Magnetic socket extensions or inserts or both?

[atikovi]

After dropping countless nuts and bolts out of sockets into inaccessible places, I'm looking at magnetic solutions. I see there are magnetic extensions like these,

and magnetic inserts like these,



Any suggestions as to what brands sell them and personal experience using them? Looking mainly to use with 1/4" and 3/8" drive metric sockets.

 

[JradM]

What! I never heard of magnetic inserts. Thanks for the tip! I'm going to try and find some to try.

I do have magnetic extensions, they work - but I haven't used the inserts to compare. I don't have a particular recommendation for you though. I bought mine on clearance. I think they were "Westward" branded through Grainger. I've no idea if they are available anymore.

 

[charbar]

Never seen either one myself. Personally I would probably go with the extensions just because you have the option to have the socket magnetized or not. The inserts look like they stay in the socket all the time and that would be a pain in the **** to have a socket magnetized all the time. You'd have to grab every nut out of the socket with a pick or something.


Would a strong magnet stuck to the side of an extension or ratchet keep nuts/bolts in a socket? Ive never tried it, just a thought I had.

I just always grab a little piece of blue shop towl so I can get the nut/bolt wedged in the socket.

 

[JradM]

Would a strong magnet stuck to the side of an extension or ratchet keep nuts/bolts in a socket? Ive never tried it, just a thought I had.

I've seen people glue a magnet to the end of an extension for a homemade version. I don't think that would work near as well though - the pre-made versions stick through the drive square opening to get closer to the fastener for maximum magnetic power.

 

[Cheepbeer]

I've used grease before.

 

[65ranchero]

butyl tape

 

[DAustin]

Back in the 70s/80s, Sears used to put a 5pc magnetic insert set in some of their tool sets. I have some in my SAE toolbox that I've never used. I do like the magnetic extensions they seem to work well for me.

 

[bonneyman]

Back in the 70s/80s, Sears used to put a 5pc magnetic insert set in some of their tool sets. I have some in my SAE toolbox that I've never used. I do like the magnetic extensions they seem to work well for me.

I have this little package set of those. Haven't used them yet so can't vouch for their effectiveness. But I post the pics so the part number might be used by someone searching on ebay.

 

[Wrench97]

After awhile the inserts fall out and you lose them, or they stay stuck to the bolt you just installed and can't reach......................................

 

[kudakev615]

i have a set of those magnetic extensions but they really dont work all that well. sometimes the magnet is too far away or too weak to securely hold the fastener. i picked up sets of magnetic sockets in 1/4 and 3/8 in both standard and deep and have had better success. the magnets in larger sizes are so powerful that using locking extensions is a good idea due to the socket wanting to stay on the fastener after removal. the standard length socket sets are pretty cheap but the deep sets get pricey due to the spring loaded magnet design

 

[FMB4]

The proper GJ answer is all three.

 

[unslow1]

I have the inserts and magnetic extensions. Neither really works as well as I expected them to.

 

[jsaw]

I have a set of magnetic sockets with the magnet built into the socket. Use them all the time.

 

[superautobacs]

There's too many variations in socket dimensions to make good use of those magnet tipped extensions.

With magnet inserts, there's ones that have a thru-hole to allow working on studs, but the magnets are small and result in inadequate holding power. Some of those little magnets have come out, rendering it useless.

With magnet inserts shown above, the holding power is decent. Obviously those can only be used on bolts; not nuts.
Depending on work environment enough ferrous metals stick to the magnet--that may or may not be an issue.
Also depending on work environment, fluids can affect the retention of the inserts in the socket. I've had some come off when pulling the fastener off the socket.

I would recommend investing in Ko-ken Nut-Grip sockets. They have shallow, semi-deep, deep, extra-deep, swivel-socket, etc to choose from.

IMG_0504

Ko-ken 16mm Nut-grip Socket

 

[bonneyman]

Maybe we're going at this in the wrong way.

Just epoxy the proper socket over every fastener on the car and be done with it.

 

[DAustin]

Maybe we're going at this in the wrong way.

Just epoxy the proper socket over every fastener on the car and be done with it.

I don't have that many 10mm sockets --YET !

 

[Ronson25]

Have a set of gearwrench 1/4 magnetic extensions in my box they come in handy in tight spaces under dash or under the hood. Been meaning to buy 3/8 set but never see them in stores

 

[Steve_P]

Another vote for Koken nut grip sockets.