A gradual release mechanism for use in a hand brake device engageable with a railway car. Such gradual release mechanism comprising an operating shaft (20) for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally of the shaft. A clutch flange portion (30) disposed intermediate both ends of shaft, the clutch flange having a clutch surface (40). A sleeve (50) concentrically disposed and threadedly mounted on the shaft for rotational movement therewith, the sleeve having a clutch surface (70) opposed to the clutch surface (40) of the clutch flange portion of the shaft. An externally threaded surface (80) on the operating shaft engageable with an internally threaded surface (90) on the sleeve, the threads having a pitch between about 15 mm (.60 inch) and about 25 mm (1.00 inch). A ratchet wheel (100) received about the shaft, such ratchet wheel having oppositely disposed clutch surfaces (110) positioned for engagement by the clutch collar portion (60) and the clutch flange portion (30) respectively. A pinion (120) journaled on the shaft (20) and adjacent the sleeve (50).