Do you press the button when applying the handbrake?
Poll: Do you press the button when applying the handbrake?
Total Members Polled: 447
Discussion
englisharcher said:
I never press it, I don't know why.
How do you un-apply the handbrake?I push the button, pull the lever (ooh err), release the button, and one-more-click to be sure (as my handbrake knackered itself a few years ago making for interesting hill starts in Cardigan. Twunt behind me was inches off my butt and I couldn't take my foot off the brake without rolling back, even with HB applied!)
blueg33 said:
I was taught by my dad to push in the button on the handbrake when applying it to reduce wear on the ratchet.
It's a ratchet, it's meant to make that noise else it wouldn't be a ratchet. Sometimes people really miss the obvious 
Also, have you ever heard of the ratchet being worn on a handbrake due to ratcheting.
And taking the line of thinking further, these make a noise when you use them in their intended fashion:
If you followed your Dad's advice on how to use a ratchet how on earth would you actually be able to use one of these??
blueg33 said:
doogz said:
I usually pull the button in, although unless I'm on a hill, with 2 of the cars, I'll only pull the handbrake up to the first tooth anyway.
But has anyone ever had to replace a handbrake handle because they've actually worn the ratchet mechanism out, to the point it no longer holds? Does this actually happen?
I have no idea if they actually wear, its what my dad taught me, so its ingrainedBut has anyone ever had to replace a handbrake handle because they've actually worn the ratchet mechanism out, to the point it no longer holds? Does this actually happen?
It's just one of those things that I've always done, and always will.
Same as putting the clutch in when I turn the key to reduce the stress on the motor.
Also leaving my cars parked in gear with some lock applied in the right direction to roll into the kerb if my belt and braces parking routine weren't enough.
300bhp/ton said:
Also, have you ever heard of the ratchet being worn on a handbrake due to ratcheting.
Yup. I know someone who had an old Citroen BX (I think it was a BX, it was a long time ago) whose handbrake ratchet was worn to the point that it wouldn't stay on. 
On the other hand, I've also read about cars rolling down hills into things because if you do push the button in, it sometimes doesn't engage properly and will loosen a "click".
Personally, I always do. I just don't like the noise.
kambites said:
Yup. I know someone who had an old Citroen BX (I think it was a BX, it was a long time ago) whose handbrake ratchet was worn to the point that it wouldn't stay on.
The actual ratchet, or the whole mech? I had an e36 that had lots of slope, so if you bashed the handbrake or didn't hold it to the side then it wouldn't latch or would release. The ratchet part was fine though.I also know of several early 50's Land Rover's that the ratchet is fine on and original plus some 60's tractors.
300bhp/ton said:
kambites said:
Yup. I know someone who had an old Citroen BX (I think it was a BX, it was a long time ago) whose handbrake ratchet was worn to the point that it wouldn't stay on.
The actual ratchet, or the whole mech?
McSam said:
Obviously..
Basic mechanical sympathy failure for those who do not.
There is mechnical sympathy, and there is not using something because you're scared it'll break despite it being plenty strong enough.Basic mechanical sympathy failure for those who do not.
The quarter million mile 325 I had still had a perfectly functional handbrake ratchet. My thumb will wear out first, so the ratchet can click a couple of times instead.
I push the button as taught when learning to drive many moons ago, I also use the gears to slow down too which I believe isn't needed or taught any more.
My cars manual even states that you shouldn't use the button when applying the handbrake but I just can't help myself. Old habits die hard.
My cars manual even states that you shouldn't use the button when applying the handbrake but I just can't help myself. Old habits die hard.
Oh god. God no. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
This question was an indirect reason that I left the IAM as an observer.
At an AGM once, we had a 90minute discussion on this topic. Old boys saying you absolutely MUST, and they'll criticise anyone (harshly) who does not. Someone then went out to the car park, got their Ford Fiesta manual from the glove box and showed that it says in the manual to hear the clicks.
But no, 90 mins. That really showed me what most of the group must have been like in a car with our new associates
My take? It doesn't matter, but for smoothness and less noise I push the button.
This question was an indirect reason that I left the IAM as an observer.
At an AGM once, we had a 90minute discussion on this topic. Old boys saying you absolutely MUST, and they'll criticise anyone (harshly) who does not. Someone then went out to the car park, got their Ford Fiesta manual from the glove box and showed that it says in the manual to hear the clicks.
But no, 90 mins. That really showed me what most of the group must have been like in a car with our new associates
My take? It doesn't matter, but for smoothness and less noise I push the button.
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