Locking Socket Extensions

[NC-Shaun]

I am looking at replacing all of my worn extensions with new locking extensions. I would like to have a matching set that includes 1/4-3/8-1/2 drive sizes

I found some from Harbor Freight but they only have the 3/8-1/2 drive sizes and my OCD will not allow me to have mismatch stuff so....

I found these from Gear Wrench

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchets-...302-3-pc-1-2-drive-locking-extension-set.html

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchets-...202-3-pc-3-8-drive-locking-extension-set.html

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchets-...003-3-pc-1-4-drive-locking-extension-set.html

What are your opinions on these? If you have any suggestions on any other sets please post them up.

Thank You

 

[Skin]

All of mine are the generic American design which work well so thats what i would suggest. They can be found under all the truck brands as well as Armstrong and Proto with the latter two being your best bet for price. I wont touch HF, they just seem like a bad time waiting to happen especially since they rely on a set screw.

 

[Jswain]

I have all 9 of those that they sell in a pack rebadged as Mastercraft Maximum at Canadian Tire & go on sale for $19.99 or $29.99. I haven't got around to use them yet but the locking feature feels a little cheap but does lock on to the socket very well. For the price I paid I got a steal but I don't know if I would pay the full list price of those three separate sets.

Here's a link to them on Canadian Tires site for $69.99 but all of us Canuckadians know they sell for much less then that on a regular basis.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m...-extension-bar-set-0581225p.html#.UtdzTHmsj1o

 

[NC-Shaun]

I have all 9 of those that they sell in a pack rebadged as Mastercraft Maximum at Canadian Tire & go on sale for $19.99 or $29.99. I haven't got around to use them yet but the locking feature feels a little cheap but does lock on to the socket very well. For the price I paid I got a steal but I don't know if I would pay the full list price of those three separate sets.

Here's a link to them on Canadian Tires site for $69.99 but all of us Canuckadians know they sell for much less then that on a regular basis.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m...-extension-bar-set-0581225p.html#.UtdzTHmsj1o

Hmmm, I wonder if its possible to ship a set of these from Canadialand to the States? I would be all over a set of these for 20-30 bux.

 

[Jswain]

If you are willing to wait for them to go on sale then I would gladly do that for you, they are a bargain at the sale price. What side of the country are you on I am Western Canada so if you're Eastern it might be better to find someone on the East Coast but either way I can.

 

[Wamsutta]

What are your opinions on these? If you have any suggestions on any other sets please post them up.

Thank You

Those GearWrench extensions don't look like they have enough knurling on the quick release collar. I'd want something with a good grip on the collar. This Proto looks like it has a good collar:

http://www.protoindustrial.com/images/880x880/j5260-06l.png

 

[NC-Shaun]

If you are willing to wait for them to go on sale then I would gladly do that for you, they are a bargain at the sale price. What side of the country are you on I am Western Canada so if you're Eastern it might be better to find someone on the East Coast but either way I can.

I bookmarked that link, so I should be able to see when they go on sale as well. That would be great as long as shipping isnt gonna be crazy expensive. Have you shipped any small items like this to the States before?

Than You for the offer.

 

[Jswain]

Depending on where you are I can't see it being more then ten bucks... I haven't shipped anything down there but I buy a lot off ebay/rockauto and for small stuff its not bad at all. And the knurling on the lock doesn't seem to be a problem it is very easy to grab.

EDIT: Just to be safe I ran downstairs and played with the 3/8" extensions locking them together and unlocking them and it is easy as cake with your thumb and forefinger to slide it back, you feel the knurling grip your fingers. And when they are locked I tried everything I had with my hands and there was no way they are coming apart.

 

[Jswain]

To add some fuel to the mix they also sell rebadged gear wrench wobble extensions and they go on sale for $19.99 regularly as well:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m...-extension-bar-set-0581218p.html#.Utd4N3msj1o

 

[Givl Reggin]

Take a look at the Craftsman locking extensions - they have a much smaller unobtrusive thumb locking mechanism (as opposed to the knurled collar most others use) and I find them better than Snap-Ons (if that means anything to you) plus they're made in the USA.

 

[raboyto2]

I have the Mastercraft set. (Didnt know it was rebranded Grearwrench!) I couldnt justify the cost of the snap-on ones that we have a work for at home. So far they work great.


Here is another thread comparing the craftsman and snap-on locking extensions. Also lots of links to other brands with pricing (but note its a 6 year old thread) :

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


On the topic, i wish a company made locking extensions with a magnet. I recently got the Gear Wrench extension with the built in magnet at love them. It makes it much easier to remove/install nuts and bolts in those hard to reach areas. I believe they were on sale at Napa (Canada) for around 45$

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchets-...rench-81235-9-pc-magnetic-drive-tool-set.html

Its makes me wonder if the flex sockets at canadian tire are made by gear wrench aswell.

 

[NC-Shaun]

Depending on where you are I can't see it being more then ten bucks... I haven't shipped anything down there but I buy a lot off ebay/rockauto and for small stuff its not bad at all. And the knurling on the lock doesn't seem to be a problem it is very easy to grab.

EDIT: Just to be safe I ran downstairs and played with the 3/8" extensions locking them together and unlocking them and it is easy as cake with your thumb and forefinger to slide it back, you feel the knurling grip your fingers. And when they are locked I tried everything I had with my hands and there was no way they are coming apart.

They look like nice tools, and I do like the locking style. I will keep an eye out for them to go on sale at Canadian Tire, in the meantime I will swing by Sears and look at the Craftsman style mentioned below.I will be in touch VIA Private Message.

To add some fuel to the mix they also sell rebadged gear wrench wobble extensions and they go on sale for $19.99 regularly as well:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m...-extension-bar-set-0581218p.html#.Utd4N3msj1o

I am not a fan of the wobble extensions.

Take a look at the Craftsman locking extensions - they have a much smaller unobtrusive thumb locking mechanism (as opposed to the knurled collar most others use) and I find them better than Snap-Ons (if that means anything to you) plus they're made in the USA.

I will swing by the local Sears and have a look, but I have read many complaints about the button style release bumping into something and dropping the socket.

I have the Mastercraft set. (Didnt know it was rebranded Grearwrench!) I couldnt justify the cost of the snap-on ones that we have a work for at home. So far they work great.


Here is another thread comparing the craftsman and snap-on locking extensions. Also lots of links to other brands with pricing (but note its a 6 year old thread) :

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


On the topic, i wish a company made locking extensions with a magnet. I recently got the Gear Wrench extension with the built in magnet at love them. It makes it much easier to remove/install nuts and bolts in those hard to reach areas. I believe they were on sale at Napa (Canada) for around 45$

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchets-...rench-81235-9-pc-magnetic-drive-tool-set.html

Its makes me wonder if the flex sockets at canadian tire are made by gear wrench aswell.

Thanks for the feedback on the Mastercrafts locking extensions.I will read the link you provided after I get home from work.

This forum is great!

 

[unslow1]

Take a look at the Craftsman locking extensions - they have a much smaller unobtrusive thumb locking mechanism (as opposed to the knurled collar most others use) and I find them better than Snap-Ons (if that means anything to you) plus they're made in the USA.

After using the style with the collar I bought the Craftsman ones. The collar got in the way on a couple of things. I like the Craftsman style much better.

As far as wobble extensions I prefer the Snap-on wobble plus. The style you push the socket on further and it won't wobble.

 

[Jswain]

After using the style with the collar I bought the Craftsman ones. The collar got in the way on a couple of things. I like the Craftsman style much better.

As far as wobble extensions I prefer the Snap-on wobble plus. The style you push the socket on further and it won't wobble.

The gear wrench/mastercraft ones are like that as well, push it in a bit and its a regular extension, pull it out a 1/4" and its a wobble