SK vs MAC Locking Extensions

[rijndael]

I need some 1/4 and 3/8 locking extensions. I've narrowed it down to SK and MAC. Everyone raves about the MAC, but there's very little mentioned about the SK. How are they? Are they just as good, only cheaper?

 

[sk farmer]

i have 1/4 and 3/8 drive sk locking extensions. i have had no issues. the locking part on the sk is exactly the same as blackhawk and many other brands. i have no idea who they get it from but it works.

i know there are locking adapters labeled blackhawk and sk that attach to any normal extension with a set screw. i have a couple of them and they are another option. put them on the extension you need it and remove it when you don't.

all extensions can twist and flex and obviously the longer they are the worse it is but i don't see much difference between any respected brand of extension.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the SK also and they work great- difficult to impossible to pull a socket off.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

FYI If you like the black MAC impact locking extensions, the Proto ones are the same and reasonable. They are very nice IMO. Not sure about the chromers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNAM70M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Skin]

Everyone seems to license or purchase components for the same basic design so I don't think you can go wrong with regards to the actual mechanism. The MACs are nice because they double knurl the extension shank so for finger spinning they're a bit better than polished chrome. Matco copied this a couple years ago so may be worth considering them as well unless it never migrated over to the locking ones. Proto does not double knurl for whatever reason even though im sure they come off the same line as MACs.

 

[rijndael]

I just checked out the Matco version at a our local used tool dealer. They were nice, but that double knurling is a pretty desirable feature for me. If I'm willing to skip that feature, the Proto ones listed above will be tough to beat for the price.

 

[MattT]

Proto does not double knurl for whatever reason even though im sure they come off the same line as MACs.

They've gotta have tool truck exclusives to keep the cash customers. I ain't paying truck prices when I can get the exact same tool at a discount with industrial branding. Danaher did the same thing with Armstrong/Matco. Snap-on don't bother because their industrial channel is locked down to where mechanics can't easily access it.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The knurling makes a big difference if using them with spark plug sockets and threading new plugs in, and the locking mechanism keeps you from having to fish out your spark plug socket from a whole, so I've been hooked on the MAC branded ones.

 

[Flyordie]

The SK locking extension I have is the SAME exact design as Armstrong Tools (USA) used on theirs. Its got the slit in the center with the sleeve and retaining spring. Works great. I've actually had to use it a few times on spark plug jobs.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The SK locking extension I have is the SAME exact design as Armstrong Tools (USA) used on theirs.

The locking ends (fixed extensions and the set screw style) are the same make/mechanism for Armstrong, Matco, SK, Wright, MAC, Proto, etc.

No clue who produces them, but this being the GJ someone will know.

 

[parks31]

I just recently bought all sunex 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 locking extensions from Summit. No complaints on the price. You may want to at the very least check them out.

 

[Fedwrench]

The locking ends (fixed extensions and the set screw style) are the same make/mechanism for Armstrong, Matco, SK, Wright, MAC, Proto, etc.

No clue who produces them, but this being the GJ someone will know.

This has been a mystery to me as well since Armstrong closed

I do know the the Current SK ones are great in both chrome & impact versions.

 

[Indexmill]

The SK design locking extensions are the very best. They cannot be beat.

 

[MWEric]

Snap on’s seem to be the same as well.

 

[rijndael]

i know there are locking adapters labeled blackhawk and sk that attach to any normal extension with a set screw. i have a couple of them and they are another option. put them on the extension you need it and remove it when you don't.

Do you have the part number for these? I can't seem to find any.

 

[rijndael]

Disregard, I found the SK part.

 

[Flyordie]

The locking ends (fixed extensions and the set screw style) are the same make/mechanism for Armstrong, Matco, SK, Wright, MAC, Proto, etc.

No clue who produces them, but this being the GJ someone will know.

Mine don't have a set screw. Mine are held in with a retaining spring. Pull the spring off the end, the collar slides off from the bottom. No screws. SK switched to the same design 1 or 2 years ago. New production uses the same method.

I've attached the picture.