Gearwrench magnetic drive

[lotsoftools]

Anyone here used these? Comments on how good/bad they are? I had my hands on a set today and thought they looked like a great idea, but decided to check here before I buy. Here's a link to what I'm talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001M0O1DO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Roju1985]

Wish I could get just the stubbies in a set. Don't need the other stuff.

 

[lotsoftools]

Their # 81238 is just the extensions and 82137 has just the adapters.

 

[Ign]

Their # 81238 is just the extensions and 82137 has just the adapters.

Thank you! I was just gonna ask that. I HATE those u-joints, don't understand how anyone could like them but to each their own.

I've never seen this concept before but damn it's genius. All this time I've been cramming chewing gum or something else sticky in my sockets for this purpose LOL

 

[CWP1616L]

They ****!! They push the bolt head halfway out of the socket!! I sent them back to the manufacturer and asked them to send me back regular extensions.


Here's a regular extension with a socket:

Here's a GearWrench magnetic extension with a socket:

 

[TwoInch]

mid length or deeps would not be a problem i assume?

 

[lotsoftools]

Hmmm, maybe you have to use deeper sockets? I don't know, but I could have used one yesterday. I had to use a piece of tape to hold the bolt in the socket when I was replacing the knock sensor on my Outback.

 

[oldldh]

Mid-length or deep are the way to properly utilize these...

I've got a set...

And I love them!!!

 

[devoncoolman]

The extensions are designed to be used with gear wrench sockets. Snapon makes the same thing that work with their sockets. U cant mix match them around and expect it to work. The sockets are all different. The overall length and broaching are all different.

 

[TwoInch]

The extensions are designed to be used with gear wrench sockets. Snapon makes the same thing that work with their sockets. U cant mix match them around and expect it to work. The sockets are all different. The overall length and broaching are all different.

good to know, and im sure often overlooked or not thought of.. i know i didnt realize that at all being the case

 

[Loscaldazar]

Gearwrench admits themselves that the magnetic extensions are NOT supposed to replace regular extensions. They are aware of the problem with shallow sockets. These are supposed to be one of "those" tools that when you need it, nothing else will do, not necessarily a daily use tool. Toolguyd has a review on them where he discusses more in depth about what the target market for these are IIRC.

 

[Singlecut]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117265

 

[DanCo]

I see the Sunnex set for $12, at my local flea. Looks the same to me. Might have to pick them up this weekend.

Dan

 

[Givl Reggin]

Making your own magnetic extensions has been discussed here before...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142252&showall=1

 

[mofo62]

.


Much thanks for pictures. CWP1616L .


V!

 

[kunkernator]

I bought this set on promo at Napa. I love it! While it definitely does not work in certain applications, there is a helluva lot more times I needed it that it does work. Excellent for deep well sockets, and works with most of my shallows.

 

[unslow1]

I have the GearWrench universals. They haven't worked on one thing yet. I was planning to buy the extensions. Now I want to try them for myself before I do.

 

[Stuey]

I tested these a couple of years ago, and while they do reduce the hold on fasteners, the effect is lessened or worsened depending on brand. With Craftsman sockets, there is hardly any ill effects.

The magnets are somewhat fragile. The tip of the 3/8" extension had a little crack, but I don't remember how.

I wouldn't buy these as primary extensions and adapters, but they did work excellent at times when masking tape or other makeshift retention mechanisms are used.

If you buy them and aren't happy, you can always return them.