Need a socket extension set....suggestions?

[EmptyWallet]

I need to pick up a few socket extensions in various sizes. Gearwrench is decently priced at Advance Auto.

What about Harbor Freight extensions?

They have them in impact versions also.

Are the Harbor Freight extensions China or Taiwan?

 

[powertrip]

HF are taiwan. I would get cman before they are all china made.

 

[bluechevy94]

I got the ones from HF and some gearwrench ones from advance.I don't have any complaints about either of them.Are you after regular or wobble extensions?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I also have HF and GW... No complaints either. The HF locking extensions are really good IMO.

 

[transittech]

Try Cripe Distributing. They have a website and an Ebay store. I have purchased from them many times and have been happy.

You'll prolly end up with a mis-matched set, but it'll be cheap.

Have you tried a pawn shop? Most I've been in have a fairly large assortment, for a buck or two each for 1/4 or 3/8 drive. 1/2 drive by 10 in. long should be less than $5 each for reference. Bonus- no shipping cost.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Pawn shop is a good idea! I was leaving out Craftsman since they have no knurling, correct?

 

[bobcatdan]

To me, extensions are extensions. I don't think I have ever broke one. Knurling is nice, but really how can a tool company make a bad one?

 

[tube_guy]

I've twisted off the drive ends on a few of the cheaper ones. Never had a problem with a USA made extension though.

 

[willhollin]

Genius tools do a decent set of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"

 

[DrkMtnDew]

GearWrench would be a great choice.

 

[Skin]

Judging from the brands you asked about im guessing you dont want to spend this kind of money but MAC makes the best ones with double knurling both around the shank and the female drive end. The locking extensions are the same way.

 

[dclassical]

I like my HF locking extensions, both 1/2" and 3/8".
My 3/8" wobble extensions are SK though.
I am looking for 1/4" extensions and think I will go SK.

 

[1911]

I bought a couple HF wobble extension sets when they were on sale a couple years ago. The ones I got are marked China but they've worked just fine.


http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-14-38-and-12-drive-wobble-socket-extensions-67971.html

 

[thesilverone]

Craftsman extensions were half off a month ago. They restocked them with chinese ones

 

[shoturtle]

There are still US ones at the stores. So you may fine a USA set. And the locking extension are still made in the USA.

 

[jetmech09]

I really like Koken because of where the knurling is.

 

[concealer404]

I have a bunch of Gearwrench extensions. No complaints.

 

[Toolman12]

Once you have twisted the ends off of a couple and wrecked your knuckles you will see the wisdom of buying a good set knurled or not here's a tip for ones that are not knurled get some shrink wrap and put over shaft and heat it up this will work for a good long while then replace when needed

 

[Mickey O]

Stay away from the import junk. Get Snap-On if you can find a deal (I sold most of my Snap-On tools but I kept the extensions), S-K, Williams, Proto are good, USA made; Craftsman, Kobalt, Masterforce, Napa, etc. are all pretty good as well. I'd avoid Harbor Freight like the plague.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Pawn shop....

 

[cheechi]

Once you have twisted the ends off of a couple and wrecked your knuckles you will see the wisdom of buying a good set

This is absolutely true. I have several from Sears, HF, auto parts store, a bunch of generics. I just thought that's something that extensions do.

 

[dirtmister16]

i just got some SK 3/8's whole set plus free screw drivers. it was $130 i got them from united auto.

 

[shoturtle]

Was just as sears hardware, they still have the extension and universal joint set instock made in the USA for 39 dollars.

 

[Jim85IROC]

Most of my 3/8 stuff is USA Craftsman. My 1/2 stuff is SK. I'm quite happy with both.

 

[9GUY9]

I have SK sets at work and gearwrench at home. I will not buy any more SK tools. Their chrome is garbage, all the ends of my 1/4 extensions are flaking off, along with my last remaining ratchet. SK will not warranty the extensions because i use them with a elec impact, and won't warranty the ratchet because it is a cosmetic issue.

The gear wrench extensions are just as nice as the SK at 1/3 the price. I have yet to have any problems with the chrome on the Gearwrench extensions.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I have SK sets at work and gearwrench at home. I will not buy any more SK tools. Their chrome is garbage, all the ends of my 1/4 extensions are flaking off, along with my last remaining ratchet. SK will not warranty the extensions because i use them with a elec impact, and won't warranty the ratchet because it is a cosmetic issue.

The gear wrench extensions are just as nice as the SK at 1/3 the price. I have yet to have any problems with the chrome on the Gearwrench extensions.

How old are the extensions? Are the pre are post bankruptcy

 

[OEXL16B]

When it comes to extensions, I like Snap-on. I apologize for recommending such an expensive tool.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I have snappy, crafty, hf, gearwrench, kobalt and s&k extensions. They all work well.

Only failure I had with an extension was the little detent ball falling out of a snappy

 

[kippieland]

I have some Williams Taiwan extensions that I got off of ebay for a screamin deal. Like them a lot. Also have some Kobalt and Craftsman as well. I prefer the knurling. Also have a Wright wobble extension, which is great as well. I haven't had any problems with any of them.....like everyone else has said, extensions are extensions!

 

[littletoes]

I've got a bit of everything, a couple that are 2 foot long to some short Snappy wobbles that come in handy when removing spark plugs.

My fondest is my 14" Snappy 1/4" drive that allows me to reach some tight spots. Bought it specifically for oil pans that have limited access.

 

[franzdom]

I've got a bit of everything, a couple that are 2 foot long to some short Snappy wobbles that come in handy when removing spark plugs.

My fondest is my 14" Snappy 1/4" drive that allows me to reach some tight spots. Bought it specifically for oil pans that have limited access.

Interesting, it doesn't look like they offer that size any more.

 

[arizonaadam]

Check Armstrong and Wright. Good combo of price and quality.

 

[littletoes]

Well...I did a search for 1/4" extensions and came up with THIS....now it says 3/8" shaft diameter, but I'm not positive on the drive...

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674767&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Fedwrench]

I recently got some Knurled Armstrong extensions from Cripe distributing that I'm liking. My favorite extensions over the years have been MAC becuse, they are about the only manufacturer that put the knurling where you actually need it for finger spinning, around the female square drive.
Proto knurled extensions are also sweet and come in a wide variety of lengths. I have twisted off SK 1/4 drive extensions (pre Ideal stuff) so, I avoid SK 1/4 drive extensions.
It all really depends on what you like in an extension and what you're willing to pay. Extensions are one tool that you can pick up used fairly cheap. Good luck in your quest,

 

[9GUY9]

How old are the extensions? Are the pre are post bankruptcy

I have owned them for aprox 2 years, so I would guess that they are pre bankruptcy. I can accept the chrome peeling, but what really bothers me is the fact they don't stand behind their product.

 

[transittech]

Well...I did a search for 1/4" extensions and came up with THIS....now it says 3/8" shaft diameter, but I'm not positive on the drive...

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674767&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

At the top of the page right under the search box, they list the categories you are in, and it says 1/4". Sorry, don't know all the technical terms, but that extension is categorised under 1/4 drive tools.

 

[Big Gus]

I have some of the knurled williams extensions and I agree, they are very good.

I like my Snap-on extensions the best, but the Williams are 2nd right along with a couple of Ace Hardware knurled extensions I own.

Note: I'm speaking of 3/8 and 1/2 drive extensions. I have no experience with Williams or Ace 1/4 extensions.

 

[RCL]

I have MAC, Craftsman, and some 1/4" HF and haven't had problems with any of them.