Comprehensive 1/4"-3/8"-1/2" extension set.

[biggsean]

I've been slowly accumulating various extensions in all three common drive sizes, and I've been considering buying just one large set to cover all my bases. This particular Craftsman set comes with 13 different extensions, universal joints (which will replace my companions), and drive adapters (which I already own).

I've compared this against the competition, and the pricing on this kit just seems really hard to beat. What do you guys think?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942283000P?vName=Tools&keyword=extension+set

 

[PoorOwner]

Good if you don't have it already, most of these except the extensions longer than 6" comes with many craftsman tool sets. But the cost here could be justified since a 10" extension sells for $10 or so, figure maybe at least $40 worth in those long extensions/.

Do they sell a set that will contain just the long extensions at a bundle price?

 

[Merkava_4]

What do you guys think?

Their extensions are garbage!!! Why? Because they don't stay together and they don't hold a socket worth a damn. There's nothing more frustrating than having a socket fall off an extension at the wrong place and at the wrong time!

 

[biggsean]

Their extensions are garbage!!! Why? Because they don't stay together and they don't hold a socket worth a damn. There's nothing more frustrating than having a socket fall off an extension at the wrong place and at the wrong time!

For my limited needs, the Craftsman extensions have worked well up until this point. I just have a hodge podge collection of craftsman/off brand extensions, and would like a thorough set that will provide me with any length I would possibly need. I'd love to go Snappy with all of my extensions, but I'd rather save some money and apply it towards what I feel offers me the most value and pleasure, and that's the dual 80 series ratchets. This is a tradeoff I'm willing to make in order to afford a good collection of ratchets.

 

[biggsean]

Good if you don't have it already, most of these except the extensions longer than 6" comes with many craftsman tool sets. But the cost here could be justified since a 10" extension sells for $10 or so, figure maybe at least $40 worth in those long extensions/.

Do they sell a set that will contain just the long extensions at a bundle price?

They don't appear to sell a set with JUST the longer versions. You would have to piece them together which would undoubtedly cost more. I think I'm going to go ahead and get this kit, then sell off my old extensions, my companion universal joints, and the extra drive adapters that come with this kit.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Their extensions are garbage!!! Why? Because they don't stay together and they don't hold a socket worth a damn. There's nothing more frustrating than having a socket fall off an extension at the wrong place and at the wrong time!

Funny, they've always worked just fine for me. I haven't seen the Snap-On ones work any better unless you go for the locking ones, which piss me off.

 

[Merkava_4]

That's the first thing I noticed when going from Craftsman to SO is how nice and tight their drive tools fit together; I can't emphasize enough how important that is.

As far as costs are concerned, you can eBay a collection of new SO tools for the cost of Craftsman retail if you're patient and willing to take a little time. When I bought all my SO tools, eBay was just starting out and I didn't even know how to work a computer back then.

 

[ImportTuner]

Excellent price for all those extensions and adapters; never had any problem with my Craftsman extensions (eg. sockets falling off, etc..)

 

[Merkava_4]

Funny, they've always worked just fine for me.

The Craftsman tools I used to own always fit real sloppy together; and these were a set I bought back in 1985. I'll never go back to using that stuff again if I can help it.

 

[PoorOwner]

My main tool of choice for sport compact cars has been 3/8".. I am lacking the 10" extension, but I think I am going to get this locking set for those situation where the socket might drop.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943355000P?keyword=craftsman+extension+set

Most of the time moderate length (not even 10") extension combined differently with shallow and deep sockets have done the trick for me. When I used 1/4" it means it's a tight situation so don't see the need for 14" extension either.. (they should have just bundled a 1/4" 10" for that). I rarely use drive size adapters but have a variety of ratchets in their own drive size instead. I do not have a big reliance on U-joints either, can't remember the last time I used it.. so I would recommend spending on the 3/8"

If you have plans to use air tools get the impact version! I am trying to build up some extensions for impact use and it's a pain to buy twice.. and I use the impact extension with hand ratchets it would make no difference.

 

[biggsean]

My main tool of choice for sport compact cars has been 3/8".. I am lacking the 10" extension, but I think I am going to get this locking set for those situation where the socket might drop.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943355000P?keyword=craftsman+extension+set

Most of the time moderate length (not even 10") extension combined differently with shallow and deep sockets have done the trick for me. When I used 1/4" it means it's a tight situation so don't see the need for 14" extension either.. (they should have just bundled a 1/4" 10" for that). I rarely use drive size adapters but have a variety of ratchets in their own drive size instead. I do not have a big reliance on U-joints either, can't remember the last time I used it.. so I would recommend spending on the 3/8"

If you have plans to use air tools get the impact version! I am trying to build up some extensions for impact use and it's a pain to buy twice.. and I use the impact extension with hand ratchets it would make no difference.

Hmmm, you make some great points. I have a pretty decent assortment of 3/8" extensions which i use 90 percent of the time. Perhaps I'll just save my money and apply this towards some SnapOn ratchets.

 

[Coach James]

Most of my extensions are C-man and they work fine for me. I've also got some Kobalt, Husky, Great Neck, Wright, Easco and one other one I can't remember. They work fine too.

Coach

 

[Kevin54]

I do not have a big reliance on U-joints either, can't remember the last time I used it.. so I would recommend spending on the 3/8"

Change a set of motor mounts on a Chevy Silverado and you will use a universal. Right along with a few choice word too.

I'm the type that I would rather use one long extension that stacking extensions to get the proper length needed. A longer extension is needed quite a bit for removal of transmissions on a domestic car or truck. On my dads '85 Caddy, I regularly used a 24" extension to be able to access two rear sparkplugs and to be able to ratchet from above the engine instead of crawling down into it.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Their extensions are garbage!!! Why? Because they don't stay together and they don't hold a socket worth a damn. There's nothing more frustrating than having a socket fall off an extension at the wrong place and at the wrong time!

That is the biggest crock of **** I have ever seen anyone post on this board! I can hardly wait for the follow up, you do not use them cause they twist in two like putty or some other such stupidity. Absolute stupidity at it's finest! I am growing tired of seeing posts like this. It is an illness or something with you man!

 

[george4]

That is the biggest crock of **** I have ever seen anyone post on this board! I can hardly wait for the follow up, you do not use them cause they twist in two like putty or some other such stupidity. Absolute stupidity at it's finest! I am growing tired of seeing posts like this. It is an illness or something with you man!

Save your breath, you are talking to a guy to morally equates scratching a SO ratchet to burning the American Flag.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Save your breath, you are talking to a guy to morally equates scratching a SO ratchet to burning the American Flag.

Ah, thanks for the reality check, I appreciate that. Duly noted!

 

[wrenchr]

Save your breath, you are talking to a guy to morally equates scratching a SO ratchet to burning the American Flag.

IMO, It is total preference. I prefer Snap on over Craftsman, Mac, Matco, Cornwell.

 

[Uncle Buck]

IMO, It is total preference. I prefer Snap on over Craftsman, Mac, Matco, Cornwell.

Preference is one thing, making totally baseless ignorant statements such as he did is another.

I would be the first to say most folks here, myself included prefer Snap-on tools, but to sputter a bunch of absolute hogwash like he does regularly really tics me off!

I am sure I am not the only one here who was not born yesterday and the constant raving about how Snap-on tools are the only brand that can do this, that, or the other really gets a bit thin.

If he is going to go as far as make posts based in lunacy, then I will accommodate him by being the A hole to stand up and holler ******** on him!

Besides, I now believe his tools are some kind of little religious shrine or something because I do not think he uses his tools, but rather sets around and polishes them and adds to his collection. So, who is he to say what works and what doesn't, heck, how would he know? He does not actually use them!

 

[wrenchr]

hholmberg you tell it how you mean it!!! That is a rarity these days!!!
I do not understand his view on Craftsman hand tools they are made in the US.
I grew up using them, And some times I wonder why do I pay so much for the truck brand tools.

 

[Uncle Buck]

hholmberg you tell it how you mean it!!! That is a rarity these days!!!
I do not understand his view on Craftsman hand tools they are made in the US.
I grew up using them, And some times I wonder why do I pay so much for the truck brand tools.

Like I said, I have a good many Snappy tools and I do prefer them to my other tools, however I have 20 other brands in my box that for the most part work equally well (for a home wrench) and were getting the job done regularly for some years before I added the Snap-on pieces.

I actually got a bit carried away, Mekava 4 usually has a lot of good info to add to the discussion, but I do detest bigotry regardless the form!

 

[wilbilt]

I have lots of extensions of various brands, including SO and Craftsman.

They all do pretty much the same thing, and I have not noticed any issues with any of them, except for a long 1/2" drive Harbor Freight one that bent the first time I used it on an impact wrench

I replaced it with an old Williams extension, which has handled all kinds of abuse exceptionally well.

 

[Fedwrench]

My favorite extensions are the knurled ones from Mac. Mac is the only manufacturer that knurls their extensions in two places, at the very top around the female square drive and on the shaft. The knurling makes finger spinning and starting easier. You can find them fairly cheap on Ebay once in awhile. Craftsman extensions are fine too. I've only really broken a couple of SK 1/4 drive extansions when I was using them on an air ratchet, sheared the square drive right off left in the socket.
Sears was selling companion sets that were a combination wobble and straight extension. They are a bargain.

 

[hotrod66paul]

I have picked up a couple of wabble extensions in both 3/8 and 1/2 and prefer them to the u-joint adapters when space allows. Can't always get a u-joint socket or swivel in tight spaces and the wabble seems to help.

 

[T56 Impala]

Wow, what and argument about extensions! I have several brands. Everything from MIT/HF to Craftsman, Snap on, Williams, S&K, MAC and some military no name thing. Sizes from 3 inches to 42 inches. They all seem to do the exact same thing the exact same way. I've never broken one, never twisted one, never bent one. They all seem to hold the sockets the same way. I do like the MAC ones when I need to start a bolt on the extension or when changing plugs. That knurl really helps. I don't like using them for things like tearing down an engine where it will be in hand contact for a long time. It kinda wears on my nerves a bit.

If that Craftsman set is $70, I hate to think how much money I have wrapped up in extensions alone!

 

[Abodyracer]

My main tool of choice for sport compact cars has been 3/8".. I am lacking the 10" extension, but I think I am going to get this locking set for those situation where the socket might drop.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943355000P?keyword=craftsman+extension+set

Most of the time moderate length (not even 10") extension combined differently with shallow and deep sockets have done the trick for me. When I used 1/4" it means it's a tight situation so don't see the need for 14" extension either.. (they should have just bundled a 1/4" 10" for that). I rarely use drive size adapters but have a variety of ratchets in their own drive size instead. I do not have a big reliance on U-joints either, can't remember the last time I used it.. so I would recommend spending on the 3/8"

If you have plans to use air tools get the impact version! I am trying to build up some extensions for impact use and it's a pain to buy twice.. and I use the impact extension with hand ratchets it would make no difference.

Stay away from those locking extensions. Of all the extensions we warranty out I'd say at least 65-70% ar the locking type. Guess which end breaks, thats right the locking end. Personally I would never own a set of locking extensions no matter what brand, I simply don't trust the design.

 

[krusty the clown]

Stay away from those locking extensions. Of all the extensions we warranty out I'd say at least 65-70% ar the locking type. Guess which end breaks, thats right the locking end. Personally I would never own a set of locking extensions no matter what brand, I simply don't trust the design.

since we are going to argue i have the SO set of locking extenrions, i even use them on my impact and have never broken one.

 

[Abodyracer]

Whos argueing. I'm simply stating my opinion. SO doesn't do housecalls so thats not an issue either.

 

[eschoendorff]

Excellent price for all those extensions and adapters; never had any problem with my Craftsman extensions (eg. sockets falling off, etc..)

Me neither. Merkava is just bitter.

 

[eschoendorff]

Most of my extensions are C-man and they work fine for me. I've also got some Kobalt, Husky, Great Neck, Wright, Easco and one other one I can't remember. They work fine too.

Coach

Same here... I have nice expensive ones and el-cheapos. One of my favorite extensions to use are my *gasp* MIT wobble extensions. Go ahead and make fun, but they are well-chromed, have good knurling and always get the job done. And, if you seat the socket on the all the way, they act light regular straight extensions.

Let the hatin' begin....

 

[eschoendorff]

Uncle Buck.. don't worry, we were all placing wagers on when you would finally snap

As far as Merkava is concerned, I just don't get it. Tools are a means to an end.. not an end in themselves.

 

[Merkava_4]

Me neither. Merkava is just bitter.

I'm not bitter at all; I don't get bitter.

 

[Merkava_4]

Tools are a means to an end.. not an end in themselves.

You haven't been using the right tools if you feel that way.

 

[Merkava_4]

Take a Craftsman socket and snap it onto a Craftsman extension.

Take a Snap-on socket and snap it onto a Snap-on extension.

That's all you have to do to for a comparison to see what I mean.

 

[krusty the clown]

Whos argueing. I'm simply stating my opinion. SO doesn't do housecalls so thats not an issue either.

buck and merkava

 

[Stuey]

IMHO, the price isn't that good. One can do as good or better buy buying some of the sets or individual pieces separately when on sale and with a coupon. Then again, that's only something to do if you don't need it asap.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Uncle Buck.. don't worry, we were all placing wagers on when you would finally snap

As far as Merkava is concerned, I just don't get it. Tools are a means to an end.. not an end in themselves.

All it took was that last little push and there I was spinning hopelessly out of control! ::

 

[hamburglar]

...............

 

[Uncle Buck]

I'll stay out of the Snap On vs. the world argument, but I always thought these were a really good idea:

http://www.vimtools.com/product_detail.asp?id=HD250

...it does suprise me that I haven't seen a product that's just a handle with a male square drive on one hand, female on the other and some sort of drive in the middle so it could be used as a t-handle.

Eschoendorff has one of those, I have several Snappys in 3/8" and a few 1/4" like every one else does too.

 

[kartracer55]

not worth it as everybody has about 12 3 inch 3/8 extendions. The large 1/4 and 3/8 sets sold by the truck brands are great. for 1/4 I would get wobble extensions

 

[wilbilt]

Uncle Buck.. don't worry, we were all placing wagers on when you would finally snap

That's right...and if I have all those hand-scribbled notes figured out right...somebody owes me $1.50...