Do you press the button when applying the handbrake?

[blueg33]

I was taught by my dad to push in the button on the handbrake when applying it to reduce wear on the ratchet. It also saves that horrible ratchety noise.

When I hear people's handbrake grating across the ratchet it makes me wince

What do you do?

[blueg33]

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 ingrained

[blueg33]

rottie102 said:

Did he also never adjust the radio volume to to reduce the wear on the knob?

We didnt have radios in cars in those days

[blueg33]

Nedzilla said:

Anyone who has bothered to answer yes or no to this thread obviously has far too much time on their hands!

Who cares if you press the button or not!

Takes less time to vote than write a reply saying voters have too much time on their hands

[blueg33]

Paul_M3 said:

Perfect answer Meoricin.

It seems to me on this thread that people who press the button in 'have been told to do it' or 'think' it's the right thing to do.

Those with mechanical understanding or an engineering background just pull up the lever and use the ratchet as intended.

The wear on the ratchet mechanism should be so slight that it becomes completely insignificant.

(Of course it could be that engineering types just love the sound of a ratchet engaging. Put a pair of ratchet crimpers in front of anyone at work and all you'll hear is click click click click for the next 30 minutes. )

OP here - dad was an engineer who worked for a car maker. In his time he built several cars (1960's kits) and a steam engine from scratch using the lathe and milling machine in our garage. He also built a boat.

Brother is also an engineer, he always presses the button too.

So it seems not all engineers see it your way.