Any decent driver extensions out there?

[zippyslug31]

Recently bought a set of these. Amazon is swimming with sets of these from a number of different sellers/vendors (however the hell Amazon really works?!?!). Obviously all from the same Chinese craptactular supplier. The locking collar is super cheap and the underlying spring pretty easily becomes dislodged. I spent way too much effort "fixing" one of them, only to have it fail again. Basically it just is made of low end components.

I also found this style, but I'd really like the bit to be locked onto the extension.

I'm not talking about loosening wheel nuts with these damn things! Is that too much to ask for a simple extension that won't explode when using it with a small, powered screwdriver or drill driver???

 

[Big Bad Jon]

I’ve yet to find one that doesn’t **** out. Doesn’t seem to matter the brand.

 

[KenB]

I have an Irwin from Lowe’s from a few years ago. Seems sturdy and very well made, but they’re probably racing to the bottom these days with everyone else.

Ken

 

[Formerjeeper]

I have the Carlyle ones and like them

 

[Professional Tool User]

Chances are this type of adapter will break, especially the 1/2 dr ones. This is why I buy the made in Taiwan ones from Princess Auto in order to make use of their satisfaction guaranteed return policy when the inevitable happens.

 

[RoundedNut]

Several brands offer this patented style, which is the best I've come across
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NFJ87K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089KW9682/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Generally speaking however, even a 12v drill/driver can produce 20 ft-lbs of torque, which is plenty to break bits and bit holders in some situations, especially the small quick release mechanisms.

 

[nafterclifen]

Several brands offer this patented style, which is the best I've come across
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NFJ87K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089KW9682/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Agreed. I have some from Bosch and Malco. They are different colors but otherwise identical and work great.

 

[nieuport17]

I use Milwaukee ones. But they are on the expensive side.

 

[DHCrocks]

I have been searching for years and finally found the ideal hex extension. I hate the magnetic ones as they always lose the bit, even if it has a strong magnet if the screw gets **** on the bit the bit will pop out. I have been using the irwin and bosch extensions with the c-rings and they hold the bits well, almost too well as occasionally I have to use pliers to remove the bits. The locking extensions never appealed to me because the head is too bulky and gets in the way.

...and here they are.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA6HLDFT-Impact-Locking-Holder/dp/B07PHKTHN7/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=DEWALT+LOCKING+EXTENSION&qid=1619150212&s=hi&sr=1-2

comes in 3 different lengths. The heads are the same size as a regular magnetic extension but have a positive locking ring which is at back, pull it back and it releases the bit. The bits will not fall off of these even if you pull on them. The only other locking extension that I have seen with this slim a head is the wiha but those are expensive and hard to find. Seriously, give these a try they are awesome.

 

[zippyslug31]

Thanks for the leads on these. I haven't seen some of these before and these are exactly what I was hoping to learn about. I'm going to pick up a few to see which ones I like. Since we're talking under $20, I can proudly state that "price is no object!".

Now nobody better start giving me links to titanium NASA-funded space extensions costing hundreds of bucks a pop! HA

 

[bwringer]

Several brands offer this patented style, which is the best I've come across
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NFJ87K/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089KW9682/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Generally speaking however, even a 12v drill/driver can produce 20 ft-lbs of torque, which is plenty to break bits and bit holders in some situations, especially the small quick release mechanisms.

It seems like any time I might need one of these, there's nowhere near enough room down in the hole or crevice for that bulbous quick release dingus on the end.

The magnetic or spring clip type seem to have the best chance, although each type has its tradeoffs.

But yeah, they're sort of a consumable; keep an extra or two around because none of them are all that durable.

 

[kbeefy]

I recently bought one of these and it's pretty nice...

ARES bit holder

 

[KnurledNut]

FastCap TaperLock.

 

[zippyslug31]

I recently bought one of these and it's pretty nice...

ARES bit holder

Beefy, is this one magnetic? I didn't really see it covered in the description, but am wondering.

Also, from one Central Oregonian, subi-power syncro westy driver, to another... howdy!

 

[seber]

I've been using this one for about a year. I absolutely love it.
https://www.wihatools.com/slimfix-locking-1-4-bit-holder-for-1-4-insert-bits-impact-rated