Extension advice

[magicrat]

Im looking to buy some 1/2 extensions.....Both impact and regular.....Can i Just buy impact extensions only??? Do i need Chrome? Also any brand reccomendations.....I was thinking SK new or maybe slightly used snap on from ebay.

 

[bobdell]

The impact extensions are bulky - may not fit in some areas.

The only problems I have with extensions in general is when they don't hold the socket.

 

[General Geoff]

I have both. Impact wrenches are diminished in effectiveness when using extensions, because the longer/more extensions you use, the less effective torque is transmitted to the fastener. As such, I prefer using mostly chrome extensions with ratchets for hard-to-reach fasteners.

As for brand, I highly recommend Ko-ken for chrome extensions, especially if you want wobble-fix. They are the finest I've ever seen or used. The 3/8" and 1/2" are tapered in the middle so they fit in all kinds of places that most extensions don't.

The 1/2" wobble-fix extensions I have, routinely stand up to 300+ ft lbs of torque. No worse for the wear after almost two years.


I also have a set of HF impact extensions for those times I really do need to hammer on something. They are much bulkier than the chrome ones and don't fit in as many places.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Just get the $10 Harbor Freight impact extension set for now and find a deal on some 1/2 extensions from the classifieds here.

The 1/2 impact work great and if you're using 1/2 drive size anyways, clearance isn't an issue.

 

[M6erfan]

I have both. Impact wrenches are diminished in effectiveness when using extensions, because the longer/more extensions you use, the less effective torque is transmitted to the fastener. As such, I prefer using mostly chrome extensions with ratchets for hard-to-reach fasteners.

As for brand, I highly recommend Ko-ken for chrome extensions, especially if you want wobble-fix. They are the finest I've ever seen or used. The 3/8" and 1/2" are tapered in the middle so they fit in all kinds of places that most extensions don't.

The 1/2" wobble-fix extensions I have, routinely stand up to 300+ ft lbs of torque. No worse for the wear after almost two years.


I also have a set of HF impact extensions for those times I really do need to hammer on something. They are much bulkier than the chrome ones and don't fit in as many places.

Pardon my ignorance but what is "wobble fix"

 

[jrobb316]

You can use it as a wobble or a fixed extension. You just engage the socket fully on the square for fixed and one "click" up for a wobble (15 degrees, maybe more). I personally don't like them, its all preference. I have snap-on fixed chrome extensions, and I have one wobble extension in all my drive sizes which has never seemed to let me down so far. Snapon calls the wobble/fixed extension "wobble plus" for example.

 

[M6erfan]

You can use it as a wobble or a fixed extension. You just engage the socket fully on the square for fixed and one "click" up for a wobble (15 degrees, maybe more). I personally don't like them, its all preference. I have snap-on fixed chrome extensions, and I have one wobble extension in all my drive sizes which has never seemed to let me down so far. Snapon calls the wobble/fixed extension "wobble plus" for example.

Thanks. I have a set of 3/8 wobble extensions in my kit, can't remember the last time I used them...

I do like to knurling on those KoKen's

 

[Super Mech]

Those Ko-kens are beautiful! Nice finish. While I have heard of the name, I never really looked into any of their tools. Where is the best place to purchase them from?

 

[M6erfan]

Those Ko-kens are beautiful! Nice finish. While I have heard of the name, I never really looked into any of their tools. Where is the best place to purchase them from?

I don't own any either but like you have admired them. From my research the best place to purchase would be either Frankstools.com or Rakuten.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I tend to use my impact extensions most of the time and for me they seem to be about the same size as my chrome extensions.

 

[jrobb316]

I consider wobbles more of a special tool. Not used often but when you need it you need it. Thus why I never sprang for a complete set of them, just a couple individuals.