Does anyone make a long 3/8" impact extension?

[Southernbuild]

I've been looking for a long (18" or longer) 3/8" impact extension. Does such an item even exist, at least for a reasonable price?

I think I found a Snap-On version for $80, but I'd love to keep it under $40 if possible.

This is a low torque application, I just need the length for access, and the impact for speed. And, it will probably only be used a few minutes every few weeks, so ultra durability isn't the prime consideration.

So, do I have any options?

 

[devoncoolman]

If your not worried about it being strong just buy a cheapy import 3/8 chrome extension? Ive seen them at those cheap tool stores and at tool guys at flea markets and swap meets that sell all the import tools.

 

[404]

Any long extension will absorb the impact in torsion. Just as a coil spring in a car will, in torsion. The larger the diameter of the extension, the more torque will be transmitted.

 

[shockwave]

I got a nice locking impact reducing extension set I believe 18,24,36 for about 150 on special but look for used thru craigslist or eBay

What will this be used for curious as I do have a 24 and 36 1/4 extension from snap on for tight spots aswell

 

[stonesfan68]

Sunex makes one that is 15" long: 3515W

SK makes a version with a 1/2" drive end and a 3/8" male end that is 23" long: SK46174

 

[theoldwizard1]

Any long extension will absorb the impact in torsion. Just as a coil spring in a car will, in torsion. The larger the diameter of the extension, the more torque will be transmitted.

TRUE !

Get a 1/2" extension that meets your requirements and add the appropriate adapters

 

[Ruger_556]

I've been looking for a long (18" or longer) 3/8" impact extension. Does such an item even exist, at least for a reasonable price?

I think I found a Snap-On version for $80, but I'd love to keep it under $40 if possible.

This is a low torque application, I just need the length for access, and the impact for speed. And, it will probably only be used a few minutes every few weeks, so ultra durability isn't the prime consideration.

So, do I have any options?

I have this one, it's little more than you wanted to spend but not by much http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratch...8-Drive-Impact-Extension-With-Pin-Retainer-24

 

[spasticone]

I know the new ones aren't what the oldies are, but I have a 24" craftsman that's an oldie. I use it regularly on exhaust manifolds and vw axle bolts. It does lose a lot of snot with an impact, but it's a life saver with some jobs. Cheap too on ebay or new.

 

[rayh91]

Cornwell 1/2 to 3/8 impact extensions are pretty reasonably priced. I have a 24" one that I use pretty often. It was like $40 off the truck.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

There's a bunch of the 1/2" to 3/8" extensions on ebay. My assumption is the long ones tend to be this way because a 3/8" gun doesn't hit hard enough for how much torque the extension absorbs.

 

[MattPersman]

I would say the majority of people that are seeking these out are using smaller socket sizes to remove upper bell housing bolts on transmissions.

 

[BK13]

TRUE !

Get a 1/2" extension that meets your requirements and add the appropriate adapters

But don't the adapters reduce torque as well?

 

[dnschmidt]

The hot setup is to use a 3/8 to 1/2" adapter and then use 1/2" extensions of chrome or impact. In this case it doesn't matter as you can't make enough of torque to hurt the chrome anyway and the CrV used for chrome is probably a better choice due to the fact that it's harder than the CrMO used on good impact sockets and extensions. I have a 30" long extension from V8 Tools that's about 3/4" in diameter steel with a 3/8" drive universal at the end of it and 1/2" drive. It's used for transmissions. The entire idea is to take as much torque stick action out of the equation as possible.

 

[1969]

I would say the majority of people that are seeking these out are using smaller socket sizes to remove upper bell housing bolts on transmissions.

True statement.

 

[Southernbuild]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm looking them all over

I work in the HVAC-R field, and we also work on commercial kitchen equipment; naturally often times the part that I need to remove has all the other parts stacked in front of, and around it. A long extension with a ratchet sometimes works, access wise, and I've already got a 3/8" impact on my service truck, so I'm just trying to speed the process by being able to use the impact more.

The 1/2" x 3/8" extensions were some of the first I saw, because my original plan was to order an SK extension, before I realized that they were fairly rare. I'm just trying to avoid adding a 1/2" impact to the truck, due to space issues. The torsion issue does make since now that you mentioned it.

 

[stage20]

Only thing is 1/2 extension that long gets heavy holding with one arm. Have you thought about trying a 1/4 extension with adapters or a piece of steel pipe with an extension welded to each end?