1/4" drive locking extensions - Snap-on vs SK

[Biomed]

I'm considering purchase of some 1/4" drive locking extensions. A Google search of GJ showed some old (3+ years) threads. It appears that SK has changed their locking mechanism since then.

The SK40992 7" locking extension is $27 at several suppliers. The SO TMXKL60A 6" locking extension is $38.50 on the SO Web site.

SO sells locking mechanism rebuild kits. Do the locking mechanisms fail frequently?

Anyone have comments or experience with either (SO or SK) extensions?

 

[Cope]

No experience with either brand, but I have Matco 1/4" and 3/8" and have had good luck with both.

 

[Biomed]

I guess nobody uses locking extensions. (I thought folks said they were so useful for replacing spark plugs. )

 

[KEH]

No experience with those brands, but I occasionally use locking extensions, most usefully on oil filters.

KEH

 

[gagreen]

Snap On is pretty good. I've got a 3 foot 1/4" locking extension and it works as advertised. Locks are really only important and useful on extremely long extensions or when dropping a socket means lost time and or creates a hazard.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I have 2 Sk locking extensions, one is a 1/2" I bought used in the spring only used it a few times, other one is 3/8" and I just got it a few weeks ago, it is new, and I only used it a few times. I never owned a locking extension before, and now I don't know how i got by without them, they are perfecta for changing plugs in OHC engines.

I can't offer any help on the Snap On I don't own one, but since the price is about the same I would personally get the snappy, just b/c I would want to see which I liked better.

hmmm, I need to check my tool budget, I may pick up a 1/4" snappy soon, just in case I need one in the future

 

[amolaver]

not 1/4 but 3/8, but i LOVE the proto 3 piece set http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...-Drive-3-Piece-Impact-Locking-Extension-Set-/ impact rated too (i try to buy only impact stuff where possible).

the SK 4941 1/4 drive locking extension set http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4941.aspx looks pretty nice, although $80 seems a little steep to me. i do have a decent grouping of 1/4 extensions, but no lockers. so many tools, so little money

ahm

 

[92integra]

yeah i'm getting a full set of 1/4" from matco soon it was like way less then the full set of snappies! if you want a 3/8ths set i would recommend you grab the set from harbor freight, i use those evey day with no issues...... this is after i put some loctite on the setscew of the extension...... maybe im just a cheep *** but ive never broken an extension so for 1/4" drive i will also recommend you crafts man 3 piece set is like 35 bucks, gear wrench 3 piece set 20 bucks, hell while im looking i'm going to personally buy the nieko locking set for 10 bucks free shipping! one last thing MAC, mac has the best nurling on there locking extensions ever! they are striaght up awsome. all but the matco i listed are non impact, not that i really think that should matter since were only talking 1/4" here! good luck let us know what you buy!!!!

 

[toolmutt]

I don't have either of those brands but I do have Proto and the SK version seems to be the exact same design. As you said, I got them primarily for hard to reach spark plugs. The Protos have repeatedly let the socket come off the extension. I found a set of Craftsman USAs with the push button on clearance and they have worked splendidly.

 

[wniemann]

I have the 1/4 and 3/8" sk adapters from sk day and they have impressed me. Pull as hard as you can and nothing comes close to coming off or loose


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk90q

 

[sk farmer]

i have sk in 1/4 and 3/8 drives. maybe 10 all together. i also have the adapters that can change a normal extension into a locker. they all work good and are must in locations where losing the socket is a real pain.

i have not seen one fail.

 

[vssjim]

I have SK , Craftsman and LINK Tools brand of locking extensions. the SK's are made the best and LINK are the second best. The SK ones will be a good choice and they will stand behind them if you ever have a problem but I never have had any problems.

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

I know you didn't mention anything about craftsman, but i will share a downside that i have found. The craftsman's have a plastic piece that you side back and forth to unlock. They work very good, but the plastic piece can break off if it gets caught on something.

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

I use my SO daily on my 1/4" quick chuck impact gun.. no problems yet, had it for maybe 2 years now. Its a 1/4 locking extension for a 1/4" quick chuck. Its black, so I assume impact rated.

 

[1950mercury]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/270712051761?nav=SEARCH

I have this set amd love them USA MADE. I have a snap on 3/8 set and some 3/8 sk like them all. Only broke 1 sk and its on its way to them npe for replacement. All chrome

 

[BFHtime]

I have the locking 3/8 snap-on 3 piece set, which have been great. I got these to use with swivels and swivels sockets. Sometimes the swivel sockets can go flying off or the swivel can shoot off a socket. I find the locking extensions and pin lock swivels as a solution to that problem. I find the locking extensions allow me to change the sockets quicker than the regular pin locks, because of the sliding sleeve, but they do take up more space. I have a screw driver that ground down to push in the pins quickly, but sliding the locking extension is so much faster, to do a socket change. I used mine a good amount with no problem yet.

 

[lightning02]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/270712051761?nav=SEARCH

I have this set amd love them USA MADE. I have a snap on 3/8 set and some 3/8 sk like them all. Only broke 1 sk and its on its way to them npe for replacement. All chrome

does armstrong make a set like that but in 3/8s?

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I know you said SO or SK...but I think these are better then both...My favorite extensions are my MAC Hand Drive Locking Extensions..

Especially with 1/4"...hand drive is so nice, just snug up with a ratchet if needed, etc.. even my 3/8" Set is super handy. If SO or SK had a similar set with handles, I would suggest those as well.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Drill, tap and insert a grub screw in your sparkplug or other often used sockets. Makes every extension a locking one. Cheap and effective.

 

[DRhodes]

I have the SK locking extensions, and I love them. I would buy the set (its a better value). I don't even use regular extensions anymore.

 

[bcradio]

I guess nobody uses locking extensions. (I thought folks said they were so useful for replacing spark plugs. )

Not in 1/4" drive silly

 

[Biomed]

I know you said SO or SK...

Yup!

But I think these are better then both...My favorite extensions are my MAC Hand Drive Locking Extensions..

Actually I already have the VIM set of these locking drivers. (Interesting that VIM has discontinued the 1/4" drive set.) I really am interested in feedback on the Snap-on or SK locking extensions.

 

[Biomed]

Not in 1/4" drive silly

I'm not going to use them for changing spark plugs. Not everyone on GJ is wrenching on vehicles. Going to use them for medical equipment and computer repair. Don't need 3/8" or 1/2" drive in those applications. Also, I'm trying to minimize tool storage space. I don't have the luxury of bringing along a huge toolbox to every job.

 

[Indexmill]

The SK locking extensions are a perfect tool. I have used the 3/8" for years. It is impossible to pull the socket off...but simple when released. It really is an ingenious design.

I've never really needed one in 1/4" but I can imagine how one might.

 

[Mastermind]

I been eyeing the gearwrench set for 1/4, bought the hf to try them in 3/8, had to loctite the screws, but otherwise they are great. Beat on them constantly with no issues since the screw fell out and I did the loctite they haven't moved even on the impact all the time.

 

[MattPersman]

I was gonna ask about the gearwrench. Anyone using them daily? Crappy lock or good lock?

 

[Formula]

I have a few Craftsman 1/4 locking extensions and they are great. Never had one break or fail and they've had heavy use for close to 10 years now.

 

[csargents1546]

I have the so 1/4 drive extensions and they ste great. Have not failed me yet. Been using them at work for over a year.

 

[Biomed]

For those with Snap-on 1/4" drive locking extensions, do they have ball or pin retention? Some of the SO web site photos almost look like pin retention.

I ordered some SK locking and non-locking extensions. Should be here in a few days.

 

[Hopalong604]

I really like my 1/4" Mac locking extension. No more losing my 1/4" snap on sockets in tight spaces

 

[ttpete]

A little off subject, but Ko-Ken makes a line of plug sockets with either 180 or 250 mm shanks. Great for plugs down deep tubes.

 

[wild cowboy]

I have the Armstrongs (same as the Matco) they are very well made and work well.

 

[wild cowboy]

A little off subject, but Ko-Ken makes a line of plug sockets with either 180 or 250 mm shanks. Great for plugs down deep tubes.

for plugs in a hole, this is hard to beat - magnetic!

 

[wild cowboy]

I probably use locking extensions in 1/4" more than any other drive size, as cars have gotten more and more complex and tighter packed, 1/4" drive is quickly becoming my most used drive size!

 

[cheechi]

I know you didn't mention anything about craftsman, but i will share a downside that i have found. The craftsman's have a plastic piece that you side back and forth to unlock. They work very good, but the plastic piece can break off if it gets caught on something.

I have a few Craftsman 1/4 locking extensions and they are great. Never had one break or fail and they've had heavy use for close to 10 years now.

I have one locking extension and it is a USA CM 1/4" Both of the above are true. I always forget its a locking extension and I know that plastic button has been beaten up plenty because of it. I thought when I got it that thing is going to pop off in a week but it's still working right several years later.

I know you said SO or SK...but I think these are better then both...My favorite extensions are my MAC Hand Drive Locking Extensions..

Especially with 1/4"...hand drive is so nice, just snug up with a ratchet if needed, etc.. even my 3/8" Set is super handy. If SO or SK had a similar set with handles, I would suggest those as well.

Those are so ****. Just wish someone else made that style. Especially GW.

 

[devoncoolman]

The new snap-on locking extensions are all one piece now. They are super nice highly recomend them. I have a mix of new and old. The old ones **** they were a two piece design where the locking mechanism was basicly attached to a regular extension with a roll pin. But the roll pin used to fall out all the time and the lock part would fall off along with the socket. Defeating the whole purpose for using a locking extention. The same goes for the sk variety. I know they used to be made this way. Not sure if they still are.

 

[motofool33]

williams locking extensions are very inexpensive i was just looking at them cause i didn't know they made them before i ordered all regular extensions...

 

[BFHtime]

For computer work, I like to use a ratcheting nut driver, with 1/4 inch sockets. Just like a ratcheting screwdriver, which is good for computer work too.