S-O 3/8 extension set 6 vs 8 pc

[SC-AW11]

My buddy, along with a lot of you guys, has the 6 pc set. The long ones (18 and 24") are never needed?
Which do you recommend?

6pc: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674829&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog $78 student

8pc: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674829&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog $130 student

The way I look at it, are the 18" and 24" worth $52? (They probably are if used?)
Thank you!

 

[Buckgnarly]

Bellhousings are where I use long extensions, also similiar things like transfer cases. Wen you need them, you really need them!

 

[wornoutoldman]

The long ones (18 and 24") are often needed?


The way I look at it, are the 18" and 24" worth $52? (Duh yeah!)

Fixed it for ya

 

[ChevyEFI]

A long extension sometimes makes a job easier because you can use the driver in a more open space.

I can pull the PS lines from the steering box with a flare nut wrench. But I sure like using a crowsfoot, 24" extension and the ability to use a ratchet away from the hoses, fenderwell, accessory drive belt, wiring that are in the way.

And yeah, bellhousing bolts.

 

[devoncoolman]

U need the long ones trust me. If your gonna pull motors and transmissions. Even fuel tanks you need extensions up to at least 36". You'll be glade you have them.

 

[CWP1616L]

As long as you have the student discount, you might want to use it on some 1/4'' drive swivel sockets. Those sockets are astronomically expensive without the discount.

 

[jmm]

6 pc!!!

I rarely need the long extensions, but when I do, I'm often timing a setscrew on a cam from a weird angle, at 30" away, on my back. Snapping short ones together is often helpful because it get a good bit of flex between ratchet and socket.

Besides, you can find long extensions used for cheap enough.

 

[redwrench60]

Yes you will need them. Get them now and they'll all fit in the tray they come in. You don't have to use them just on obstructed jobs and bellhousing bolts. I also use them for regular engine work so I don't have to work hunched over the job or under the vehicle so I don't have to work with my arms stretcher over head. Use em' to change spark plugs going through the wheel well opening. Be creative, you'll find lots of uses.

 

[sberry]

I have and do use them.

 

[wafrederick]

I use the 24" for spark plug removal including bellhousing bolts.Includes getting to the torque converter bolts in the Chevy S10 4x4s and Blazers with the 2 piece 4L60E case.You lose power adding on each extension after extension with a loose fit.

 

[sberry]

When a guy is starting out he would come close using that 255 pc and maybe even better the Sears 309 as a template with minor exceptions. Copy what they did and it would be hard to go wrong.

 

[knocker]

Yes you will need them, I bought the six piece sets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and I ended up having to buy the 36" in all three drives. I use them all the time, almost all engine bays now of days are so compact they are a must.

 

[boostedgt]

long extensions arent needed until you need them.

 

[splicer64]

I was in your shoes a few years ago and I went with these: 204FXKLA 3/8 Locking Ext and FZ2 Ext Connectors, I didn't buy the FX36 because the shop where I worked part time had one as a shop tool. I believe you could have all 3 for under 160$...money well spent. You'll use them much more than you think, you'll have the ability to do one thing several ways with out having to change sockets as much. I use locking extensions on impacts also

 

[SC-AW11]

Thanks for replying guys. Looks like 8pc is winning by far.
You guys are mentioning bellhousing bolts; you guys dont use impacts and impact extensions for those? My teacher and I were just talking about that and he was saying impact. and he recommend the 1/2 adapter extensions that have 3/8 male ends

Fixed it for ya

Perfect

As long as you have the student discount, you might want to use it on some 1/4'' drive swivel sockets. Those sockets are astronomically expensive without the discount.

Ya I don't mind other suggestions like that as well. I want to take advantage while Im still in the program.
I have been thinking about swivel sockets too. I actually posted a thread a few days about about universal/swivel sockets; 6pt vs 12 pt?? I should have made a poll on that one too
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211873
Im thinking shallow chrome 1/4", chrome shallow/deep and shallow impact 3/8, and then shallow impact 1/2"
Sound good? Not sure how much I would use the deep 3/8 though. Or I would consider deep 1/2 too?
What do you think about impact 1/4", and chrome 1/2"?

Yes you will need them, I bought the six piece sets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and I ended up having to buy the 36" in all three drives. I use them all the time, almost all engine bays now of days are so compact they are a must.

Sounds good. dang 36 in all 3? Very nice. I will definitely add the 36 to the 3/8. Not sure how much I would use the 1/4 and 1/2". I dont use those drives sizes much in general. I should get in the habit though (if its a 10mm, I shud grab a 1/4 first. I usually grab 3/8). One thing is, I only have 12pt 1/2. I prefer 6 pt so idk, I just dont really use them.

long extensions arent needed until you need them.

I was in your shoes a few years ago and I went with these: 204FXKLA 3/8 Locking Ext and FZ2 Ext Connectors, I didn't buy the FX36 because the shop where I worked part time had one as a shop tool. I believe you could have all 3 for under 160$...money well spent. You'll use them much more than you think, you'll have the ability to do one thing several ways with out having to change sockets as much. I use locking extensions on impacts also

Oh really. I got a 3/8 craftsman locking I use pretty much jus for spark plugs but I love it. I was looking at the locking impact ext's, looks like I should consider chrome snap on as well. 200, so Id prolly get it for 100-120. Those ext connectors looks cool. What is an example of a use for thise? It doesnt show a picture for FZ2, only FZ1. whats the difference?

 

[helterskelter]

I also have a 24'' extension I use for bell-housing bolts. Definitely worth owning.

 

[rwelch]

I bought the 6pc set and then bought the longer two in the locking version.
I like that style so I don't leave sockets in hard to reach areas if they happen to
Fall off.

 

[SC-AW11]

And what about wobble and wobble plus?
I have 1 oxide 6" wobble I really like.
I thought wobble plus would be best of both worlds but I think I remember members hear frowning upon them?

I bought the 6pc set and then bought the longer two in the locking version.
I like that style so I don't leave sockets in hard to reach areas if they happen to
Fall off.

Hmm good idea. but hey only have 1 of the 2 that the 6 pc doesnt have, the 24" is the biggest locking. No 18"? which 2 did you get? Do you have a 36? if you do is it reg or locking?
does the locking collar get in the way in tighter spots?

 

[pl_silverado]

Or you could do what I did, buy both.

 

[SC-AW11]

which both, 6 and 8pc? or reg and wobble? The later seems practical for 3/8. idk bout 1/4 and 1/2 too.

 

[jethro29]

I use the 18 inch and 24 inch extensions almost daily,but I do a lot of transmission work.

 

[CWP1616L]

I have been thinking about swivel sockets too.

I would suggest metric and standard in 1/4'' drive 12 point shallow, chrome. 12 points are easier to engage especially in tight areas where you're using a swivel socket. 1/4'' drive deeps would be nice too, but you won't need them as much as the shallows. Get one 8'' and one 11'' regular extension to go with them. Or set 106BTMX.

 

[SC-AW11]

I would suggest metric and standard in 1/4'' drive 12 point shallow, chrome. 1/4'' drive deeps would be nice too but you won't need them as much as the shallows. And a set of 1/4'' drive regular extensions to go with them.

Very nice.
So you like to use 1/4"?
I don't muse standard much, if at all. So will Definitely get the metric shallows.
I mentioned earlier my universal socket thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211873
Basically asking 6pt vs 12pt. I see you say 12pt?
1/4 deeps too? hmm maybe. I hardly touch my regular 1/4 deeps.
Ya 1/4 ext. set 100% I wonder about wobble or wobble plus for 1/4
*noticed you edited the exts just to red 8 and 11"?

 

[CWP1616L]

*noticed you edited the exts just to red 8 and 11"?

Yeah, when you're using a swivel socket, you'll more than likely want a long extension hooked up to it because you'll be going in from a distance.

12 point sockets are easier to engage.

 

[shockwave]

Get the 8 piece set you will use them all i use the 24 all the time when we are changing transmission fluid onHonda v6 engines with the 17mm fill plug (that is always overtighten)