1/4" Cordless Impact Driver Extension / Adapter Recommendations

[oldschoolcraft]

I've been pretty basic with my M12 Impact Driver and want to expand my capabilities.

Seems perfectly reasonable to get 1/4" hex to all three square socket sizes - 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2"



Cheap and small enough that they seem worth having around.

I also definitely need some kind of bit extensions. They seem to come in different lengths and a variety of options. Magnetic, locking, a sliding sleeve that covers the screw so it doesnt fall off and the sleeve articulates backwards as you drive the screw.

I also think some extensions may be optimized with longer impact bits, and some extensions may serve as adapters to use regular small non-impact 1/4" bits, which might come in handy for an occasional job even if not impact-rated. Maybe it's some security bit you dont have an impact-rated version.

I think I want one of the 90 degree angle adapters, because I dont own an M12 installation driver so an adapter to let me do 90 degree bends might be useful. It seems like Dewalt has better reviews than the Milwaukee one. Maybe I can Rit dye it red

There's also a variety of brands, just because I run an M12 doesnt mean I need to use Milwaukee brand adapters. In fact, I think Milwaukee is generally considered not great for hand tools.

There's probably also some extensions and adapters I dont know exist and didn't mention that I will "need" to buy after I read your comments.

Not sure which lengths are most useful. I see small, medium and even some super XL long ones. I'm guessing you can chain them together like socket extensions, albeit with some torque loss.

I'm open to buying a bunch of different ones of these to have flexibility but I will need to consolidate down to a main few for the mobile handyman bag and will need recommendations on the most useful ones you've found.

 

[mike93lx]

I tend to mostly buy Dewalt and have been happy, overall. My bit holders are mainly magnetic and sliding sleeve.

I'd just grab a couple and start using them to see what you like

 

[finn]

Don’t over think this. I really don’t think brand matters much as long as you avoid the really cheesy imports. Buy a variety and for $50 you’ll figure out what works for you. What my neighbor likes and uses probably isn’t the same as what I Find useful.

 

[HenryAZ]

I use Ares, both 6" and 12". The 12" is specifically for the in-ground irrigation box. They use a mechanical closure on the end to grip the bit firmly.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've been pretty basic with my M12 Impact Driver and want to expand my capabilities.

Seems perfectly reasonable to get 1/4" hex to all three square socket sizes - 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2"

Depending on what you are nuts and bolts you are trying to fasten, you may be disappointed.

First, 1/4" hex drivers are not noted for having a lot of torque. Second, what torque it does have is going to be limited by the narrow part of the shaft (where the red band is). The 1/2" drive one is almost useless except for spinning off nuts that are already loose or tightening them down until they are "snug". You are probably safe using non-impact (chrome) sockets and adapters.

Also, I would not waste my money on a 90° adapter. You lose too much torque. I you really need 90°, get a power ratchet.

I went the opposite way. Purchased a Milwaukee M12 3/8" impact (2454) and a a Milwaukee 48-03-4405 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter. Yes, it costs more, but I work on small engines and wanted the extra torque that this supplied.

Last, I just discovered this 3 bit set 48-32-4319

 

[theoldwizard1]

Last, as far as 1/4" hex impact bits, I rarely use the short ones. I use the 2"-3" length most often. I would not spend the money on a 1/4" hex extension. Just buy your most commonly used bits (PH2, SQ2, T25) in 6" length.

Cool, but pricey !



This set (48-32-4092) includes (3) 2" PH2 bits , (1) 2" PH3 bit , (1) 2" SQ1 bit , (4) 2" SQ2 bits , (1) 2" SQ3 bits. I would put the PH3 and SQ3 plus the extra PH2 and SQ2 as spares in my tools box and add some Torx.

 

[driftpin]

Husky has a set of 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2" in short, medium and long lengths. Haven't hurt one yet, used 'em all.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I do not use it often, but my 10” quick release extension has been a lifesaver a few times. Other than that I have several lengths of Apex bits up to 6 inches.

 

[rust in the eye]

Makita makes a wobble 3/8" adapter that I love. HD used to carry them but no more. Avaialble on-line but prices vary wildly.

 

[tarbellb]

Extensions are critical and NEED these features

- separate outer sleeve so you can hold it while it spins
- mechanical locking for the bit

grab 6,12,24"

 

[mike93lx]

Extensions are critical and NEED these features

- separate outer sleeve so you can hold it while it spins
- mechanical locking for the bit

grab 6,12,24"

Those are nice features, but I'd hardly call them a need. I have lots of extensions that have either but none with both and they all have their place.

 

[KnurledNut]

Grey Pneumatic hold up very well too.

If going the other way, Snap-on are really good.

 

[tarbellb]

Those are nice features, but I'd hardly call them a need. I have lots of extensions that have either but none with both and they all have their place.

Good point
I was looking at it from a bit holder stance, general builder stuff

Socket extensions can be more basic and still work well

 

[Hohn]

Depending on what you are nuts and bolts you are trying to fasten, you may be disappointed.

First, 1/4" hex drivers are not noted for having a lot of torque. Second, what torque it does have is going to be limited by the narrow part of the shaft (where the red band is). The 1/2" drive one is almost useless except for spinning off nuts that are already loose or tightening them down until they are "snug". You are probably safe using non-impact (chrome) sockets and adapters.

Also, I would not waste my money on a 90° adapter. You lose too much torque. I you really need 90°, get a power ratchet.

I went the opposite way. Purchased a Milwaukee M12 3/8" impact (2454) and a a Milwaukee 48-03-4405 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter. Yes, it costs more, but I work on small engines and wanted the extra torque that this supplied.

Last, I just discovered this 3 bit set 48-32-4319

That said, my little Makita impact driver with a 1/2" socket adapter can remove the lug nuts on all my vehicles, although I haven't tested the GX 460 with this yet.

It's both true that the spindly little 1/4" hex is the wrong tool for the job AND that they are far more capable than you might think.

 

[mikey03]

I think I want one of the 90 degree angle adapters, because I dont own an M12 installation driver so an adapter to let me do 90 degree bends might be useful. It seems like Dewalt has better reviews than the Milwaukee one. Maybe I can Rit dye it red

the m12 installation drive isn’t an impact though tbh it’s just like a regular drill turning motion so maybe you could use it as a nut runner but idk man seems like your losing a lot of uggas