diff --git a/executor.go b/executor.go
index 5079dedee..29d792253 100644
--- a/executor.go
+++ b/executor.go
@@ -227,8 +227,13 @@ func (e *executor) Execute(ctx context.Context, index string, q *pql.Query, shar
 
 	// Can't do NewTx() this high up, because we need a specific shard.
 	// So start a qcx with a TxGroup and pass it down.
-	qcx := idx.holder.txf.NewQcx()
-	qcx.write = needWriteTxn
+	var qcx *Qcx
+	if needWriteTxn {
+		qcx = idx.holder.txf.NewWritableQcx()
+	} else {
+		qcx = idx.holder.txf.NewQcx()
+
+	}
 	defer qcx.Abort()
 
 	results, err := e.execute(ctx, qcx, index, q, shards, opt)
@@ -960,14 +965,7 @@ func (e *executor) executeFieldValueCall(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index st
 }
 
 func (e *executor) executeFieldValueCallShard(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, field *Field, col uint64, shard uint64) (_ ValCount, err0 error) {
-	idx := e.Holder.Index(field.index)
-	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	if err != nil {
-		return ValCount{}, err
-	}
-	defer finisher(&err0)
-
-	value, exists, err := field.Value(tx, col)
+	value, exists, err := field.Value(qcx, col)
 	if err != nil {
 		return ValCount{}, errors.Wrap(err, "getting field value")
 	} else if !exists {
@@ -1968,8 +1966,6 @@ func (e *executor) executeMinShard(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index string,
 	span, ctx := tracing.StartSpanFromContext(ctx, "executor.executeMinShard")
 	defer span.Finish()
 
-	idx := e.Holder.Index(index)
-
 	var filter *Row
 	if len(c.Children) == 1 {
 		row, err := e.executeBitmapCallShard(ctx, qcx, index, c.Children[0], shard)
@@ -1988,18 +1984,13 @@ func (e *executor) executeMinShard(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index string,
 	if field == nil {
 		return ValCount{}, ErrFieldNotFound
 	}
-
-	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	if err != nil {
-		return ValCount{}, err
-	}
-	defer finisher(&err0)
-	return field.MinForShard(tx, shard, filter)
+	return field.MinForShard(qcx, shard, filter)
 }
 
 // executeMaxShard calculates the max for bsiGroups on a shard.
 func (e *executor) executeMaxShard(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index string, c *pql.Call, shard uint64) (_ ValCount, err0 error) {
-	idx := e.Holder.Index(index)
+	span, ctx := tracing.StartSpanFromContext(ctx, "Executor.executeMaxShard")
+	defer span.Finish()
 
 	var filter *Row
 	if len(c.Children) == 1 {
@@ -2019,14 +2010,7 @@ func (e *executor) executeMaxShard(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index string,
 	if field == nil {
 		return ValCount{}, ErrFieldNotFound
 	}
-
-	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	if err != nil {
-		return ValCount{}, err
-	}
-
-	defer finisher(&err0)
-	return field.MaxForShard(tx, shard, filter)
+	return field.MaxForShard(qcx, shard, filter)
 }
 
 // executeMinRowShard returns the minimum row ID for a shard.
@@ -5553,16 +5537,7 @@ func (e *executor) executeClearBitField(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index str
 	for _, node := range snap.ShardNodes(index, shard) {
 		// Update locally if host matches.
 		if node.ID == e.Node.ID {
-
-			idx := e.Holder.Index(index)
-			tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-			if err != nil {
-				return false, err
-			}
-
-			defer finisher(&err0)
-
-			val, err := f.ClearBit(tx, rowID, colID)
+			val, err := f.ClearBit(qcx, rowID, colID)
 			if err != nil {
 				return false, err
 			} else if val {
@@ -5821,8 +5796,6 @@ func (e *executor) executeSet(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index string, c *pq
 		return false, ErrIndexNotFound
 	}
 
-	shard := colID / ShardWidth
-
 	// Read field name.
 	fieldName, err := c.FieldArg()
 	if err != nil {
@@ -5837,18 +5810,9 @@ func (e *executor) executeSet(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index string, c *pq
 
 	// Set column on existence field.
 	if ef := idx.existenceField(); ef != nil {
-		// we create tx here, rather than just above, to avoid creating an extra empty shard.
-		tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Field: ef, Shard: shard})
-		if err != nil {
-			return false, err
-		}
-
-		defer finisher(&err0)
-
-		if _, err := ef.SetBit(tx, 0, colID, nil); err != nil {
+		if _, err := ef.SetBit(qcx, 0, colID, nil); err != nil {
 			return false, errors.Wrap(err, "setting existence column")
 		}
-		finisher(nil) // commit to free of the write lock needed inside executeSetBitField
 	}
 
 	switch f.Type() {
@@ -5912,15 +5876,7 @@ func (e *executor) executeSetBitField(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index strin
 	for _, node := range snap.ShardNodes(index, shard) {
 		// Update locally if host matches.
 		if node.ID == e.Node.ID {
-
-			idx := e.Holder.Index(index)
-			tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-			if err != nil {
-				return false, err
-			}
-			defer finisher(&err0)
-
-			val, err := f.SetBit(tx, rowID, colID, timestamp)
+			val, err := f.SetBit(qcx, rowID, colID, timestamp)
 			if err != nil {
 				return false, err
 			} else if val {
@@ -5958,16 +5914,7 @@ func (e *executor) executeSetValueField(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index str
 	for _, node := range snap.ShardNodes(index, shard) {
 		// Update locally if host matches.
 		if node.ID == e.Node.ID {
-
-			idx := e.Holder.Index(index)
-			tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-			if err != nil {
-				return false, err
-			}
-
-			defer finisher(&err0)
-
-			val, err := f.SetValue(tx, colID, value)
+			val, err := f.SetValue(qcx, colID, value)
 			if err != nil {
 				return false, err
 			} else if val {
@@ -6005,14 +5952,7 @@ func (e *executor) executeClearValueField(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, index s
 	for _, node := range snap.ShardNodes(index, shard) {
 		// Update locally if host matches.
 		if node.ID == e.Node.ID {
-			idx := e.Holder.Index(index)
-			tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-			if err != nil {
-				return false, err
-			}
-			defer finisher(&err0)
-
-			val, err := f.ClearValue(tx, colID)
+			val, err := f.ClearValue(qcx, colID)
 			if err != nil {
 				return false, err
 			} else if val {
diff --git a/executor_internal_test.go b/executor_internal_test.go
index 719c7f3d5..68c3c00de 100644
--- a/executor_internal_test.go
+++ b/executor_internal_test.go
@@ -32,9 +32,8 @@ func TestExecutor_TranslateRowsOnBool(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("creating index: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	shard := uint64(0)
-	tx := idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
 	fb, errb := idx.CreateField("b", OptFieldTypeBool())
 	_, errbk := idx.CreateField("bk", OptFieldTypeBool(), OptFieldKeys())
@@ -42,17 +41,13 @@ func TestExecutor_TranslateRowsOnBool(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("creating fields %v, %v", errb, errbk)
 	}
 
-	_, err1 := fb.SetBit(tx, 1, 1, nil)
-	_, err2 := fb.SetBit(tx, 2, 2, nil)
-	_, err3 := fb.SetBit(tx, 3, 3, nil)
+	_, err1 := fb.SetBit(qcx, 1, 1, nil)
+	_, err2 := fb.SetBit(qcx, 2, 2, nil)
+	_, err3 := fb.SetBit(qcx, 3, 3, nil)
 	if err1 != nil || err2 != nil || err3 != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("setting bit %v, %v, %v", err1, err2, err3)
 	}
 
-	if err := tx.Commit(); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-
 	tests := []struct {
 		pql string
 	}{
@@ -564,33 +559,25 @@ func TestExecutor_DeleteRows(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("creating field: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	shard := uint64(0)
-	tx := idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
-
-	if _, err = f.SetBit(tx, 1, 1, nil); err != nil {
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
+	if _, err = f.SetBit(qcx, 1, 1, nil); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("setting bit: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	if err := tx.Commit(); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("failed to commit transaction: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	tx = idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
-
-	row, err := f.Row(tx, 1)
+	// We rely here on the fact that write Qcx autocommit constantly.
+	row, err := f.Row(qcx, 1)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("failed to read row: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	ctx := context.Background()
-	changed, err := DeleteRows(ctx, row, idx, shard)
+	changed, err := DeleteRows(ctx, row, idx, 0)
 	if !changed || err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("failed to delete row: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	changed, err = DeleteRows(ctx, row, idx, shard)
+	changed, err = DeleteRows(ctx, row, idx, 0)
 	if changed {
 		t.Fatalf("expected delete to not clear bit but it did")
 	}
diff --git a/executor_test.go b/executor_test.go
index b1d51b7d2..e71cc01e7 100644
--- a/executor_test.go
+++ b/executor_test.go
@@ -1633,12 +1633,11 @@ func TestExecutor_Execute_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 
 		// Obtain transaction.
 		idx := index.Index
-		shard := uint64(0)
-		tx := idx.Txf().NewTx(pilosa.Txo{Write: !writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-		defer tx.Rollback()
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 
 		f := hldr.Field("i", "f")
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 10); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 10); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !exists {
 			t.Fatal("expected value to exist")
@@ -1646,7 +1645,7 @@ func TestExecutor_Execute_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected value: %v", value)
 		}
 
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !exists {
 			t.Fatal("expected value to exist")
@@ -1706,12 +1705,11 @@ func TestExecutor_Execute_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 
 		// Obtain transaction.
 		idx := index.Index
-		shard := uint64(0)
-		tx := idx.Txf().NewTx(pilosa.Txo{Write: !writable, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-		defer tx.Rollback()
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 
 		f := hldr.Field("i", "f")
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 10); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 10); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !exists {
 			t.Fatal("expected value to exist")
@@ -1719,7 +1717,7 @@ func TestExecutor_Execute_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected value: %v", value)
 		}
 
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !exists {
 			t.Fatal("expected value to exist")
diff --git a/field.go b/field.go
index 4d85801ce..0b671e9aa 100644
--- a/field.go
+++ b/field.go
@@ -1068,7 +1068,7 @@ func (f *Field) viewsByTimeRange(from, to time.Time) (views []string, err error)
 
 // RowTime gets the row at the particular time with the granularity specified by
 // the quantum.
-func (f *Field) RowTime(tx Tx, rowID uint64, time time.Time, quantum string) (*Row, error) {
+func (f *Field) RowTime(qcx *Qcx, rowID uint64, time time.Time, quantum string) (*Row, error) {
 	if !TimeQuantum(quantum).Valid() {
 		return nil, ErrInvalidTimeQuantum
 	}
@@ -1078,7 +1078,7 @@ func (f *Field) RowTime(tx Tx, rowID uint64, time time.Time, quantum string) (*R
 		return nil, errors.Errorf("view with quantum %v not found.", quantum)
 	}
 
-	return view.row(tx, rowID)
+	return view.row(qcx, rowID)
 }
 
 // viewPath returns the path to a view in the field.
@@ -1219,14 +1219,14 @@ func (f *Field) deleteView(name string) error {
 // package, and the fact that it's only allowed on
 // `set`,`mutex`, and `bool` fields is odd. This may
 // be considered for deprecation in a future version.
-func (f *Field) Row(tx Tx, rowID uint64) (*Row, error) {
+func (f *Field) Row(qcx *Qcx, rowID uint64) (*Row, error) {
 	switch f.Type() {
 	case FieldTypeSet, FieldTypeMutex, FieldTypeBool:
 		view := f.view(viewStandard)
 		if view == nil {
 			return nil, ErrInvalidView
 		}
-		return view.row(tx, rowID)
+		return view.row(qcx, rowID)
 	default:
 		return nil, errors.Errorf("row method unsupported for field type: %s", f.Type())
 	}
@@ -1256,7 +1256,9 @@ func (f *Field) MutexCheck(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, details bool, limit in
 }
 
 // SetBit sets a bit on a view within the field.
-func (f *Field) SetBit(tx Tx, rowID, colID uint64, t *time.Time) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (f *Field) SetBit(qcx *Qcx, rowID, colID uint64, t *time.Time) (changed bool, err error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: colID / ShardWidth})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	viewName := viewStandard
 	if !f.options.NoStandardView {
 		// Retrieve view. Exit if it doesn't exist.
@@ -1296,7 +1298,9 @@ func (f *Field) SetBit(tx Tx, rowID, colID uint64, t *time.Time) (changed bool,
 }
 
 // ClearBit clears a bit within the field.
-func (f *Field) ClearBit(tx Tx, rowID, colID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (f *Field) ClearBit(qcx *Qcx, rowID, colID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: colID / ShardWidth})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	viewName := viewStandard
 
 	// Retrieve view. Exit if it doesn't exist.
@@ -1408,13 +1412,13 @@ func (f *Field) allTimeViewsSortedByQuantum() (me []*view) {
 
 // StringValue reads an integer field value for a column, and converts
 // it to a string based on a foreign index string key.
-func (f *Field) StringValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64) (value string, exists bool, err error) {
+func (f *Field) StringValue(qcx *Qcx, columnID uint64) (value string, exists bool, err error) {
 	bsig := f.bsiGroup(f.name)
 	if bsig == nil {
 		return value, false, ErrBSIGroupNotFound
 	}
 
-	val, exists, err := f.Value(tx, columnID)
+	val, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, columnID)
 	if exists {
 		value, err = f.translateStore.TranslateID(uint64(val))
 	}
@@ -1422,7 +1426,9 @@ func (f *Field) StringValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64) (value string, exists bool,
 }
 
 // Value reads a field value for a column.
-func (f *Field) Value(tx Tx, columnID uint64) (value int64, exists bool, err error) {
+func (f *Field) Value(qcx *Qcx, columnID uint64) (value int64, exists bool, err error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: columnID / ShardWidth})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	bsig := f.bsiGroup(f.name)
 	if bsig == nil {
 		return 0, false, ErrBSIGroupNotFound
@@ -1444,7 +1450,9 @@ func (f *Field) Value(tx Tx, columnID uint64) (value int64, exists bool, err err
 }
 
 // SetValue sets a field value for a column.
-func (f *Field) SetValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (f *Field) SetValue(qcx *Qcx, columnID uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: columnID / ShardWidth})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	// Fetch bsiGroup & validate min/max.
 	bsig := f.bsiGroup(f.name)
 	if bsig == nil {
@@ -1496,7 +1504,9 @@ func (f *Field) SetValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err
 }
 
 // ClearValue removes a field value for a column.
-func (f *Field) ClearValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (f *Field) ClearValue(qcx *Qcx, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: columnID / ShardWidth})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	bsig := f.bsiGroup(f.name)
 	if bsig == nil {
 		return false, ErrBSIGroupNotFound
@@ -1516,7 +1526,9 @@ func (f *Field) ClearValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
 	return false, nil
 }
 
-func (f *Field) MaxForShard(tx Tx, shard uint64, filter *Row) (ValCount, error) {
+func (f *Field) MaxForShard(qcx *Qcx, shard uint64, filter *Row) (ValCount, error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: shard})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	bsig := f.bsiGroup(f.name)
 	if bsig == nil {
 		return ValCount{}, ErrBSIGroupNotFound
@@ -1545,13 +1557,16 @@ func (f *Field) MaxForShard(tx Tx, shard uint64, filter *Row) (ValCount, error)
 		return ValCount{}, errors.Wrap(err, "calling fragment.max")
 	}
 
-	return f.valCountize(max, cnt, bsig)
+	v, err := f.valCountize(max, cnt, bsig)
+	return v, err
 }
 
 // MinForShard returns the minimum value which appears in this shard
 // (this field must be an Int or Decimal field). It also returns the
 // number of times the minimum value appears.
-func (f *Field) MinForShard(tx Tx, shard uint64, filter *Row) (ValCount, error) {
+func (f *Field) MinForShard(qcx *Qcx, shard uint64, filter *Row) (ValCount, error) {
+	tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: f.idx, Shard: shard})
+	defer finisher(&err)
 	bsig := f.bsiGroup(f.name)
 	if bsig == nil {
 		return ValCount{}, ErrBSIGroupNotFound
@@ -1580,7 +1595,8 @@ func (f *Field) MinForShard(tx Tx, shard uint64, filter *Row) (ValCount, error)
 		return ValCount{}, errors.Wrap(err, "calling fragment.min")
 	}
 
-	return f.valCountize(min, cnt, bsig)
+	v, err := f.valCountize(min, cnt, bsig)
+	return v, err
 }
 
 // valCountize takes the "raw" value and count we get from the
diff --git a/field_internal_test.go b/field_internal_test.go
index 1d775e702..7033a511a 100644
--- a/field_internal_test.go
+++ b/field_internal_test.go
@@ -299,15 +299,15 @@ func (f *TestField) Reopen() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (f *TestField) MustSetBit(tx Tx, row, col uint64, ts ...time.Time) {
+func (f *TestField) MustSetBit(qcx *Qcx, row, col uint64, ts ...time.Time) {
 	if len(ts) == 0 {
-		_, err := f.Field.SetBit(tx, row, col, nil)
+		_, err := f.Field.SetBit(qcx, row, col, nil)
 		if err != nil {
 			panic(err)
 		}
 	}
 	for _, t := range ts {
-		_, err := f.Field.SetBit(tx, row, col, &t)
+		_, err := f.Field.SetBit(qcx, row, col, &t)
 		if err != nil {
 			panic(err)
 		}
@@ -359,46 +359,51 @@ func TestField_RowTime(t *testing.T) {
 	f := OpenField(t, OptFieldTypeTime(TimeQuantum("YMDH"), "0"))
 
 	// Obtain transaction.
-	tx := f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: 0})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx := f.idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	f.MustSetBit(tx, 1, 1, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
-	f.MustSetBit(tx, 1, 2, time.Date(2011, time.January, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
-	f.MustSetBit(tx, 1, 3, time.Date(2010, time.February, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
-	f.MustSetBit(tx, 1, 4, time.Date(2010, time.January, 6, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
-	f.MustSetBit(tx, 1, 5, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	f.MustSetBit(qcx, 1, 1, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	f.MustSetBit(qcx, 1, 2, time.Date(2011, time.January, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	f.MustSetBit(qcx, 1, 3, time.Date(2010, time.February, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	f.MustSetBit(qcx, 1, 4, time.Date(2010, time.January, 6, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	f.MustSetBit(qcx, 1, 5, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
 
-	PanicOn(tx.Commit())
+	// Warning: Right now this is misleading, and doesn't really do anything. We
+	// already committed each change as we got there. SOME DAY we will fix this.
+	PanicOn(qcx.Finish())
+
+	qcx = f.idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
 	// obtain 2nd transaction to read it back.
-	tx = f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: 0})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx = f.idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	if r, err := f.RowTime(tx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.November, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "Y"); err != nil {
+	if r, err := f.RowTime(qcx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.November, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "Y"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !reflect.DeepEqual(r.Columns(), []uint64{1, 3, 4, 5}) {
 		t.Fatalf("wrong columns: %#v", r.Columns())
 	}
 
-	if r, err := f.RowTime(tx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.February, 7, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "YM"); err != nil {
+	if r, err := f.RowTime(qcx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.February, 7, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "YM"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !reflect.DeepEqual(r.Columns(), []uint64{3}) {
 		t.Fatalf("wrong columns: %#v", r.Columns())
 	}
 
-	if r, err := f.RowTime(tx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.February, 7, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "M"); err != nil {
+	if r, err := f.RowTime(qcx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.February, 7, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "M"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !reflect.DeepEqual(r.Columns(), []uint64{3}) {
 		t.Fatalf("wrong columns: %#v", r.Columns())
 	}
 
-	if r, err := f.RowTime(tx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "MD"); err != nil {
+	if r, err := f.RowTime(qcx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "MD"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !reflect.DeepEqual(r.Columns(), []uint64{1, 5}) {
 		t.Fatalf("wrong columns: %#v", r.Columns())
 	}
 
-	if r, err := f.RowTime(tx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "MDH"); err != nil {
+	if r, err := f.RowTime(qcx, 1, time.Date(2010, time.January, 5, 13, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), "MDH"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !reflect.DeepEqual(r.Columns(), []uint64{5}) {
 		t.Fatalf("wrong columns: %#v", r.Columns())
@@ -628,10 +633,9 @@ func TestIntField_MinMaxForShard(t *testing.T) {
 			qcx.Reset()
 
 			shard := uint64(0)
-			tx := f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: shard})
 			// Rollback below manually, because we are in a loop.
 
-			maxvc, err := f.MaxForShard(tx, shard, nil)
+			maxvc, err := f.MaxForShard(qcx, shard, nil)
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("getting max for shard: %v", err)
 			}
@@ -639,14 +643,13 @@ func TestIntField_MinMaxForShard(t *testing.T) {
 				t.Fatalf("max expected:\n%+v\ngot:\n%+v", test.expMax, maxvc)
 			}
 
-			minvc, err := f.MinForShard(tx, shard, nil)
+			minvc, err := f.MinForShard(qcx, shard, nil)
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("getting min for shard: %v", err)
 			}
 			if minvc != test.expMin {
 				t.Fatalf("min expected:\n%+v\ngot:\n%+v", test.expMin, minvc)
 			}
-			tx.Rollback()
 		})
 	}
 }
@@ -785,10 +788,8 @@ func TestDecimalField_MinMaxForShard(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 
 			shard := uint64(0)
-			tx := f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: shard})
-			defer tx.Rollback()
 
-			maxvc, err := f.MaxForShard(tx, shard, nil)
+			maxvc, err := f.MaxForShard(qcx, shard, nil)
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("getting max for shard: %v", err)
 			}
@@ -796,7 +797,7 @@ func TestDecimalField_MinMaxForShard(t *testing.T) {
 				t.Fatalf("max expected:\n%+v\ngot:\n%+v", test.expMax, maxvc)
 			}
 
-			minvc, err := f.MinForShard(tx, shard, nil)
+			minvc, err := f.MinForShard(qcx, shard, nil)
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("getting min for shard: %v", err)
 			}
@@ -867,24 +868,20 @@ func TestField_SaveMeta(t *testing.T) {
 	expBitDepth := uint64(7)
 
 	// Obtain transaction.
-	tx := f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: 0})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx := f.idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	if changed, err := f.SetValue(tx, colID, val); err != nil {
+	if changed, err := f.SetValue(qcx, colID, val); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !changed {
 		t.Fatal("expected SetValue to return changed = true")
-	} else if err := tx.Commit(); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
 	if f.options.BitDepth != expBitDepth {
 		t.Fatalf("expected BitDepth after set to be: %d, got: %d", expBitDepth, f.options.BitDepth)
 	}
 
-	tx2 := f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: 0})
-	defer tx2.Rollback()
-	if rslt, ok, err := f.Value(tx2, colID); err != nil {
+	if rslt, ok, err := f.Value(qcx, colID); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("expected Value() to return exists = true")
@@ -892,18 +889,23 @@ func TestField_SaveMeta(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected value to be: %d, got: %d", val, rslt)
 	}
 
+	if err := qcx.Finish(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("error finishing qcx: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	// Reload field and verify that it is persisted.
 	if err := f.Reopen(); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
+	qcx = f.idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
+
 	if f.options.BitDepth != expBitDepth {
 		t.Fatalf("expected BitDepth after reopen to be: %d, got: %d", expBitDepth, f.options.BitDepth)
 	}
 
-	tx3 := f.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Index: f.idx, Field: f.Field, Shard: 0})
-	defer tx3.Rollback()
-	if rslt, ok, err := f.Value(tx3, colID); err != nil {
+	if rslt, ok, err := f.Value(qcx, colID); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("expected Value() after reopen to return exists = true")
diff --git a/field_test.go b/field_test.go
index 85299d4ea..aa6c2ca92 100644
--- a/field_test.go
+++ b/field_test.go
@@ -27,18 +27,24 @@ func TestField_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 
-		// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetValue will lazily instantiate Tx.
-		var tx pilosa.Tx
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
+		// You're going to note the lack of any commits here. That's
+		// because, when you have a writable Qcx, *every individual
+		// sub-transaction commits immediately*. In theory, we ought
+		// to be doing provisional writes and the entire set of writes
+		// ought to be able to be reverted. Actually no. We're just committing
+		// everything as we go anyway.
 
 		// Set value on field.
-		if changed, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 21); err != nil {
+		if changed, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 21); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !changed {
 			t.Fatal("expected change")
 		}
 
 		// Read value.
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if value != 21 {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected value: %d", value)
@@ -47,7 +53,7 @@ func TestField_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 
 		// Setting value should return no change.
-		if changed, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 21); err != nil {
+		if changed, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 21); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if changed {
 			t.Fatal("expected no change")
@@ -62,25 +68,25 @@ func TestField_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 
-		// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetValue will lazily instantiate Tx.
-		var tx pilosa.Tx
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 
 		// Set value.
-		if changed, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 21); err != nil {
+		if changed, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 21); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !changed {
 			t.Fatal("expected change")
 		}
 
 		// Set different value.
-		if changed, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 23); err != nil {
+		if changed, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 23); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !changed {
 			t.Fatal("expected change")
 		}
 
 		// Read value.
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if value != 23 {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected value: %d", value)
@@ -97,11 +103,11 @@ func TestField_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 
-		// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetValue will lazily instantiate Tx.
-		var tx pilosa.Tx
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 
 		// Set value.
-		if _, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 21); err != pilosa.ErrBSIGroupNotFound {
+		if _, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 21); err != pilosa.ErrBSIGroupNotFound {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %s", err)
 		}
 	})
@@ -113,12 +119,10 @@ func TestField_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
-
-		// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetValue will lazily instantiate Tx.
-		var tx pilosa.Tx
-
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 		// Set value.
-		if _, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 15); !errors.Is(err, pilosa.ErrBSIGroupValueTooLow) {
+		if _, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 15); !errors.Is(err, pilosa.ErrBSIGroupValueTooLow) {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %s", err)
 		}
 	})
@@ -131,11 +135,11 @@ func TestField_SetValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 
-		// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetValue will lazily instantiate Tx.
-		var tx pilosa.Tx
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 
 		// Set value.
-		if _, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 31); !errors.Is(err, pilosa.ErrBSIGroupValueTooHigh) {
+		if _, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 31); !errors.Is(err, pilosa.ErrBSIGroupValueTooHigh) {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %s", err)
 		}
 	})
@@ -203,13 +207,13 @@ func TestField_AvailableShards(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
-	// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetBit will lazily instantiate Tx.
-	var tx pilosa.Tx
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
 	// Set values on shards 0 & 2, and verify.
-	if _, err := f.SetBit(tx, 0, 100, nil); err != nil {
+	if _, err := f.SetBit(qcx, 0, 100, nil); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
-	} else if _, err := f.SetBit(tx, 0, ShardWidth*2, nil); err != nil {
+	} else if _, err := f.SetBit(qcx, 0, ShardWidth*2, nil); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	} else if diff := cmp.Diff(f.AvailableShards(includeRemote).Slice(), []uint64{0, 2}); diff != "" {
 		t.Fatal(diff)
@@ -243,18 +247,18 @@ func TestField_ClearValue(t *testing.T) {
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
-		// It is okay to pass in a nil tx. f.SetValue will lazily instantiate Tx.
-		var tx pilosa.Tx
+		qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+		defer qcx.Abort()
 
 		// Set value on field.
-		if changed, err := f.SetValue(tx, 100, 21); err != nil {
+		if changed, err := f.SetValue(qcx, 100, 21); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !changed {
 			t.Fatal("expected change")
 		}
 
 		// Read value.
-		if value, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if value, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if value != 21 {
 			t.Fatalf("unexpected value: %d", value)
@@ -262,14 +266,14 @@ func TestField_ClearValue(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatal("expected value to exist")
 		}
 
-		if changed, err := f.ClearValue(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if changed, err := f.ClearValue(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if !changed {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 
 		// Read value.
-		if _, exists, err := f.Value(tx, 100); err != nil {
+		if _, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, 100); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		} else if exists {
 			t.Fatal("expected value to not exist")
diff --git a/holder_internal_test.go b/holder_internal_test.go
index fc8ca98ea..68802e15e 100644
--- a/holder_internal_test.go
+++ b/holder_internal_test.go
@@ -29,22 +29,22 @@ func setupTest(t *testing.T, h *Holder, rowCol []rowCols, indexName string) (*In
 	}
 	existencefield := idx.existenceFld
 
-	shard := uint64(0)
-	tx := idx.Txf().NewTx(Txo{Write: true, Index: idx, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
+
 	for _, r := range rowCol {
-		_, err = f.SetBit(tx, r.row, r.col, nil)
+		_, err = f.SetBit(qcx, r.row, r.col, nil)
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("failed to set bit in index %v: %v", indexName, err)
 		}
 
-		_, err = existencefield.SetBit(tx, r.row, r.col, nil)
+		_, err = existencefield.SetBit(qcx, r.row, r.col, nil)
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("failed to set bit in index %v: %v", indexName, err)
 		}
 	}
 
-	if err = tx.Commit(); err != nil {
+	if err = qcx.Finish(); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("failed to commit tx for index %v: %v", indexName, err)
 	}
 
@@ -96,14 +96,14 @@ func TestHolder_ProcessDeleteInflight(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, test := range tests {
 		func() {
 			idx, f := test.idx, test.f
-			tx := idx.Txf().NewTx(Txo{Write: false, Index: idx1, Shard: uint64(0)})
-			defer tx.Rollback()
+			qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+			defer qcx.Abort()
 			for _, r := range rowCol {
-				row, err := f.Row(tx, r.row)
+				row, err := f.Row(qcx, r.row)
 				if err != nil {
 					t.Fatalf("failed to get row: %v", err)
 				}
-				existenceRow, err := idx.existenceFld.Row(tx, r.row)
+				existenceRow, err := idx.existenceFld.Row(qcx, r.row)
 				if err != nil {
 					t.Fatalf("failed to get row: %v", err)
 				}
diff --git a/server/grpc.go b/server/grpc.go
index 60e3c8765..8a22543b2 100644
--- a/server/grpc.go
+++ b/server/grpc.go
@@ -751,8 +751,8 @@ func (h *GRPCHandler) Inspect(req *pb.InspectRequest, stream pb.Pilosa_InspectSe
 		return errToStatusError(err)
 	}
 
-	// It is okay to pass a nil Tx to field.StringValue(). It will lazily create it.
-	var tx pilosa.Tx
+	qcx := index.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
 	var fields []*pilosa.Field
 	for _, field := range index.Fields() {
@@ -997,7 +997,7 @@ func (h *GRPCHandler) Inspect(req *pb.InspectRequest, stream pb.Pilosa_InspectSe
 								}
 							}
 						} else {
-							value, exists, err = field.StringValue(tx, col)
+							value, exists, err = field.StringValue(qcx, col)
 							if err != nil {
 								return errors.Wrap(err, "getting string field value for column")
 							}
@@ -1325,7 +1325,7 @@ func (h *GRPCHandler) Inspect(req *pb.InspectRequest, stream pb.Pilosa_InspectSe
 									&pb.ColumnResponse{ColumnVal: nil})
 							}
 						} else {
-							value, exists, err = field.StringValue(tx, id)
+							value, exists, err = field.StringValue(qcx, id)
 							if err != nil {
 								return errors.Wrap(err, "getting string field value for column")
 							}
diff --git a/test/holder.go b/test/holder.go
index ec981ddf8..9cbff1346 100644
--- a/test/holder.go
+++ b/test/holder.go
@@ -9,13 +9,12 @@ import (
 	pilosa "github.com/molecula/featurebase/v3"
 	"github.com/molecula/featurebase/v3/pql"
 	"github.com/molecula/featurebase/v3/testhook"
-	"github.com/molecula/featurebase/v3/vprint"
-	"github.com/pkg/errors"
 )
 
 // Holder is a test wrapper for pilosa.Holder.
 type Holder struct {
 	*pilosa.Holder
+	tb testing.TB
 }
 
 // NewHolder returns a new instance of Holder with a temporary path.
@@ -28,7 +27,7 @@ func NewHolder(tb testing.TB) *Holder {
 	cfg := pilosa.DefaultHolderConfig()
 	cfg.StorageConfig.FsyncEnabled = false
 	cfg.RBFConfig.FsyncEnabled = false
-	h := &Holder{Holder: pilosa.NewHolder(path, cfg)}
+	h := &Holder{Holder: pilosa.NewHolder(path, cfg), tb: tb}
 
 	return h
 }
@@ -37,7 +36,7 @@ func NewHolder(tb testing.TB) *Holder {
 func MustOpenHolder(tb testing.TB) *Holder {
 	h := NewHolder(tb)
 	if err := h.Open(); err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		tb.Fatalf("opening holder: %v", err)
 	}
 	return h
 }
@@ -57,7 +56,7 @@ func (h *Holder) Reopen() error {
 func (h *Holder) MustCreateIndexIfNotExists(index string, opt pilosa.IndexOptions) *Index {
 	idx, err := h.Holder.CreateIndexIfNotExists(index, opt)
 	if err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		h.tb.Fatalf("creating index: %v", err)
 	}
 	return &Index{Index: idx}
 }
@@ -69,37 +68,39 @@ func (h *Holder) Row(index, field string, rowID uint64) *pilosa.Row {
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err)
 	}
-	var tx pilosa.Tx
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	row, err := f.Row(tx, rowID)
+	row, err := f.Row(qcx, rowID)
 	if err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		h.tb.Fatalf("retrieving row: %v", err)
 	}
 	// clone it so that mmapped storage doesn't disappear from under it
-	// once the tx goes away.
-	return row.Clone()
+	// once the qcx goes away.
+	return row
 }
 
 // ReadRow returns a Row for a given field. If the field does not exist,
-// it panics rather than creating the field.
+// it fails the holder's test rather than creating the field.
 func (h *Holder) ReadRow(index, field string, rowID uint64) *pilosa.Row {
 	idx := h.Holder.Index(index)
 	if idx == nil {
-		panic(errors.Wrap(pilosa.ErrIndexNotFound, index))
+		h.tb.Fatalf("read row from index %q: index not found", index)
 	}
 	f := idx.Field(field)
 	if f == nil {
-		panic(errors.Wrap(pilosa.ErrFieldNotFound, field))
+		h.tb.Fatalf("read row from field %q/%q: field not found", index, field)
 	}
-	var tx pilosa.Tx
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	row, err := f.Row(tx, rowID)
+	row, err := f.Row(qcx, rowID)
 	if err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		h.tb.Fatalf("retrieving row: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// clone it so that mmapped storage doesn't disappear from under it
-	// once the tx goes away.
+	// once the qcx goes away.
 	return row.Clone()
 }
 
@@ -109,15 +110,16 @@ func (h *Holder) RowTime(index, field string, rowID uint64, t time.Time, quantum
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err)
 	}
-	var tx pilosa.Tx
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	row, err := f.RowTime(tx, rowID, t, quantum)
+	row, err := f.RowTime(qcx, rowID, t, quantum)
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err)
 	}
 
 	// clone it so that mmapped storage doesn't disappear from under it
-	// once the tx goes away.
+	// once the qcx goes away.
 	return row.Clone()
 }
 
@@ -134,15 +136,17 @@ func (h *Holder) SetBitTime(index, field string, rowID, columnID uint64, t *time
 		panic(err)
 	}
 
-	shard := columnID / pilosa.ShardWidth
-	tx := idx.Index.Txf().NewTx(pilosa.Txo{Write: true, Index: idx.Index, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	_, err = f.SetBit(tx, rowID, columnID, t)
+	_, err = f.SetBit(qcx, rowID, columnID, t)
 	if err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		h.tb.Fatalf("setting bit: %v", err)
+	}
+	err = qcx.Finish()
+	if err != nil {
+		h.tb.Fatalf("finishing qcx: %v", err)
 	}
-	vprint.PanicOn(tx.Commit())
 }
 
 // ClearBit clears a bit on the given field.
@@ -153,15 +157,17 @@ func (h *Holder) ClearBit(index, field string, rowID, columnID uint64) {
 		panic(err)
 	}
 
-	shard := columnID / pilosa.ShardWidth
-	tx := idx.Index.Txf().NewTx(pilosa.Txo{Write: true, Index: idx.Index, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
 
-	_, err = f.ClearBit(tx, rowID, columnID)
+	_, err = f.ClearBit(qcx, rowID, columnID)
 	if err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		h.tb.Fatalf("clearing bit: %v", err)
+	}
+	err = qcx.Finish()
+	if err != nil {
+		h.tb.Fatalf("finishing qcx: %v", err)
 	}
-	vprint.PanicOn(tx.Commit())
 }
 
 // MustSetBits sets columns on a row. Panic on error.
@@ -179,16 +185,17 @@ func (h *Holder) SetValue(index, field string, columnID uint64, value int64) *In
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err)
 	}
-	shard := columnID / pilosa.ShardWidth
-	tx := idx.Index.Txf().NewTx(pilosa.Txo{Write: true, Index: idx.Index, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
 
-	_, err = f.SetValue(tx, columnID, value)
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewWritableQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
+	_, err = f.SetValue(qcx, columnID, value)
 	if err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+		h.tb.Fatalf("setting value: %v", err)
 	}
-	if err := tx.Commit(); err != nil {
-		panic(err)
+
+	err = qcx.Finish()
+	if err != nil {
+		h.tb.Fatalf("finishing qcx: %v", err)
 	}
 	return idx
 }
@@ -200,11 +207,11 @@ func (h *Holder) Value(index, field string, columnID uint64) (int64, bool) {
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err)
 	}
-	shard := columnID / pilosa.ShardWidth
-	tx := idx.Index.Txf().NewTx(pilosa.Txo{Write: false, Index: idx.Index, Shard: shard})
-	defer tx.Rollback()
 
-	val, exists, err := f.Value(tx, columnID)
+	qcx := idx.Txf().NewQcx()
+	defer qcx.Abort()
+
+	val, exists, err := f.Value(qcx, columnID)
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err)
 	}
@@ -229,6 +236,6 @@ func (h *Holder) Range(index, field string, op pql.Token, predicate int64) *pilo
 	}
 
 	// clone it so that mmapped storage doesn't disappear from under it
-	// once the tx goes away.
+	// once the qcx goes away.
 	return row.Clone()
 }
diff --git a/txfactory.go b/txfactory.go
index b96111c57..874464d9b 100644
--- a/txfactory.go
+++ b/txfactory.go
@@ -168,9 +168,9 @@ func (q *Qcx) unprotected_reset() {
 	q.done = false
 }
 
-// NewQcxWithGroup allocates a freshly allocated and empty Grp.
-// The top-level executor will set qcx.write = true manually
-// if the overall query is a write.
+// NewQcx allocates a freshly allocated and empty Grp.
+// The top-level Qcx is not marked writable. Non-writable
+// Qcx should not be used to request write Tx.
 func (f *TxFactory) NewQcx() (qcx *Qcx) {
 	qcx = &Qcx{
 		Grp: f.NewTxGroup(),
@@ -186,6 +186,24 @@ func (f *TxFactory) NewQcx() (qcx *Qcx) {
 	return
 }
 
+// NewWritableQcx allocates a freshly allocated and empty Grp.
+// The resulting Qcx is marked writable.
+func (f *TxFactory) NewWritableQcx() (qcx *Qcx) {
+	qcx = &Qcx{
+		Grp: f.NewTxGroup(),
+		Txf: f,
+	}
+	if f.holder != nil && f.holder.executor != nil {
+		qcx.workers = f.holder.executor.workers
+	}
+	if f.typeOfTx == "roaring" {
+		qcx.isRoaring = true
+	}
+	_ = testhook.Opened(f.holder.Auditor, qcx, nil)
+	qcx.write = true
+	return
+}
+
 var NoopFinisher = func(perr *error) {}
 
 var ErrQcxDone = fmt.Errorf("Qcx already Aborted or Finished, so must call reset before re-use")
diff --git a/view.go b/view.go
index 2adebe9fc..042f3734c 100644
--- a/view.go
+++ b/view.go
@@ -448,16 +448,14 @@ func (v *view) deleteFragment(shard uint64) error {
 }
 
 // row returns a row for a shard of the view.
-func (v *view) row(txOrig Tx, rowID uint64) (*Row, error) {
+func (v *view) row(qcx *Qcx, rowID uint64) (*Row, error) {
 	row := NewRow()
 	for _, frag := range v.allFragments() {
-
-		tx := txOrig
-		if NilInside(tx) {
-			tx = v.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: v.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: frag.shard})
-			defer tx.Rollback()
+		tx, finisher, err := qcx.GetTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: v.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: frag.shard})
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
 		}
-
+		defer finisher(&err)
 		fr, err := frag.row(tx, rowID)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
@@ -526,7 +524,7 @@ func (v *view) mutexCheck(ctx context.Context, qcx *Qcx, details bool, limit int
 }
 
 // setBit sets a bit within the view.
-func (v *view) setBit(txOrig Tx, rowID, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (v *view) setBit(tx Tx, rowID, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
 	shard := columnID / ShardWidth
 	var frag *fragment
 	frag, err = v.CreateFragmentIfNotExists(shard)
@@ -534,102 +532,50 @@ func (v *view) setBit(txOrig Tx, rowID, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err erro
 		return changed, err
 	}
 
-	tx := txOrig
-	if NilInside(tx) {
-		tx = v.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: v.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: shard})
-		defer func() {
-			if err == nil {
-				vprint.PanicOn(tx.Commit())
-			} else {
-				tx.Rollback()
-			}
-		}()
-	}
 	return frag.setBit(tx, rowID, columnID)
 }
 
 // clearBit clears a bit within the view.
-func (v *view) clearBit(txOrig Tx, rowID, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (v *view) clearBit(tx Tx, rowID, columnID uint64) (changed bool, err error) {
 	shard := columnID / ShardWidth
 	frag := v.Fragment(shard)
 	if frag == nil {
 		return false, nil
 	}
 
-	tx := txOrig
-	if NilInside(tx) {
-		tx = v.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: v.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: shard})
-		defer func() {
-			if err == nil {
-				vprint.PanicOn(tx.Commit())
-			} else {
-				tx.Rollback()
-			}
-		}()
-	}
-
 	return frag.clearBit(tx, rowID, columnID)
 }
 
 // value uses a column of bits to read a multi-bit value.
-func (v *view) value(txOrig Tx, columnID uint64, bitDepth uint64) (value int64, exists bool, err error) {
+func (v *view) value(tx Tx, columnID uint64, bitDepth uint64) (value int64, exists bool, err error) {
 	shard := columnID / ShardWidth
 	frag, err := v.CreateFragmentIfNotExists(shard)
 	if err != nil {
 		return value, exists, err
 	}
 
-	tx := txOrig
-	if NilInside(tx) {
-		tx = frag.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: !writable, Index: frag.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: frag.shard})
-		defer tx.Rollback()
-	}
-
 	return frag.value(tx, columnID, bitDepth)
 }
 
 // setValue uses a column of bits to set a multi-bit value.
-func (v *view) setValue(txOrig Tx, columnID uint64, bitDepth uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (v *view) setValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64, bitDepth uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err error) {
 	shard := columnID / ShardWidth
 	frag, err := v.CreateFragmentIfNotExists(shard)
 	if err != nil {
 		return changed, err
 	}
 
-	tx := txOrig
-	if NilInside(tx) {
-		tx = v.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: v.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: shard})
-		defer func() {
-			if err == nil {
-				vprint.PanicOn(tx.Commit())
-			} else {
-				tx.Rollback()
-			}
-		}()
-	}
-
 	return frag.setValue(tx, columnID, bitDepth, value)
 }
 
 // clearValue removes a specific value assigned to columnID
-func (v *view) clearValue(txOrig Tx, columnID uint64, bitDepth uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err error) {
+func (v *view) clearValue(tx Tx, columnID uint64, bitDepth uint64, value int64) (changed bool, err error) {
 	shard := columnID / ShardWidth
 	frag := v.Fragment(shard)
 	if frag == nil {
 		return false, nil
 	}
 
-	tx := txOrig
-	if NilInside(tx) {
-		tx = v.idx.holder.txf.NewTx(Txo{Write: writable, Index: v.idx, Fragment: frag, Shard: shard})
-		defer func() {
-			if err == nil {
-				vprint.PanicOn(tx.Commit())
-			} else {
-				tx.Rollback()
-			}
-		}()
-	}
 	return frag.clearValue(tx, columnID, bitDepth, value)
 }