Locking extensions

[Kscardsfan]

Are there any better or worse locking extensions out there? My plan currently is to get a 6” and 10-12” in 3/8 and 1/2 that are impact rated and just use them with ratchets like I normally would until I need to use an impact gun. I figure I can save som money and space not buying them in chrome and impact rated.

 

[JradM]

I hate to be the guy posting the typical garagejournal answer, but you might want both.

The impact extensions, especially the long ones, tend to be thick to avoid the energy losses from torsion flex. That can make them a bit unwieldy.

However - that all depends on how regularly you would use them. If you use them most of the time instead of non-locking extensions, you'll need the chrome ones. If you don't use them often, well then disregard.

 

[mrjaw14]

Biggest thing for me is how fat the locking collar is. The one's I have from SK and Proto are really slender and can get in tight places. On impact sockets that may not be as big a concern, so it may be harder to find thin collars that will fit where a chrome one will.

I will say that I like locking impact extensions to help prevent the socket from accidentally flying off and turning into a teeth-seeking missile.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Biggest thing for me is how fat the locking collar is. The one's I have from SK and Proto are really slender and can get in tight places. On impact sockets that may not be as big a concern, so it may be harder to find thin collars that will fit where a chrome one will.

I will say that I like locking impact extensions to help prevent the socket from accidentally flying off and turning into a teeth-seeking missile.

For me it’s because I’ve left enough sockets stuck on rusty bolts in hard to access places to make the Pope cuss. It’s one of those tools that I don’t need all that often, but when I do I need it badly.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I hate to be the guy posting the typical garagejournal answer, but you might want both.

The impact extensions, especially the long ones, tend to be thick to avoid the energy losses from torsion flex. That can make them a bit unwieldy.

However - that all depends on how regularly you would use them. If you use them most of the time instead of non-locking extensions, you'll need the chrome ones. If you don't use them often, well then disregard.

Didn’t consider that. Might need to reevaluate my position.

 

[dnschmidt]

Go to Harbor Freight and buy their set of locking extensions. Cheap and they seem to work fine. If you're going to need impact extensions those are a separate category. Gearwrench makes them as do many others. These two categories aren’t really that interchangeable

 

[javyLSU]

Go to Harbor Freight and buy their set of locking extensions. Cheap and they seem to work fine. If you're going to need impact extensions those are a separate category. Gearwrench makes them as do many others. These two categories aren’t really that interchangeable

Agreed. I've owned the Harbor Freight locking extensions (impact and chrome) for a few years and they've worked just fine. I did recently get a set of Snap-on locking wobble extensions, and those are worth their weight in gold. The only time I'm not using them now is if I need to use an impact wrench. I've only got the Harbor Freight 1/2" locking impact extension because it seems like that's the only one they sell in impact flavor.

 

[JradM]

I've got locking extensions from Mastercraft (a Canadian Tire house brand - most likely made under contract with Apex) and Westward (Grainger's house brand).

Of the two, I prefer Westward with it's button-style locking mechanism and bit of knurling:



Over Mastercraft's collar mechanism:


Also, here's Gearwrench's version (I think you can see why I assume Mastercraft's were made by Apex):



They both work great though. I'd probably just deal-shop if it were me.

I have broken one - but only because I needed a super-long locking extension to get at a recessed driveshaft bolt and I chucked up one of my long chrome Mastercrafts in my big impact. The plastic part of the locking collar didn't survive.

 

[demarpaint]

Another vote for the HF locking extensions, they work quite well. Tough to beat for the price.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I've got locking extensions from Mastercraft (a Canadian Tire house brand - most likely made under contract with Apex) and Westward (Grainger's house brand).

Of the two, I prefer Westward with it's button-style locking mechanism and bit of knurling:

Over Mastercraft's collar mechanism:


Also, here's Gearwrench's version (I think you can see why I assume Mastercraft's were made by Apex):



They both work great though. I'd probably just deal-shop if it were me.

I have broken one - but only because I needed a super-long locking extension to get at a recessed driveshaft bolt and I chucked up one of my long chrome Mastercrafts in my big impact. The plastic part of the locking collar didn't survive.

Pretty sure they share the same lineage lol.

 

[Madjik Man]

Bumping this thread.

I went to Harbor Freight and looked at the Pittsburgh locking extensions.

None of them held a chrome socket in place. Does the socket have to have the hole in it in order for the retaining pin/ball to lock it in place?

None of my chrome sockets have holes. Just detents.

The socket being used at HF to demonstrate was a Pittsburgh one. Don’t know if it doesn’t have detents or not but you could easily pull it off the locking extension without using the locking collar.

Any insight is appreciated.

 

[General Geoff]

I have the Pittsburgh Pro locking extensions in 3/8 and 1/2 drive, bought em probably 10 years ago. They securely lock onto every brand of socket I have in both drive sizes. You have to pull the collar to lock a socket onto the extension, it won't just latch on.

 

[Madjik Man]

I have the Pittsburgh Pro locking extensions in 3/8 and 1/2 drive, bought em probably 10 years ago. They securely lock onto every brand of socket I have in both drive sizes. You have to pull the collar to lock a socket onto the extension, it won't just latch on.

Yeah I was pulling the collar down, seeing the ball pull inwards, slide the socket on, release the collar... and nothing. No locking feature. Could just pull the socket off with little effort.

 

[ecotec]

I have the collar style SK in a lot of sizes. They are terrific… but I would definitely not use them on impacts.

Impact rated locking extensions are definitely on my list of things that I want.

 

[General Geoff]

Yeah I was pulling the collar down, seeing the ball pull inwards, slide the socket on, release the collar... and nothing. No locking feature. Could just pull the socket off with little effort.

Maybe they're really just that poorly made anymore. I'll have to look at fresh stock next time I'm at HF

 

[boom_bap]

The craftsman ones from lowes with the button are ok. Socket is held on rock solid, and the tool is fairly nice chroming in general.

I had to ask myself if I really need them though. I borrowed some for a spark plug job, and I did a few with the locking, and a few with normal and I got by with both. I ended up just not buying them after that since I didn't see the need.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have the collar style SK in a lot of sizes. They are terrific… but I would definitely not use them on impacts.

Impact rated locking extensions are definitely on my list of things that I want.

I keep a locking adaptor with my work tools.
Gives me the option to attach it to any extension, impact or chrome, and create whatever length I need.
It can also be locked directly to a 1/4 hex socket adaptor for impact driver use, something a regular locking extension wont do.
Also keeps weight to a minimum.

 

[Mr_B]

Of the two, I prefer Westward with it's button-style locking mechanism and bit of knurling:

+2 on push button style.
I cut the buttons a tad shorter with wizzy wheel on sets i have as less obstruction & less accidental pressing .

 

[Formerjeeper]

I keep a locking adaptor with my work tools.
Gives me the option to attach it to any extension, impact or chrome, and create whatever length I need.
It can also be locked directly to a 1/4 hex socket adaptor for impact driver use, something a regular locking extension wont do.
Also keeps weight to a minimum.

Is that the SK or different manufacturer? Having trouble finding the SK version in stock. Got a link?

 

[lardy1]

I have a Wera chrome locking extension that I like a lot. I also have a Gearwrench that does its job. But the Wera is much nicer.

 

[tester19]

The 1/4" version is SK 40995. I see it at about $35 in various places.
3/8" version is SK 45195. About $43.
.
.
.

​

 

[KnurledNut]

Is that the SK or different manufacturer? Having trouble finding the SK version in stock. Got a link?

Proto:
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-drive-extension-1-pcs-j5460-02bls/i/G6094681/
https://www.zoro.com/proto-38-drive-extension-1-pcs-j5260-02bls/i/G7559727/
https://www.zoro.com/proto-14-drive-extension-1-pcs-j4759bls/i/G6095345/

Wright:

Locking Adaptor

www.wrighttool.com

https://www.zoro.com/wright-tool-attachment-12-dr-locking-adaptor-wset-4413/i/G4875575/
https://www.zoro.com/wright-tool-attachment-38-drive-locking-adaptor-3413/i/G4875085/?q=wright 3413
https://www.zoro.com/wright-tool-attachment-14-2413/i/G4875569/?q=wright 2413

 

[APEowner]

I've been turning wrenches for 40 years and I've never had a problem that I thought would be solved by a locking extension.

 

[Madjik Man]

I've been turning wrenches for 40 years and I've never had a problem that I thought would be solved by a locking extension.

Me neither but that's because I usually use gaffers tape to secure the socket to the extension if fastener is deep in a spot where I can't have the socket come of the extension and remain on the fastner.

 

[M635_Guy]

I keep a locking adaptor with my work tools.
Gives me the option to attach it to any extension, impact or chrome, and create whatever length I need.
It can also be locked directly to a 1/4 hex socket adaptor for impact driver use, something a regular locking extension wont do.
Also keeps weight to a minimum.

This is a really interesting solution.

I have a Sunex set of 3/8" impact locking extensions (#3501) and they seem to retain some sockets better than others, but holds zero 100%. I got them mainly because I wanted a sure-fire solution for the spark plug socket on my old BMW as the plugs are deep in the motor and the idea of something coming loose/dropping gives me the willies.

I just went in my garage and tested a sampling, and my chrome SK, Icon and Tekton sockets all had some grab (Tekton probably the least), my BMWxHazet spark plug socket (that's pretty unique to the S38/M88 motors and some BMW motorcycles) had a fair bit of grab though not fully-secured, and the spark plug socket for my Mini had zero - it slid off like there was no retaining function at all. All of these sockets have a relief for a ball, so I was surprised at the variability.

I can't test it with my impact sockets since they're all 1/2" (I don't recall why I chose impact extensions vs. a standard set any more). The next time spark-plug work comes up I'll probably acquire something that's more-secure for the spark plug sockets.

 

[1320]

I seem to recall (perhaps incorrectly) that all/almost all of the locking impact extensions sold by SK, Proto, and Wright are made by the same manufacturer for them. Is this still true?

 

[KnurledNut]

I seem to recall (perhaps incorrectly) that all/almost all of the locking impact extensions sold by SK, Proto, and Wright are made by the same manufacturer for them. Is this still true?

The patent was assigned to Qualicorp LTD. Westmont IL.
The inventor was Michael Nickipuck.

 

[Luciferi]

This is a really interesting solution.

I have a Sunex set of 3/8" impact locking extensions (#3501) and they seem to retain some sockets better than others, but holds zero 100%. I got them mainly because I wanted a sure-fire solution for the spark plug socket on my old BMW as the plugs are deep in the motor and the idea of something coming loose/dropping gives me the willies.

I just went in my garage and tested a sampling, and my chrome SK, Icon and Tekton sockets all had some grab (Tekton probably the least), my BMWxHazet spark plug socket (that's pretty unique to the S38/M88 motors and some BMW motorcycles) had a fair bit of grab though not fully-secured, and the spark plug socket for my Mini had zero - it slid off like there was no retaining function at all. All of these sockets have a relief for a ball, so I was surprised at the variability.

I can't test it with my impact sockets since they're all 1/2" (I don't recall why I chose impact extensions vs. a standard set any more). The next time spark-plug work comes up I'll probably acquire something that's more-secure for the spark plug sockets.

I am wanting these Koken spark plug socket/extensions

 

[M635_Guy]

I am wanting these Koken spark plug socket/extensions

I'd love to get something like that, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be possible with the old BMW. It's apparently a pretty minimal clearance, so the sockets are extra-slim. The plugs on the Mini have been pretty easy and they're not nearly as deep as the old car.

 

[boom_bap]

Agree get the short one, the cowel is totally in the way. or get one with a swivel.

 

[WWheeler]

I have a 6PC set of Craftsman (Stanley) chrome button-type locking extensions and a 3PC set of GearWrench impact collar-type locking extensions.

They both work fine for their respective purposes BUT I don't much care for nor recommend using the GW impact ones for use on a ratchet because the female (ratchet) end of the GW extensions do not have detents (indentations) on the inside of all 4 sides like a non-impact extension or socket does to let it catch and hold on a ratchet and be pulled off without too much fuss. The GW impact extensions instead have 2 holes on opposing sides. The holes, just like on most impact sockets and extensions, are meant to catch on an impact's hog ring or detent pin (depending on which type anvil your impact has). If you are using one of the impact extensions on a ratchet and don't take care to align one of the holes in the extension with your ratchet's detent ball there's nothing to hold it in place and it will just keep slipping off of the ratchet. AND on top of that even if you do manage to align one of the holes on a ratchet that has a nice strong spring-loaded detent ball that doesn't have a quick release (ex: like all of my Snap-on ratchets) the extension then becomes MUCH harder to remove from the ratchet than a chrome extension with indentations. It'll get locked on tight enough to bend a snap-on pocket screwdriver trying to pry it off. The detents (indentations) that a chrome extension or socket have are beveled to allow the detent ball to catch but also be pulled off without anywhere near as much of a fight.

As far as the differences between the buttons and collars either or works just as well for me. I just won't use a non-impact extension on an impact nor will I use an impact-rated one on a ratchet. they are different tools for different purposes.

All that said, some brands do market impact-rated extensions and sockets that are dual-purpose to be able to be used on impacts and ratchets, like Grey Pneumatic's "Duo" sets. I've never used any, but I've seen them recommended from those who have. I do not know, however, if they or anyone makes dual-purpose locking extensions though.

 

[Madjik Man]

I am wanting these Koken spark plug socket/extensions

I just bought the 16mm one. The craftsmanship is unreal.

 

[Qualitytools]

I am wanting these Koken spark plug socket/extensions

I have been wanting an 11/16 thin wall spark plug socket for my application but it seems that Koken doesn't make one. But if someone knows otherwise..... please share.

 

[tyyost]

I have a set of the HF locking ones from a few years ago. They have very little use but I did have one self disassemble in normal use. (non-impact) After that I lost any trust I had in them, but have used them so little that I have not needed to replace them with something better. Glad I passed through this thread as I am not opposed to trying the Craftsman if I see a deal pop up.

 

[rick carpenter]

I wasn't aware of the button type locking extensions. Do they hold as well as the collared types? Also, which are narrowest at the lock? I want a 12" locking extension for spark plug changes and think the narrowest one would work best down the spark plug tubes on my Tacoma. I'm betting the button types would work best for me, unless, of course, they can unlock too easily if they get banged around a little.

 

[Outahere]

I have a Wera chrome locking extension that I like a lot. I also have a Gearwrench that does its job. But the Wera is much nicer.

I just ordered a 3/8" drive Gearwrench 6" extension for $13 at Amazon. This will be my first locking extension.

GW Extension

 

[Outahere]

The craftsman ones from lowes with the button are ok. Socket is held on rock solid, and the tool is fairly nice chroming in general.

I saw this Craftsman set at Zoro. I can't tell from the photo if it is a slide button or a push button mechanism.

Craftsman Extension, 3-pc 3/8" Drive Locking Exten CMMT43355 | Zoro

Order Craftsman Extension, 3-pc 3/8" Drive Locking Exten, CMMT43355 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[TheWanderer]

Proto:
https://www.zoro.com/proto-12-drive-extension-1-pcs-j5460-02bls/i/G6094681/
https://www.zoro.com/proto-38-drive-extension-1-pcs-j5260-02bls/i/G7559727/
https://www.zoro.com/proto-14-drive-extension-1-pcs-j4759bls/i/G6095345/

Wright:
https://www.wrighttool.com/products...-attachments/attachments-hand/locking-adaptor
https://www.zoro.com/wright-tool-attachment-12-dr-locking-adaptor-wset-4413/i/G4875575/
https://www.zoro.com/wright-tool-attachment-38-drive-locking-adaptor-3413/i/G4875085/?q=wright 3413
https://www.zoro.com/wright-tool-attachment-14-2413/i/G4875569/?q=wright 2413

Thank you for this. I now have a set of Wright 2413 3413 4413 on the way.

 

[ZRX61]

Me neither but that's because I usually use gaffers tape to secure the socket to the extension if fastener is deep in a spot where I can't have the socket come of the extension and remain on the fastner.

RR Merlin sparkplugs inside the *V*

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

I've been turning wrenches for 40 years and I've never had a problem that I thought would be solved by a locking extension.

50+ years here. Never had the need that a little electrical tape wouldn’t take care of holding