da guhly men, Ja?

But sign me up for a QR 80 anyway, I'll carry it in my purse.

 

[r6_cannibal]

Hey that's my governor! I can write him a letter and have him squeeze the RLL out of you

I got some used ratchets yester and went to go buy some more of that stuff from my parts place, and i actually accidentally said "merkava fix lube". the guy just blinked at me until i realized what i said.

 

[Bolster]

He's too busy squeezing tax money out of citizens for our almost bankrupt state, the 8th largest economy in the world. You'll have to squeeze Merkava yourself.

 

[oak_park]

Bumping an old thread. Looks like they've come out with a quick release 80 series, FR80.

Note: Not my auction!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0611084979&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

WOW!!! My dream ratchet.

 

[GSteg]

I like the QR feature. I hate pulling my 10mm SO socket off my ratchet when my hand is slightly oily.

 

[Scout Driver]

Too many times I've had to pull sockets off of a ratchet when my hands have been slick with oil, coolant etc. I actually like quick release ratchets.

Scott

 

[ImportTuner]

Wonder why it's not on the Snap On site .. the part number does not pull up at all ...

 

[treasureseeker]

I emailed the seller to find out the history on their FR80. It may not be a production item.

 

[KEH]

I like the quick release ratchets and have had one since Sears came out with them in the 1960s. I bought myself a Christmas present last year, a quick release 1/2 drive SO ratchet. No, it's not a dual 80. It has a 2009 date on it and USA on the head. I like it just fine.

KEH

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

I noticed the FR80 has a 2011 date code, I wonder if it's an item that hasn't been officially released yet? And the ebay seller is in TN. Isn't that where Snap On's ratchet plant is? (please, no China or Taiwan jokes!)

 

[dankicksass]

I don't really like quick release, but my drive tool drawers would look pretty empty without all the QR rats I don't use in there.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I hate quick release rachets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ImportTuner]

I hate quick release rachets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you want to elaborate on that ...

 

[treasureseeker]

I noticed the FR80 has a 2011 date code, I wonder if it's an item that hasn't been officially released yet? And the ebay seller is in TN. Isn't that where Snap On's ratchet plant is? (please, no China or Taiwan jokes!)

Seller emailed me that they got it direct from the factory.

 

[mrshaun]

If they made these would you guys buy them? this one looks like a prototype maybe.

 

[warmpancakes]

it doesnt say USA on it (somebody had to say it), would I buy it yes, do i need it no, but im a sucker for a "new" ratchet

 

[mixxmstrmike]

I would buy it along with the long and long flex versions if SO every makes them. There are applications where the quick release is beneficial... in my case, I want the attachment to be on there without the possibility of it coming off unless the QR is depressed.

Sign me up.

-Mike

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

If they made these would you guys buy them? this one looks like a prototype maybe.

I would not hesitate to buy one.

 

[mrshaun]

I have not seen anything, but this topic will surely make it to snap on.

 

[ImportTuner]

I would not hesitate to buy one.

Same here ...