Vintage Proto 3/8" extension with odd locking ball

[jacked_72]

I have not run into this before. Its not a ball bearing but some kind of cylindrical shaft mount on what appears to be a ball bearing. I think I could get it on a socket, but I'd never get off again. Is this normal? I've never seen one like it.

 

[ears]

It's a locking extension. Used with sockets that have a hole in them. Have to use a pin to release it. Pretty common in bigger drive sizes.

 

[Jawn]

Has the benefit of keeping a socket (such as a swivel socket) from coming off and taking flight when used on an impact.

 

[jamesemery728]

It's an impact extension.

 

[Jason280]

As mentioned, its a locking extension. My DeWalt 18v 1/2" impact has the same style pin, and it comes in handy pulling sockets off stubborn lug nuts.

 

[JoeyMitch]

I have some Snap On 3/8 drive impact sockets with holes. I guess that's what they're for? Not sure if someone drilled them there or if they came like that.

 

[TwoInch]

I have some Snap On 3/8 drive impact sockets with holes. I guess that's what they're for? Not sure if someone drilled them there or if they came like that.

i cant remember seeing an impact socket without detent holes.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

i cant remember seeing an impact socket without detent holes.

I've seen some cheap 3/8" drives without it, but nothing bigger. Some spline drives too, since the locking ball is internal.

 

[littletoes]

I have some Snap On 3/8 drive impact sockets with holes. I guess that's what they're for? Not sure if someone drilled them there or if they came like that.

I've seen those on the bigger impacts, you can buy a ring that has a pin built into them, and the ring fits in the groove that is around the socket.

http://www.buy.com/th/impact-socket-retaining-ring.html

 

[chris142]

I have a 1/4 inch SO swivel that uses a tiny pin like that. I hate it!

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I have a 1/4 inch SO swivel that uses a tiny pin like that. I hate it!

I've got a "modified" screwdriver that works great for them. I took a cheap Caterpillar dealer promo type pocket screwdriver and cut the head off on the grinder leaving basically a smallish pin punch with a pocket clip. Works on ¼" to ¾" drive retainer pins like a champ!

 

[superautobacs]

You might not hate that pin on an universal joint after that socket comes flying towards your face at a high rate of speed! ....it saves from having to find that dislodged socket that went flying across the shop floor.

 

[wxm]

I have a Cornwell 1/4" ratchet that has the lock pin. Don't think I ever use it.

 

[beerdog]

primary purpose for the pin is safety. If you ever had a socket or extension fling of because you used the wrong extensins then you understand why they exist.

 

[JKady]

Have a set of Cornwell extensions with the pin-lock and love em, not that much more work to just keep a pick handy when I'm using em. I wish my 36" extension was like that, I HATE fishing for a lost socket on top of a transmission, apparently not as much as I hate the idea of spending the money for a locking one though...

 

[transittech]

I've gotten hit by said wobbly impact sockets. 10,000 rpm hurts!!!

 

[larry_g]

Pin style retainers are also used on a lot of production tools where the tool is only removed from the driver when it wears out. It always amazes me how many vehicle mechanics seem to think that they are the only ones that use tools.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ken w.]

This pin system is a royal pain in the ****. However, once you have a swivel socket fly off and smack you in the head as mentioned,you will appreciate this.A lot of older tools have the hole for this.

 

[ndoran]

I have that pin on a Cornwell 1/2 in drive impact extension. Of course you can defeat it by ensuring the hole in the socket does not align with the pin