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Need 1/4 Extensions

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bensminibikes

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Apr 24, 2016
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I am in need of some decent 1/4 extensions. I was looking into buying gearwrench, or used snap on or matco set. Please let me know what you think is best, just keep in mind that I don't want to spend more than $40 on them, because I am not a professional mechanic. Thanks!
 
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Sam'sAutoParts

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New or Used SK, Williams USA, Wright, perhaps. I'm currently a little :mad: about a NOS Proto 3/8" drive 6" extension I bought a few weeks ago. Second time I used it, the chrome stated coming off in big nasty sharp sheets::sad:
 
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B_Bimmer

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Look at proto's, with the 25% off at zoro coming up they are very affordable. They are finished very nicely and have deeper knurling than most, which I really like. You didn't mention wobble or wobble plus but I would only recommend wobble plus if you've got snap on or proto sockets, they both have very consistent indents for a nice positive lock in each position, I'm sure there are others that work well with them, but I experimented with many and lots don't.

On the other hand, if you don't care about country of origin and just want cheap and pretty, I am sure gearwrench makes a functional tool. As always, buy what you like.
 
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freudianfloyd

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Not sure how hard you are on tools, but I bought a set of 1/4" Tekton extensions, and I have only good things to say about them. Plus they are cheap compared to the ones you have mentioned.
 
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gdocktor3

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I have Gearwrench, Snap On, Kobalt and both Craftsman China and USA in 1/4". The Gearwrench are awesome and same quality as Snap On. I also like the knurling better on gw.
 
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T45

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Snap ons are good, but you only buy a half set for $40. Even SK set is $50-60.

That being said, I would buy only the extensions you need. You might not need every size sold, and that will save you money. 2,4,8 inch will do alot of work. or 2, 6, 11 inch etc.

Just pick your poison and go for it. The in-between siZes are a luxury, and you are on a budget, I'd get good steel and fitment first before 100 sizes.

Proto is alot less expensive, but subjectively a half-grade below. Williams USA don't have knurling; there taiwain ones are more modern design but maybe not as good steel.

Don't overlook cman usa (NOS) for good mid-range stuff, just buy in person if can.
 
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B_Bimmer

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Sam'sAutoParts said:
New or Used SK, Williams USA, Wright, perhaps. I'm currently a little :mad: about a NOS Proto 3/8" drive 6" extension I bought a few weeks ago. Second time I used it, the chrome stated coming off in big nasty sharp sheets::sad:
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about that, send it in, they will take care of you. I have quite possibly a ton of proto tools, some of the older stuff isn't quite as nicely finished although the quality has always been fabulous. I have never had sheets of chrome on their tools although I have seen it on some of my other stuff. It should only cost you a couple dollars to ship it in a poly bag, they'll get you a new one, even if you don't have a receipt, are not a "pro" or just don't like your dealer. Give it another chance, seriously, the knurling is nice.
 
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Tuc04

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I think it's worth your time to check out Koken. I really like their knurling. In 1/4" they are my number one recommendation.
 
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Dookie2122

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Apr 11, 2015
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I have the Gearwrench 1/4" wobble 4 piece set, picked it up from Advanced Auto for under $20, nice quality.
 
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Sam'sAutoParts

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B_Bimmer said:
Sorry to hear about that, send it in, they will take care of you. I have quite possibly a ton of proto tools, some of the older stuff isn't quite as nicely finished although the quality has always been fabulous. I have never had sheets of chrome on their tools although I have seen it on some of my other stuff. It should only cost you a couple dollars to ship it in a poly bag, they'll get you a new one, even if you don't have a receipt, are not a "pro" or just don't like your dealer. Give it another chance, seriously, the knurling is nice.
Click to expand...



The thing that really bummed me out was the fact that I love all my other Proto stuff, and I really do like the extension, save for the blood inducing chrome peel.
 
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Finky198

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My preference for extensions esp... 1/4" would have to be snap on wobble plus. I'm not sure they could be found in your price range. I know the koken stuff is really nice they offers them as well, but there not $40 cheap either.

Although your getting double the capability so they might be worth a little more $$$...
 
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Adam.C

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All extensions are torsion springs. The springier they are, the more of your effort is consumed in twisting the extension. So given 2 extensions of the same size, the harder one will require less effort to use.

The amount of your energy consumed by a short extension is relatively low. So any decent quality short extension will do. When you are shopping for long extensions, that's where saving your money and buying quality will be worth your while.
 
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signcrafter

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I've got the gearwrench in 3/8" and 1/2" drive and I like them a lot. Order online from advance auto and use a discount code(google it for the one that works best with your order) and pick up in store.
 
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casestudies

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I wound up getting a 6-pc Snap-On set "used" on eBay. Set looked like it had never been used though. They were a tad more expensive than the SK set I was looking at, but they're fantastic quality. Love them. I have a lot of other SK stuff, so I'm sure I would have been happy with SK as well, but the used SO set came up on eBay at the right time, so I went that route.
 
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WVBrady

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My cheap 1/4 inch ones don't snap onto the ratchet, so they are always falling off. Which fairly cheap ones have that?
 
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flat tire

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quote : more than $40 on them, because I am not a professional mechanic. Thanks!
so I assume you will not be using them every day to make a living.
why not save some money and just get a set from harbor freight.
FWIW I have a set from H F and have used a 3/8" x 12" ratchet with adaptor and have never broke one. also never had a problem with them remaining on the ratchet
 
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sberry

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I am not fussy here either. As evidenced in this thread many are less than enthused with expensive, can get the same satisfaction from cheap ones too.
I don't know about Texton but it seems good and proven designs. I think the basics of it have been around a while but cheap and good is good and not sure how the tool would know if you were professional or not?
 
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Paco Pena

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I have a full set of GearWrench but still buy SnapOn etc from the dollar bucket at the pawn shop. You often find small high end bits and pieces if you look often.

Paco
 
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bb_max

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somewhat related.
Does anyone other than tool truck companies, offer longer 1/4" extensions. I was looking awhile back, and it seemed like 6" was the standard maximum.
 
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General Geoff

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bb_max said:
somewhat related.
Does anyone other than tool truck companies, offer longer 1/4" extensions. I was looking awhile back, and it seemed like 6" was the standard maximum.
Click to expand...

Koken's standard and wobble-fix 1/4" extension sets include 250mm extensions, which are 9.8 inches in length. Koken also sells up to 600mm 1/4" extensions individually. The 600mm ~23.6 inch) one seems to go for about $25 by itself.
 
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unslow1

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Paco Pena said:
I have a full set of GearWrench but still buy SnapOn etc from the dollar bucket at the pawn shop. You often find small high end bits and pieces if you look often.

Paco
Click to expand...

That's where I got my Snap on and Mac 1/4 extensions. I have several brands. Can't really beat the Gearwrench for price vs quality.

I have a couple of 10" Kobalt wobbles. They discontinued them in most places a few months ago.
 
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LXCam

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I have everyone's offerings in various sizes. But I have no issues with my GWs to complain about and they're cheap.
 
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