Do any of you guys find much use, if any, for the super short socket extensions that Craftsman has? I'm talking about the 1.5" in 1/4 and 3/8 drive and the 2" in the 1/2 drive. Normally if I needed something like that, I'd just grab a deep socket or maybe a 3" extension. Well, as part of the $5 coupon promo, which I wouldn't have bought otherwise, I picked these up, but don't know if they'll see much use. The 1/4" drive with a standard socket is exactly the same length as a deep socket. The 3/8" and 1/2" with a standard socket is about 1/4" shorter than the deep socket equivalent. What's your take? Useful or just tool box decoration?
1.5" and 2" extensions useful?
- Thread starter vjquan
- Start date
Phatsub
Well-known member
Monday I used a 2" extension with a deep socket to seperate a toilet tank from the bowl.
Other than that I don't use the shorties much.
Other than that I don't use the shorties much.
I use them from time to time, not nearly as often as my 6" extensions.
With one of my $5 coupons I bought the shortest wobble extension they sell so that if I need the wobble I can just pop it on the end the extension I am using and turn it into a wobble extension. By doing that I figure I saved at least $30 in extensions I would not use often and saved space in my tool box.
-Dan
With one of my $5 coupons I bought the shortest wobble extension they sell so that if I need the wobble I can just pop it on the end the extension I am using and turn it into a wobble extension. By doing that I figure I saved at least $30 in extensions I would not use often and saved space in my tool box.
-Dan
l_bilyk
Well-known member
It's one of those things you could go for years without needing. One time I was replacing plugs on my old beater tempo.. the alternator is mounted in such a way that the only way to get the #1 plug is to use a 1.5" extension and a micro-head ratchet or one of those swivel spark plug sockets that KD makes. I didn't have either, and had to move the alternator
rsanter
Well-known member
always nice to have
bob
bob
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
most of the time it will collect dust but that one time you need it it will be it's weight in gold.
Always nice to have .. have on occassion used them .. just can't remember at the moment when ... 
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I have a 1.25" snap on one that gets used at least once a week.
Uncle Buck
Banned
I am a strong believer in better to have them than not. For no more than shortys cost I think it is a mistake not to have them. There are many instances where you could encounter a situation where you might need a shorty then you are left making do or making a run to the store to get one spending more in gas not to mention the time and effort than it would have cost to just get one and be done with it, not to mention the fact that you cannot predict when you will need it; you will just know you need it when the time presents itself!
Merkava_4
Banned
eschoendorff
Well-known member
When you need them, you NEED THEM. If you can get them - do it! The middle of a project is not teh time to wish you had certain tools...
russlaferrera
Well-known member
+1 When you need it you need it. Plus it's cheap....unless it's SNAP-ON
JRGSPE73
Well-known member
Sometimes I'll throw a short extension on even when I don't really need it, just for additional clearance - the more you can do to keep your knuckles intact, the better. 
Stuey
Well-known member
It didn't cost much, so you can now sleep better knowing that you have them *just in case*. Now that you have them, of course you'll never need them.
I too purchased the small size wobble adapters. That way they serve as small extensions, and I can theoretically use them with sockets where a deep socket or 3" wobble + socket won't fit.
I too purchased the small size wobble adapters. That way they serve as small extensions, and I can theoretically use them with sockets where a deep socket or 3" wobble + socket won't fit.
transammanv8
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 29
I've had to borrow 1 and 2" extensions a few times at work but always forget to buy my own when I'm shopping. They do come in handy for me. I'm a helicopter mechanic and need odd combinations of tools sometimes.
Deafautotech
Well-known member
i use a lot of 1.5 inch extension (it is snap on) for oil filter, give me more clearance where i need go in tight area. it is better to own one than being sorry.... even i had one in impact wrench which i dont have to fix the clip on it so i just put extenion (ball type) on it and have no problem...
Jason_D
Well-known member
I have a couple & use them mainly the same way Deafautotech does.
ba614
Well-known member
I almost always grab a short extension when I'm using a socket and rachet. I have one that came in a 3/8" set that is about an inch long. The collar of the female end is almost touching the back of the socket on the male end. I use that one quite often to get a little more clearence for my big hands. It also works well to just reach over the ratchet and spin the extension and socket with my fingers. If I can't get the socket in a tight spot I just pull the extension and go back to work. My hands are so large I stretch out XXL size gloves. I use shorty rachets most of the time for the same reason. I use my thumb and index finger to work the rachet so I can get the reat of my hand out of the way.
Brandon_Lutz
Well-known member
I've had a few occasions on the farm where I've had to use them. On my old 91 S-10, there were several spots I used them on as well.
Always handy to have around like others said.
Always handy to have around like others said.
IanF
Well-known member
This statement describes a lot of the more specialized tools I have...