HF Locking Extensions Warning

[a1z2s3x4]

So, last weekend, I did a preemptive strike on the dreaded Ford Triton/Modular two-piece spark plug change. I am happy to report that I was 10-for-10; no broken plugs! Not that there weren't some tense moments...I only have 50,000 miles on these plugs, but after all the horror stories I've read about them, I decided to replace them early. Truck was running great before the change and still is.

In the process, I had a moment of panic as the little machine screw that holds the collar on the harbor freight locking extension fell out into my spark plug hole. Luckily the plug was still in place and some swearing and a magnet was able to retrieve the screw before it fell into the engine or was lost forever.

After breathing a sigh of relief, I put a dab of threadlocker on the threads and tightened the screw back up. As I checked my other extensions, I found them all very loose. So, here's a tip for everybody who has these extensions: Inspect them before use, add a little threadlocker, and tighten up the screw. Don't be like me.

Here are the extensions I'm talking about:
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/4-pc-12-in-drive-quick-release-extension-bar-set-67977.html
and
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/4-pc-38-in-drive-quick-release-extension-bar-set-67976.html

I like these extensions, they just have this flaw that needs to be looked after. I took at a look at my Gearwrench locking extensions and noticed that they put a red band over where this screw would be. I had always though that was "for looks", but now I understand that they probably use the same type of retaining screw and are doing me a favor with that red band...

Chris

 

[malykaii]

Indeed. Figured that one out early on too.

 

[franzdom]

CliffsNotes version:

HF cheap tool falls apart, almost ruins weekend.

 

[Kirbot]

I didn't realize HF even sold locking extensions.
For that price, I might have to pick up a set and loctite them.

 

[hdossett]

My '01 RV's V10 has 4.5 threads in the aluminium head plug holes. Read the horror stories about them and plug blowouts. Tried to blame misfires on everything else and sweated bullets over it for weeks! Finally got up the nerve and bought my first torque wrench ever, a HF at that, for those plugs. What was weird, was that short threaded plugs were on one bank, and long thread on other bank! Did that at 60K and again at 90K.

Glad to hear yours went well, after the scare!

H

 

[a1z2s3x4]

I like Ford trucks and always have. But, yeah, that is an embarrassing run of mistakes with the self-removing spark plugs in the earlier 2-valve heads and then following that up with the 3-valve heads and not anticipating that carbon build up would lock the end of the two-piece spark plug in place, allowing for easy breakage. I hope they have learned from their mistakes (or perhaps it was a huge money-maker for them and they have learned the wrong lesson!). Unfortunately, I didn't learn my lesson either as I went back in with new Motorcraft two-piece plugs (although installed and anti-seize applied per the TSB). I wanted to go for the Champion-replacement one-piece plug design, but I read a few bad reviews and decided to stick with the OEM plugs. In another 50,000 miles, I might be kicking myself for that decision, too.

Anyway, this is another case of low cost tools almost becoming high-cost tools. I just hope that this reminder will make others look at the offending screw and secure it.
Chris

 

[Squankum]

Yes. I strongly hold these two opinions:

1. the HF 3/8 locking extensions are fantastic, all non-locking extensions can now go pound sand, and the price is right

2. Yep, you have to Loctite those set screws. I actually saw one fall out when I was turning a spark plug loose with an air ratchet, and my LED headlamp showed it all happening with a strobe light effect.

Other than that, they're fantastic. And it's a 3 minute job to fix your $20 set of four. A little dab'll do ya.


-

 

[mwwusa]

So, last weekend, I did a preemptive strike on the dreaded Ford Triton/Modular two-piece spark plug change. I am happy to report that I was 10-for-10; no broken plugs! Not that there weren't some tense moments...I only have 50,000 miles on these plugs, but after all the horror stories I've read about them, I decided to replace them early. Truck was running great before the change and still is.

In the process, I had a moment of panic as the little machine screw that holds the collar on the harbor freight locking extension fell out into my spark plug hole. Luckily the plug was still in place and some swearing and a magnet was able to retrieve the screw before it fell into the engine or was lost forever.

After breathing a sigh of relief, I put a dab of threadlocker on the threads and tightened the screw back up. As I checked my other extensions, I found them all very loose. So, here's a tip for everybody who has these extensions: Inspect them before use, add a little threadlocker, and tighten up the screw. Don't be like me.

Here are the extensions I'm talking about:
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/4-pc-12-in-drive-quick-release-extension-bar-set-67977.html
and
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/4-pc-38-in-drive-quick-release-extension-bar-set-67976.html

I like these extensions, they just have this flaw that needs to be looked after. I took at a look at my Gearwrench locking extensions and noticed that they put a red band over where this screw would be. I had always though that was "for looks", but now I understand that they probably use the same type of retaining screw and are doing me a favor with that red band...

Chris

I checked mine and they were loose also. Thanks for the tip.

 

[PJNJ]

Thanks for the tip. I'll be checking mine soon.

 

[jlh92]

I have the 1/2" set, I'll check them this weekend. Thanks for the tip OP

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I have a set and will be checking this weekend also. THANKS MUCH!!

 

[Squankum]

Folks, it needs a 2mm Allen key, and in my experience, quality counts. My cheap Chinese T-handle didn't work, my FACOM did.


.

 

[franzdom]

Haha, HF tools are not fixable with HF tools

 

[LordPsychon]

I need to get some locking extensions and was thinking about the HFs but I could go with GWs or Kobalts, any preferences out there?

 

[MadMark]

My old Sears Craftsman locking extensions just had a button to add or release the socket.
that was a safer design, no set screws to fall out.

 

[sbyrne92]

The older 3/8 locking extensions had red bands on them, just like gear wrench. I didn't know they changed the design.

 

[firebox40dash5]

CliffsNotes version:

HF cheap tool falls apart, almost ruins thousands of dollars worth of engine.

FIFY.

I'd grab some heatshrink and band over the screw... never coming out that way.

My old Sears Craftsman locking extensions just had a button to add or release the socket.
that was a safer design, no set screws to fall out.

I had those, until the button broke off one (not even while using the button or hitting it on anything) and my worth-more-than-the-extension socket was now stuck on it. Took a pick and some swearing to get it off. Screw those things.

 

[Nyati]

I like Ford trucks and always have. But, yeah, that is an embarrassing run of mistakes with the self-removing spark plugs in the earlier 2-valve heads and then following that up with the 3-valve heads and not anticipating that carbon build up would lock the end of the two-piece spark plug in place, allowing for easy breakage. I hope they have learned from their mistakes (or perhaps it was a huge money-maker for them and they have learned the wrong lesson!). Unfortunately, I didn't learn my lesson either as I went back in with new Motorcraft two-piece plugs (although installed and anti-seize applied per the TSB). I wanted to go for the Champion-replacement one-piece plug design, but I read a few bad reviews and decided to stick with the OEM plugs. In another 50,000 miles, I might be kicking myself for that decision, too.

Anyway, this is another case of low cost tools almost becoming high-cost tools. I just hope that this reminder will make others look at the offending screw and secure it.
Chris

I changed mine on my 2005 5.4 at 50K too. I put the one piece Champions it it. So far- 75K later they are working fine. I'm going to change them out at 150K.

 

[cheechi]

I had those, until the button broke off one (not even while using the button or hitting it on anything) and my worth-more-than-the-extension socket was now stuck on it. Took a pick and some swearing to get it off. Screw those things.

black plastic slide 'button'?

 

[JMLangford]

FIFY.

I'd grab some heatshrink and band over the screw... never coming out that way.

^ ^ ^ What he said ^ ^ ^

Great ideal....I'm known as "Overkill Joe" and had that same thought as I was reading the OP's warning.....

 

[franzdom]

^ ^ ^ What he said ^ ^ ^

Great ideal....I'm known as "Overkill Joe" and had that same thought as I was reading the OP's warning.....

Overkill, wouldn't that be just skipping **** tools and buying good ones?

 

[mr.speaker]

My harbor freight extensions came with the rubber collar to keep that screw from backing out. Probably got them 5-6 years ago

I guess they stopped

 

[defektes]

I need to get some locking extensions and was thinking about the HFs but I could go with GWs or Kobalts, any preferences out there?

IMO SK has the best lock ext out there. The HF ones do not like to "lock" on to sockets, making them worthless.

 

[1950mercury]

IMO SK has the best lock ext out there. The HF ones do not like to "lock" on to sockets, making them worthless.

Sk's are nice the only thing I'd change is to chrome the black slide like snapon so they don't rust

 

[Parrothead]

Overkill, wouldn't that be just skipping **** tools and buying good ones?

$16 for 4 locking 3/8 extensions...I think I can spare the 5 minutes and 0.30 worth of locktite for that deal.

 

[Scimmia]

IMO SK has the best lock ext out there. The HF ones do not like to "lock" on to sockets, making them worthless.

Not sure what you mean. Mine lock onto sockets just fine.

 

[Squankum]

IMO SK has the best lock ext out there. The HF ones do not like to "lock" on to sockets, making them worthless.

Mine haven't let go of a socket in two years now.

I do understand and appreciate pro tools, but I'm not a pro, and here's a comparison:


In 1/4" dr, a 3 pc. locking extension set by GearWrench is $21.21 on amazon.
SK, $79.71.

Maybe someday my HF extensions will cause problems in an extreme/borderline abusive situation, but for most use, they work just fine for me, and are a great value for the money.

 

[franzdom]

$16 for 4 locking 3/8 extensions...I think I can spare the 5 minutes and 0.30 worth of locktite for that deal.

But that wouldn't be overkill now, would it.

 

[cowboy73]

A couple of drops of super glue on the bolt would probably do the job of keeping the screw in.

 

[tw05]

The Harbor Freight locking extensions are very similar (maybe even the same) to Pep Boys (Gearhead brand) locking extensions. You should probably check yours if you have the Gearhead version.

These are great locking extensions in my opinion... but I don't use my tools in any professional capacity.

 

[defektes]

Sk's are nice the only thing I'd change is to chrome the black slide like snapon so they don't rust

That would be a good improvement.

 

[defektes]

Not sure what you mean. Mine lock onto sockets just fine.

Got some recently purchased ones in the community box at work, the QC is horrid. The 3'' works ok, but the other two do not. Not sure why, it's not the sockets.

 

[Scimmia]

Got some recently purchased ones in the community box at work, the QC is horrid. The 3'' works ok, but the other two do not. Not sure why, it's not the sockets.

Then take them back.

QC on HF items is bad in general, you should always look them over before buying. Of course, since they're in the community box, I'm assuming you didn't buy them, so blame the yahoo who did.