Most used Extension lengths

[kapster]

I'm getting ready to order some 1/4 and 3/8 sk extensions as my extension selection is pathetic.

Is it necessary to have extensions 2" apart? seems a bit excessive to me. SK 3/8 set 4536 has 1.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Also is it worth having big wobble sets? I'm thinking a few shorter ones and just ad reg extensions if i need to.

So what extensions do you guys use the most?

 

[GRX]

Opinion will vary. My preference is 3, 6, and 10".

 

[Gixerfixer]

Opinion will vary. My preference is 3, 6, and 10".

^ I would go with this

 

[wchamberlain]

Wobble or Wobble plus is the way to go if you wanna spend the extra bucks!

Size matters will vary as GRX stated

 

[Danglerb]

I've found a really short extension is handy to have, like a 1.5", just enough to give the driving tool some clearance when a longer extension would have you bonking into something else.

 

[countryroad82]

I rarely use a 1 1/2 extension but when you need one they are great! I almost always reach for a wobble extension over regular but that is just my preferance. I have SK, Craftsman, Snap On, Matco, Harbor Freight, and Mac brand, plus some no names. Some are a little better than others (truck brands tend to be made a little more heavy) but all serve the same purpose. I will say if you do any transmission work, invest in some extra long extensions, they are lifesavers.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have and use all of the sizes listed. I agree the really short one comes in handy a surprising number of times. Most used: 3 and 10 inch

 

[plinker]

I have 1.5, 3 ,6 ,8 ,10, and 20" in 3/8 drive and they all get used at times. I actually shoud get a 4" and a 14-15" as well. 3" 6" & 10" are the most used, I also have 6" & 10" wobbles in 3/8.

1/2 drive is 2, 3, 5-6, 10, 15 and 20, plus 5" & 10" wobble. 3" and 6" are the most used, 15" gets used often as well (mainly for checking truck rear end fluid levels).

In 1/4 drive, I have 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 & 14, plus 3, 6, 10" wobbles. The most used is the 3" and 6"


If you have a 3" 6" and 10" extensions, those are the ones you'll need most often. The rest are nice to have though, especially when you have access issues or similar trouble.

 

[iroc409]

I would say 1.5" or 3", 8 or 10", and 20" if you just wanted a couple. I'm just a DIY, buuut... I use a 1.5" 1/2" drive on my torque wrench for wheels. It gives just enough extra clearance that makes it a little easier to use on my truck.

When I need a general-purpose extension in 3/8, it's probably in the 8-10" range. I have I think all of the ones Craftsman makes, but I usually use the same intermediate one. It's probably 8 or 10".

I use a 3/8" 20" extension doing spark plugs on the vehicles. Well, I haven't had to do the car yet but I've used them in the past on transverse V6's, and my truck has the plugs way down in the head. The 20" is about perfect for that.

I like having the whole Craftsman extension kit, which has everything but the 20" 1/2" drive (which I also bought). It's about $50 I think, and way cheaper than buying them any other way. I'd look into that if you're going to spend that much--it also comes with all the universals and drive adapters.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Wobbles rule....I've just got a cheap set, but really need an upgrade, as I use them all of the time..

 

[byoungblood]

1-1.5" extensions are nice to use with universal joints on occasion. Otherwise I typically just use a deep socket, it comes out to about the same length. I usually find myself using the shorter (3" and less) extensions to keep from banging my knuckles into things, rather than trying to get extra reach.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

For a limited set, I like two 3" and a 6", next additions would be a real short one, 1" or so, and/or up-and-down adaptor pair...by that I mean for a 3/8 set an adaptor down to 1/4 and an adaptor up from 1/4 to 3/8. Paired, they give a short extension (limited in strength by the smaller drive size, of course) for either size set as well as their normal separate adaptor functions.
For in your garage, I suggest every size and shape extension known to man.

 

[royesses]

1" and 1.5" for some hard to get to spark plugs - my 98 explorer sohc cyl #3 for example. 3", 6", 10", 18" are good to have for general use.

 

[SINISTER]

I love my 3", 6", 11" knurled wobble plus set from snap on. I also have a blue point locking set of 3" 6" 10" mostly used for spark plugs ext. Also an 18" knurled snap on friction ball extension that doesn't get used much.

I spend 6 days a week in my auto shop.

Wobble sets are awesome, but big ones I would never use. If I had to say the best all around bang for the buck it would be a 3, 6, 10 snap on wobble plus set and then a locking adapter to go on any extension. All you really need.

 

[supra90turbo]

3/8 extensions, 1.5" Saved my *** more than I'd like to admit. I use a 6" an awful lot also.

10" on 1/4" for hose clamps that are deep down in the engine bay are also a must have.

 

[JMcFly]

I will say if you do any transmission work, invest in some extra long extensions, they are lifesavers.

I removed the 4 speed from one of my Mercedes and I grabbed the extra long set of extensions from HF on the cheap and boy were they useful. I think the longest is 24"

$17 plus 20% off made them well worth it to get to the bolts on the starter.

 

[hammergodthor]

More extensions is better, you can never have too many - seriously. An example would be working on a starter. You may have to get almost between the starter and the block to reach it, but the accessories on the front of the engine will invariably get in the way, dictating the length of extension you use. You won't always be able to substitute a deep/shallow to get just the right length, there are always lots of flanges/brackets/braces that will get in the way.

Just my $.02.

 

[kapster]

ok, so from what you guys are saying I think I'll go big on the reg sets and maybe a 1.5, 3, 6 in wobble, 1/4 and 3/8.

I looked at that big craftsman set, pretty tempting but it has a lot of stuff I already have. And I'm really trying not to buy more craftsman. Disgusts me a lot of it is china now. Thought I'd try sk, they seem to have a renewed sense of Americanism. looks like its going to be about 200 for a set of 1/4 and 3/8 wobble and reg. on tooltopia with free shipping. Shouldnt fret, a 3/8 snap on wobble set is $150

Are a few set screw locking adaptors good enough or is dedicated worth the extra money?

 

[ajchien]

I think I use my 3" 3/8, and my 6" 1/4 the most.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Are a few set screw locking adaptors good enough or is dedicated worth the extra money?

Could you clarify this statement?

I use the 1.5, 3, 6 and 10 the most in 3/8/
Smaller lengths in 1/2
Longer usually in 1/4

The Craftsman are acceptable, but I am not fond of them since they do not have the knurlling on either the shaft nor the female sq. drive flare portion which I find crucial is working with anyhting that has lubricants thus I use Mac and S-K as a result.

 

[Skin]

ok, so from what you guys are saying I think I'll go big on the reg sets and maybe a 1.5, 3, 6 in wobble, 1/4 and 3/8.

I looked at that big craftsman set, pretty tempting but it has a lot of stuff I already have. And I'm really trying not to buy more craftsman. Disgusts me a lot of it is china now. Thought I'd try sk, they seem to have a renewed sense of Americanism. looks like its going to be about 200 for a set of 1/4 and 3/8 wobble and reg. on tooltopia with free shipping. Shouldnt fret, a 3/8 snap on wobble set is $150

Are a few set screw locking adaptors good enough or is dedicated worth the extra money?

The Craftsman set is great for someone with nothing.

Just my 2 cents but if you have most of the basics covered get some locking extensions. Personally i find wobble extensions to be mostly useless and much prefer a regular/locking extension with a universal socket. If you do want wobble extensions just make sure they arent the wobble/locking style where you can push the socket on all the way and it acts as a regular extension. They're infurriating in actual use since you go to place the socket on the bolt and if you press just a little too hard the socket snaps straight.

 

[kapster]

I agree, the "wobble plus" i've used drove me nuts. sounds awesome till you use it, just my impression.

As far as having my bases covered, i have about every available inch/metric 1/4 and 3/8 deep and shallow socket. I Had a 1/4 by 3" extension that disappeared, so I have no 1/4 now. I have the 3 pc 3/8 craftsman locking set. lost the 8in so i have 3 and 10 now. Farming is good for losing tools, you go get a bunch of stuff out of toolbox and in the mad rush you leave it lay somewhere or drop it. Planing to get some cheap stuff for when I have to take stuff out or just be more careful.

I would get locking but the knurled ring style seem so bulky, doesnt it get in the way? I do like that about the craftsman's i have but wish they had knurled ring(bring on sk)

 

[Skin]

Never had a problem with the profile of the release getting in the way. Generally where ever the socket will fit so too will the extension.

 

[kapster]

So are the set screw locking adapters ok or are actual locking extensions better?

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20017&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[jjjrmx5]

So are the set screw locking adapters ok or are actual locking extensions better?

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20017&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

All that set screw does is lock the extenion in place to the ratchet or to another non-locking extension. I;d only see that where you wnat to semi-permanently put the locking unit on a std. extension and not have it fall of as in repetitive single use or in mfgr . For me, I have a set of lockign extensions, I just tinkler toy them together to the length I need. and they all lock including whateever socket is on the end. The idea is to get the ratchert or driver out where you can't drop it.

I have the Mac locking extensions that are exactly like the Snap_on units and love them.

They are pricey and there are a few (and only a few) circumstances where collar fit is an issue, but that is very far and in between.

 

[APEowner]

I keep a 3" wobble on the three 3/8" drive flex head ratchets that I use the most. I also keep a 3" straight on the 1/4" flex head that I use the most. I have at one time or another used every length from 1 1/2" to 24" (as well as multiple combinations of those lengths) so I wouldn't want to have less than a full set but that combination of flex head with a 3" is my go to.

 

[kapster]

Here's my SK extensions I got, looks like a mix of old and new stock. I'm assuming the ones with grooves are old stock? As a general rule the non-groove extensions look better, mostly in the knurling. Some of the old stock extension's knurling is pretty nasty, taiwan stuff puts it to shame. But as long as their strong doesn't bother me to much. Bad knurling is better then no knurling for use I would say, cough, cough (craftsman)

1/4 reg set-2,3,6,8,10,14
1/4 wobble-1 1/2, 4, 6
3/8 reg- 1.5, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18 (I have lots of 3" and a 10")
3/8 wobble- 1.5, 3, 6

I'm sure I'll add more but should be a good start. Thanks for your advise guys. I didn't go crazy on the wobbles as you guys kind of suggested. I think with this combination I can do a lot. Will probably get some locking or locking adapters down the road.

 

[kapster]

I just noticed the 1/4" 14" extension has a bend to it, would that be considered warranty? Worth messing with? Just details really

 

[xurusaibobx]

24in and 36inch extensions are a must for RWD transmission work prefer the 1/2 to 3/8 wobble head ones...


i us 1 1/2,4,and 6 the most....

never understood why i would use a 1/2 extension for unless it was a wobble head one. i rather just use a deep socket or semi deep socket