Mini/Micro Extensions Other than Tekton Chrome?

[YoshiMoshi3]

I see that Tekton has a chrome Mini Extension set

1/4" is 3/4" in overall length
3/8" is 1" in overall length
1" is 1.5" in overall length

Does anyone know if other manufacturers make anything smaller?

I was thinking as a substitute for mid length/ semi deep sockets,

Stubby socket + mini extension

Assuming your stubby socket is broached properly and not bottoming out on a fastener, it seems it would work well. Only problem is that the mini extensions from Tekton are not short enough to be a good substitute.

Meaning most stubby 1/4" sockets overall length + 3/4" tekton mini extension is more or less equal to the overall length of 1/4" deep.

However if there were 1/4" drive mini extensions whose overall length were 1/2" long, that might be a good substitute for a 1/4" mid length/semi deep.

Same concept for 3/8" and 1/2". These Tekton mini extensions are not mini enough so I'm wondering if people know of other similar product from a different manufacturer whose overall length is less than the Tekton set.

 

[Steve_P]

I have these; they're essentially as short as they can physically be and still function. Do the math on the male engagement length + female depth, and there's not much left to bridge the two when you look at the OAL.

With a US socket like Williams, they are very slightly longer in 1/4" than the Gearwrench mid-length I have.

 

[DerekV]

Yeah, those Tekton mini extensions are pretty much as mini as they can be. They are truly short and fit up tight to the socket.

I use the 1/2” one all the time when torquing wheel lugs to get a hair more fender clearance as my torque wrench is non-flex.

Are they an acceptable substitute for mid length sockets? In my opinion, yes.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

I have these; they're essentially as short as they can physically be and still function. Do the math on the male engagement length + female depth, and there's not much left to bridge the two when you look at the OAL.

With a US socket like Williams, they are very slightly longer in 1/4" than the Gearwrench mid-length I have.

Thanks for the information. What is the overall length added to a socket wrench, once mated with a socket?

 

[mjdarg]

I've needed to use a mini extension when deep well socket will interfere, but the smaller OD of the extension will give me clearance to loosen the fastener.

 

[Tools4Me]

I think you are forgetting something OP. The 1/4" drive mini-extension you mentioned is 3/4" long total length, but the male square drive end of the mini extension goes inside your socket, so the male end of the mini extension doesn't add to the overall length of the combo. You only add 1/2" of overall length to a standard 1/4" drive socket when using a mini extension, which creates a perfect mid-length socket. The other drive sizes work the same way.

The others here are also correct, there is no way for a different company to physically make a mini extension any shorter than the Tekton one already is. As it is, there is just enough metal between the end of the female broach and the beginning of the male end to keep everything strong and intact. Any less and the extension would break easily.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The tekton mini extensions are only a substitute for mid depth IF one is using mid depth simply to achieve a specific total distance from the drive tool. In this case, a mid depth, a shallow with a tekton mini extension, or a low profile socket with a short extension all produce the same tool - a drive end X distance from the drive tool.

Where the mini extension/shallow combo does not replace a mid depth is when one requires a certain length tool AND an interior depth greater than a shallow socket. Lots of engine bay bolts will.have integrated studs sticking off the top for securing engine harnesses. Thus the socket interior must be capable of "swallowing" this stud length to be capable of then reaching the flats of the fastener.

Same idea as a deep socket vs a shallow and an extension. They're the same, until you need interior volume. The mid depth socket example is the same, just on a smaller scale. FWIW I find myself using the tekton mini extensions most on my mid depth sockets, to create a sub-deep length socket. Per my typical disclaimer - this is a rare occurrence. But when you need it, you need it. I'm not sure I've ever used the 1/2 drive unit. 1/4 and 3/8 are on my cart. Probably don't deserve to be there as they are infrequently used, but that's where they are.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Thanks for the help. Drawings look good. Good to know it is the smallest. Right seems as long as shallow socket is not bottoming out, it would be ok.

1/4 one adds 0.5"
3/8 one adds 0.6"
1/3 one adds 0.9"

Does anyone make a mini extension that is impact rated?

 

[bwringer]

Yep, these are as short as practical.

I'd say add a set of stubby sockets to your arsenal, and a set of mid-length and extra-deep if you can find them. With a selection of stubby, regular, mid, deep, and extra-deep, along with a selection of extensions from shorty to ridiculous, you should be able to reach anything that can possibly be reached.

 

[Steve_P]

I bought these when they were first introduced to add another tool to the arsenal for achieving the "just right" working clearance. On some transverse engines, you just need every option possible like the above post said. In 1/4 drive, from short to long, I have the Koken Zeal stubbies, Williams short, Capri short (only because on sale), GW mid-length, Williams deep. In 3/8 it's similar. Then ratcheting wrenches both with and without the extended ring.

The Tekton 1/4 short extension is short enough that it's sometimes difficult for me to remove and I have to grab it with pliers; there's just not much to grip on, and the Capri? sockets don't want to let it go.

I don't think anyone makes something nearly as short as these that's impact rated. I'm not even sure that Snap On makes a chrome extension as short as the Tekton.

 

[Zewnten]

What about the spinner adapter Koken and Snap on make, female square drive and male drive.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

What about the spinner adapter Koken and Snap on make, female square drive and male drive.

Picture?

 

[toddmorr]

Yep, use that koken spinner to get another maybe 1/4 inch when I need to fine tune the clearance