Originally Posted by Fonk
That's what I attempt to do, but the ball that catches to engage the brake doesn't want to roll over the lip very easily, so it most definitely takes longer than 2 seconds...
Are your brakes Shimano, or another brand?
Shimano, other brands are the same as well. Do you have barrel-adjusters on the lever? Screw them inwards to relieve tension on the cable and the brakes will open up wider. Then squeezing the pads will free up the crossover cable more. You should also new a new crossover cable that has a little handle on the ferrule end, that makes grabbing it with your fingers and pulling off easier.