NEW TEKTON LOCKING and WOBBLE EXTENSIONS

[Fedwrench]

Tekton released some new chrome extensions in wobble or locking version across three drive sizes. I'm on the fence about the locking mechanism

Hand Drive Socket Extensions | TEKTON

Shop hand drive chrome socket extensions and extension sets in drive sizes 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inch.

www.tekton.com

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Odd, I didn't get the email.

I don't like the "wobble plus" design, I've since moved to discrete sets. I suppose 7.5 degrees is okay. I have some cheap wobbles at home with about that. I call them "wobble minus" since they don't have a ton of wobble to them like my stuff at work.


I may pick up the 1/2 drive locking set.

 

[Shelbylex]

Interesting! Would like to see real life experience for 3/8 drive locking extensions and the picture of the opposite end from the ball (to see if it's the same design as Snap On/MAC/etc

Never mind the design - it's on the bottom of the page on Tekton web site...

 

[AEAdam]

I have some cheap wobbles at home with about that. I call them "wobble minus" since they don't have a ton of wobble to them like my stuff at work.

I have those too. They are called Craftsman extensions!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have those too. They are called Craftsman extensions!

It's like they only remembered to machine the wobble to half the required depth. LOL

 

[Steve_P]

I got the email about 30 minutes ago; it must be the time zone difference I don't need any more extensions, but it's always nice to see Tekton expanding their offerings. I always wondered why they didn't at least have wobble extensions, since that's just a minor machining modification to a standard extension. I don't have any wobble plus type extensions, only conventional wobble.

It looks like the locking extension follows the common design that many use, but I haven't seen anyone offer it in 1/4" until now. Of course, I'm not looking for them, but.... I have an old set of HF 3/8 locking extensions that uses a similar design, and it works pretty well, but I can still pull a socket off of it with "reasonable" force- not struggling. The locking design that Proto, and I'm sure others, uses is the best IMO; I have SK that use this same locking design in 1/4 and 3/8 and cannot pull a socket off of it.

 

[lardy1]

I ordered the 3/8" wobble set and threw a 1/4" one in for free shipping. I already have Wera locking and really like them but rarely actually need them so I probably won't order any locking. I have Felo wobble with the positive snap if you push harder and have mixed feelings. They are very nice extensions but not enamored with the positive feature. It tends to engage itself.

Tekton's regular extensions are pretty nice for the money, also.

I'm always happy to see Tekton bring in new items. Their quality standard has risen dramatically and their reputtion has followed. I pretty much trust them to not attempt to market turds anymore.

 

[Zeus36]

The Tekton system will add a bit of bulk at the end, but doesn't appear much larger than the socket's base. The knurling is flat and looks more decorative than functional:


I'm on the fence about these verses the Craftsman design that used a slimmer lock, but is their retention system up to par with the Tekton design?





Tekton is at $22 but out of stock
Craftsman is $27 at Lowe's and in stock

 

[Steve_P]

The Tekton system will add a bit of bulk at the end, but doesn't appear much larger than the socket's base. The knurling is flat and looks more decorative than functional:


I'm on the fence about these verses the Craftsman design that used a slimmer lock, but is their retention system up to par with the Tekton design?


Tekton is at $22 but out of stock
Craftsman is $27 at Lowe's and in stock

I have at least one 3/8 locking extension like that Craftsman design, and it works just fine. Mine is older, USA made, KD brand or similar; you slide the button to release the socket. It's as good as the HF that I have, which I think is the same as the Tekton design (edit- it's slightly different design, but the basics seem the same). The HFs I have are 10+ years old, I bought them when they first came out, but they look like the current model; the ones I have are great for the $. The Tekton will probably be in stock soon if you don't mind to wait. If not, here's the HF:

3/8 in. Drive Quick-Release Extension Bar Set, 4 Piece

Amazing deals on this at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

edit- it looks like HF still doesn't sell these in 1/4 size, so never mind

 

[bonneyman]

Tekton has done some nice stuff. I like their ergo screwdrivers, and their laser-cut angle wrenches look sweet. If I needed a set of extension/wobbles I'd give them a shot.

 

[LeeG]

Tekton has done some nice stuff. I like their ergo screwdrivers, and their laser-cut angle wrenches look sweet. If I needed a set of extension/wobbles I'd give them a shot.

I have their angle wrenches. They are nice. Thinking about using my cash back credit on the extensions.

 

[Madjik Man]

Got the email this morning and ordered the 3/8s locking set. I had $15 in rewards so the cost was nominal to try them out.

I have Hazet, Stahwille and Koken wobbles so I don't need any more.

I don't like the Craftsman style locking mechanism (personal preference) and I tried the Pittsburgh ones in Harbor Freight and the socket never locked on, I could just easily pull it off the extension, so I nixed that one of the list.

I like the pull/tang style and I'm hoping Tekton comes through with these. I'll post back with my feedback once I receive them and try them in a real world application.

 

[Steve_P]

Got the email this morning and ordered the 3/8s locking set. I had $15 in rewards so the cost was nominal to try them out.

I have Hazet, Stahwille and Koken wobbles so I don't need any more.

I don't like the Craftsman style locking mechanism (personal preference) and I tried the Pittsburgh ones in Harbor Freight and the socket never locked on, I could just easily pull it off the extension, so I nixed that one of the list.

I like the pull/tang style and I'm hoping Tekton comes through with these. I'll post back with my feedback once I receive them and try them in a real world application.

If by the "tang style" you mean what Proto, SK, Snap On.... sell, I believe that design is patented by a US company. Of course, that doesn't mean that Tekton can't work with them, but it probably eliminates any bargain pricing. Well, bargain pricing except for the SO comparison.

The HF 3/8 locking extensions I have are pretty good and will hold a socket with what I would consider requiring more than enough force for normal usage; but they're also not as good as the SK that I have; but the SK probably cost 5-10X as much. Locking extensions are obviously going to be highly dependent on the drive end tolerance of the socket: you might not be able to pull off a Snap On socket, but a cheap, but totally functional socket, might easily pull off. I'd think that even .01" on the socket drive end would be the difference between never coming off and easily coming off.

 

[Madjik Man]

If by the "tang style" you mean what Proto, SK, Snap On.... sell, I believe that design is patented by a US company. Of course, that doesn't mean that Tekton can't work with them, but it probably eliminates any bargain pricing. Well, bargain pricing except for the SO comparison.

The HF 3/8 locking extensions I have are pretty good and will hold a socket with what I would consider requiring more than enough force for normal usage; but they're also not as good as the SK that I have; but the SK probably cost 5-10X as much. Locking extensions are obviously going to be highly dependent on the drive end tolerance of the socket: you might not be able to pull off a Snap On socket, but a cheap, but totally functional socket, might easily pull off. I'd think that even .01" on the socket drive end would be the difference between never coming off and easily coming off.

I dunno. For the $12 I paid to have them shipped to my door I’ll take a gamble on seeing what Tekton is offering now.

 

[bcradio]

What do you guys use 1/4" locking extensions for. I have 3/8 and 1/2, but haven't needed 1/4"

 

[DerekV]

The Tekton system will add a bit of bulk at the end, but doesn't appear much larger than the socket's base. The knurling is flat and looks more decorative than functional:


I'm on the fence about these verses the Craftsman design that used a slimmer lock, but is their retention system up to par with the Tekton design?





Tekton is at $22 but out of stock
Craftsman is $27 at Lowe's and in stock

I have some Craftsman USA locking extensions that are just like those and appreciate how low profile the lock release is. Personally, I think it’s a superior design to the Tektons/etc.

 

[Raineman]

I like that Tekton keeps adding new products. I am NOT a fan of the two tiered wobble system. I have had trouble with them. In my opinion, it either needs to wobble or it doesn't. Perhaps I'm not coordinated enough or too much of a brute to finesse the combination style. I won't be getting any for that reason. I do not have any locking style extensions, I always use electrical or painters tape if I need a socket not to fall off. But, in support of Tekton, I'll probably get one or two on my next order.

Side note---I sure wish Tekton would put a hex boss on their screwdrivers. I love their hard handles and that is the only thing stopping me from blowing up my screwdriver drawer for new ones.

 

[iagsxr]

What do you guys use 1/4" locking extensions for. I have 3/8 and 1/2, but haven't needed 1/4"

Reaching through the radiator support or inner fender structure on a car where it's really easy to snag a socket and lose it forever.

I currently use 3/4" wide painter's tape for locking 1/4" sockets.

 

[steve855]

I had a set of the craftsman locking 1/4" extensions that I got as a gift, probably late 90's. They worked fine when new but the durability wasn't good. The release button is plastic and they all ended up breaking eventually.

I have the GW & Harbor Freight locking 3/8" same basic mechanism as Tekton with the sliding collar, and they work great. Sockets are held very securely.

I'll be ordering the Tekton 1/4" locking set once they're in stock.

 

[steve855]

Reaching through the radiator support or inner fender structure on a car where it's really easy to snag a socket and lose it forever.

I currently use 3/4" wide painter's tape for locking 1/4" sockets.

Exactly. Some situations you absolutely don't want the socket falling off.

 

[dsaabm]

I'll give em a shot, tho I wish they included a tray or organizer of some sort

 

[AJHD]

Does anyone actually own these locking extensions? Has anyone actually used them yet?
If yes, what are your opinions so far? Any issues? Is the locking collar too big? Have you used them on an impact?

3-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive Locking Extension Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3, 6, and 9 inch locking extensions in 1/4 inch drive. SHA90012.

www.tekton.com

3-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive Locking Extension Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3, 6, and 10 inch locking extensions in 3/8 inch drive. SHA91015.

www.tekton.com

I'd like to buy some more locking extensions. I'm looking at picking up both the 1/4" and 3/8" sets.

 

[Madjik Man]

Does anyone actually own these locking extensions? Has anyone actually used them yet?
If yes, what are your opinions so far? Any issues? Is the locking collar too big? Have you used them on an impact?

3-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive Locking Extension Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3, 6, and 9 inch locking extensions in 1/4 inch drive. SHA90012.

www.tekton.com

3-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive Locking Extension Set | TEKTON

Set includes 3, 6, and 10 inch locking extensions in 3/8 inch drive. SHA91015.

www.tekton.com

I'd like to buy some more locking extensions. I'm looking at picking up both the 1/4" and 3/8" sets.

I have the 3/8s locking extensions. They are rather bulky. But if clearance isn’t an issue they are solid locking extensions.

 

[Callelle]

For the price, it seems like a no brainier to try them if you don't have locking extensions already. I've already got Mac 1/2 and 3/8, and have the 1/4" ones from their recent flyer's bogo on order, otherwise I've have them in a cart already.

 

[Hohn]

Just took delivery of the locking 1/4" set. NO use yet, but I like them a ton. It seems to me like 1/4" drive has the weakest retention and is the most in need of locking extensions.

I like what I see so far.

 

[tak1313]

Does anyone make a LOCKING WOBBLE extension that's reasonably priced. I've only seen Matco and SO, and as a DIY, can't see spending that kind of money.

 

[AJHD]

Does anyone make a LOCKING WOBBLE extension that's reasonably priced. I've only seen Matco and SO, and as a DIY, can't see spending that kind of money.

I don't recall seeing any locking wobble extensions. I'm not sure who makes the Matco set, it might be an exclusive.

Closest I can find are something like these;

Locking Universal Joint Set

The Capri Tools Locking Universal Joint Set helps you reach fasteners in tight corners and spaces. 3-piece set: 1/4 in. , 3/8 in. , and 1/2 in. drive.

capritools.com

I think I've also seen locking swivels.

 

[tak1313]

I don't recall seeing any locking wobble extensions. I'm not sure who makes the Matco set, it might be an exclusive.

Closest I can find are something like these;

Locking Universal Joint Set

The Capri Tools Locking Universal Joint Set helps you reach fasteners in tight corners and spaces. 3-piece set: 1/4 in. , 3/8 in. , and 1/2 in. drive.

capritools.com

I think I've also seen locking swivels.

the SO kit is 303SXWKL. Even on Fleabay they are crazy (to me) expensive. Right now, if needed, I use a combo of locking extension with locking universal. It's not very often, but if I could get my hands on locking wobble at a reasonable price, I would pick up a set.

 

[AJHD]

the SO kit is 303SXWKL. Even on Fleabay they are crazy (to me) expensive. Right now, if needed, I use a combo of locking extension with locking universal. It's not very often, but if I could get my hands on locking wobble at a reasonable price, I would pick up a set.

I'm not paying it either. I don't buy many tools these days, but I've been buying less and less from the tool trucks as prices continue to become unaffordable or at least I'm not willing to pay their asking price even if I have the money to do so.