Locking extensions.

[kunkernator]

So, recently I have been picking up a lot of side jobs, and doing a lot of spark plugs. I have been coming across a problem very often; upon tightening the new spark plug. I cannot pull the socket out without my extension popping loose. This is because my sockets hug the ceramic so good the it creates quite a bit of resistance, and my extensions' detents are not strong enough to hold on to the socket. My temporary fix is to duct tape the socket to the extension
Which has been working quite well, but it is time for some new extensions.

I would like a set of 3/8" drive locking extensions, I am not opposed to Snap On, because I can get a discount. I also would love wobbles.

 

[Skin]

MAC, they double knurl all their 1/4 and 3/8" extensions. All the trucks and industrial brands sell essentially the same USA extensions with only subtle differences separating them. Pretty sure they're actually made or licensed by 1 company for everyone. Only MAC has the double knurling though.

Cant comment on wobble extensions because I hate them.

 

[kunkernator]

I am going to check out the double knurled ones. I don't have my discount active with Mac yet, so I don't know if I will get them.

 

[senor fozz]

My suggestion would be to get the ball swivel magnetic spark plug sockets from matco. I have had mine for over 3 years and no complaints, know other techs who have had them for longer. I believe the set is around 100 bucks on promo. You should have locking extensions anyways if you are working on cars. THey don't make wobble locking extensions though i would pick upa set if they did though.

 

[kunkernator]

My suggestion would be to get the ball swivel magnetic spark plug sockets from matco. I have had mine for over 3 years and no complaints, know other techs who have had them for longer. I believe the set is around 100 bucks on promo. You should have locking extensions anyways if you are working on cars. THey don't make wobble locking extensions though i would pick upa set if they did though.

Just found them!
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=649067&group_ID=683015&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[turdferguson13]

I had the same problem. My solution was to buy a snap-on spark plug socket which has a hole for the ball on the extension. The socket is also magnetic rather than the rubber insert and it holds the spark plug very well. I haven't had any issues with the socket coming loose from my extension since.

 

[senor fozz]

Just found them!
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=649067&group_ID=683015&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Thanks for making want to spend my weekly tool budget on something I don't need. And before someone says you can never have too many tools, your right, but i thnk i will survive until i need them which likely will never happen.

 

[Fedwrench]

Yes, MAC is the only manufacturer that actually puts the knurling where you need it, around the female square drive area of the extension.

Although not knurled like MAC, Proto, SK and Armstrong also make excellent locking extensions. I would use your student discount and run with snap on though.

This is the extension ball type referred to earlier. The one piece design prevents separation, and they're available in different lengths. Quite handy


http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-3928.aspx

 

[Rico.]

It certainly would be a good idea to have a set of locking extensions in the
tool kit... but if the only problem you've come accross so far is spark plugs
I think some people over think things. You never put much torque installing
a spark plug so even a cheap set of 3/8" locking extensions will be fine.

If, however, you do this for a living and you get a good Snappy discount
then get the last set you will ever have to buy.

 

[genevabuck]

I have the MAC locking extensions with the screwdriver handles on them. Love them!

 

[CWP1616L]

PROTO
J5260-03L
J5260-06L
J5262L

Amazon has all three.

 

[TwoInch]

Yes, MAC is the only manufacturer that actually puts the knurling where you need it, around the female square drive area of the extension.

what i find strange is that the knurling is totally different than the section on the shank of the extension... the shank part has normal raised knurling, providing a lot of grip, but the knurled female end is VERY smooth knurling, and provides little added grip.

the Koken extensions with the knurled female end look to be top notch, and actual grippy, raised knurling.

 

[genevabuck]

http://www.mactools.com/Portals/1/aspdnsf/images/PRODUCT/large/SXEDLA3PT.jpg

 

[mattygee]

I like the SK extension locks... put on any extension and tighten down the set screw.

3/8 is sk part# 45195

 

[lilscorpion]

I have the KD Tools / Gearwrench magnetic universal set ($45) and it was a fantastic purchase. Three lengths and they make plug removal a snap. Had I known they'd work as well as they do, I would have bought them a long time ago (or the day they came out). Locking extensions work well too but the magnetic universals are ideal.

 

[Delray]

I use a Mac vx3ul which is a reducing universal with a male locking 3/8 socket end and a 1/2 female drive end for tough spots. Otherwise I have Mac, Armstrong, and Cornwall locking extensions. The Cornwall are 1/2 inch and are well built.

 

[FiendFX]

The harbor freight locking extensions are fine. I used them no problems. Looks nice and cheap price.

 

[kunkernator]

The harbor freight locking extensions are fine. I used them no problems. Looks nice and cheap price.

To be honest, I never even thought of this. They should suffice.


As for the Mac extensions.... I am not fully understanding the whole "double knurling" thing (my computer won't load images on Mac's website for some reason). Is there knurling close to the female and male end of the extension? It appears Snap On's and other manufacturers have their on just the female end.

I also am seriously looking at the universal magnetic sockets some of you are talking about.

 

[Skin]

To be honest, I never even thought of this. They should suffice.


As for the Mac extensions.... I am not fully understanding the whole "double knurling" thing

They're knurled around the locking collar, knurled around the shaft just ahead of the female end (where everyone else has it) and additionally knurled around the female drive section itself which is where you'd be most likely to grab if you use the extension to finger spin.

The HF ones are inferior. They use a set screw to hold the collar on and if that backs out the whole thing falls apart. In addition to that they [the HF ones] use a ball where as the USA locking extensions use a lever/pin and can lock more firmly onto varying brands of sockets. Its one of those tools you'll wonder how you did without once you have it. With your discount you can get a 3/8" set for like $100.

 

[CWP1616L]

Here's what a Proto looks like. A MAC will look similar, but with added knurling on the female drive end.

 

[TwoInch]

As for the Mac extensions.... I am not fully understanding the whole "double knurling" thing (my computer won't load images on Mac's website for some reason). Is there knurling close to the female and male end of the extension? It appears Snap On's and other manufacturers have their on just the female end.

.

they are like this. they look really nice, but like i said earlier, they do not grip much better than regular style. the knurling is damn near smooth and obviously cosmetic, not functional. the knurling in the middle of the extension is normal great grippy knurling.

i was disappointed when i bought them.

 

[Zeroek]

Are the Harbor Freight ones worth the $20 ?? I know you gotta keep the little hex bolt tight on them.

 

[billymade]

I sure like the impact style; sold by snap on and other brands as well:

Snapon locking extensions; mini review!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24430

 

[Skin]

they are like this. they look really nice, but like i said earlier, they do not grip much better than regular style.

Have to disagree with that. First, the knurling on all my MAC extensions are pretty much identical regardless of where its located. And second MAC uses a smooth knurling that doesn't tear into your hands like old SK knurling but its still far better than trying to grip smooth chrome with greasy hands.

Are the Harbor Freight ones worth the $20 ?? I know you gotta keep the little hex bolt tight on them.

Like most things at HF their items are a great value until they either malfunction or break.

 

[Subyroo651]

Seeing as how you have a SO discount I would look into the full set.

But for me, I have a full normal extension set and just bought these adapters

They attach to your extension and function exactly the same.

Snap-On Locking Adapter

I got them in 3/8 & 1/4 and they work fantastically. Obviously dedicated locking is always best but this works great for as much as I need them and without adding more clutter to my box.

 

[twistedchief]

I have the snap on, craftmans, gearwrench, HF, kobolt ones they all work great but i do have a set that I dont see all that much. LInk tools they work real well every time someone see's them they all ways ask who they are. I got them a long time ago a hole set for like 40bucks. http://www.link-tools.com/link_extendors.html So i say try some of them all out find what you like and what works for you and for what your useing the tool for.

 

[TwoInch]

Have to disagree with that. First, the knurling on all my MAC extensions are pretty much identical regardless of where its located. And second MAC uses a smooth knurling that doesn't tear into your hands like old SK knurling but its still far better than trying to grip smooth chrome with greasy hands.

thats strange. mine definitely are different, but possibly an anomaly i guess. ill try to take a pic sometime today, its visibly different.

 

[stroh]

How about using Koken extentions and putting locking adaptors on the ends. Koken's have the interrupted knurling on the female end. I would think you would have the best of both worlds!

 

[Zeroek]

Kobalt has some locking extensions????

 

[stroh]

Not Kobalt. Koken. A Japanese tool manufacturer.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

I purchased a set of the HF extensions but returned them. I have sockets from Mac, Snapon, Matco and Craftsman. Some sockets would lock on and some would not.

 

[Skin]

Yes, that's the negative to the cheapo knock-offs with only the locking ball. The scalloped section in the drive end needs to line up dead center or it doesn't work. The USA made versions have a little pin that pops out and it seems to work great on everything I've tried including the oddball CMan double detents.

 

[genevabuck]

I purchased a set of the HF extensions but returned them. I have sockets from Mac, Snapon, Matco and Craftsman. Some sockets would lock on and some would not.

I work with a guy who had the same problem. I bought these MAC extensions year ago, and they are beast. Then I upgrade to their screwdriver handles. They haven't failed me and are great.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Just found them!
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=649067&group_ID=683015&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I use this set just for spark plugs and they are well worth the price. Saves the irritation of having to retrieve a stuck socket from some deep dark corner of the engine.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Are the Harbor Freight ones worth the $20 ?? I know you gotta keep the little hex bolt tight on them.

I've never been able to test them on a socket (because of the design of the plastic holder), but I've never been impressed when handling them. Sloppy collars and even when "Locked" I can push the ball in a little bit with my nails on my fingers. I've always walked away because of that, even when they sell the sets missing a piece for $3-$4. Not worth it for something that doesn't seem like it will work any better than my regular extensions, but are bulkier.

I really want some 3/8 locking extensions, but I have so many other things to buy first....

 

[TwoInch]

Kobalt has some locking extensions????

kobalt does offer locking extensions too. IIRC they are the HF style with the black ring with the little screw. kobalt regular and wobbles are pretty decent. havent tried their locking versions.i have a 24" 3/8 drive kobalt that gets quite a bit of use with no problems. nice and tight fitting too.

edit - they are a little different, but similar. here they are http://www.lowes.com/pd_337370-22328-85820_0__?productId=3381222

 

[kunkernator]

I think i am going to go with Snap On. I will check the price tomorrow at school. Assuming i go with the Snap On, should i get wobble or regular?

 

[CWP1616L]

should i get wobble or regular?

Are you ever gonna use a swivel socket on the end of it?

If you are, get the regular.

 

[Rusty_H]

You specifically mentioned sparkplugs, I got a second hand (I literally can't say used) spark plug socket from the snap-on truck for cheap, it has a built in universal, and since a 3/8 universal is smaller than the socket, I haven't run into clearance issues.

I can't speak for all SO sparkplug sockets, however the one I purchased, I noticed it didnt have the "traditional" rubber inside, so I inquired, my dealer explained that the walls of the actual socket are slightly tapered to provide a friction fit. Skeptical?-yes. Pleased?-VERY. No issues yet.

It also has the complete hole in the 3/8's end, so a pinned extension is a possibility to prevent dropping that ******.

-Brandon.

 

[Skin]

I think i am going to go with Snap On. I will check the price tomorrow at school. Assuming i go with the Snap On, should i get wobble or regular?

Wobbles frustrate me. All it does is makes the socket flop around a bit so at length its just a little more aggravating trying to get the socket on the fastener. If I need angle I use a universal. I've personally never needed a wobble extension.