Snap on 3/8 Impact Extension Set

[AlexGennette]

Hey all,

I just bought a set of 3/8 impact extensions (204imxa). I have to say I am very disappointed in them. They won't hold a socket on them very well, the socket almost slips off by them self if tilting downward. I think I am going to return them when the snap on guy comes again. Any one else notice this?

 

[garfunkle24]

Snap on extensions are usually really tight in sockets, in fact annoyingly so when you have oily hands.

Maybe just got a bad batch?

Ball or pin retention?

How worn are your impact sockets? They are soft and the drive end gets beat out.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Do you use Snap-On sockets? It may be the placement of the indent of the sockets your using or maybe you just got a bad batch I don't know.

 

[AlexGennette]

I am using the snap on semi deep impact sockets couple months old. The extensions are ring type, like the end of the impact gun. I looked in the bottom of them and they looked square with no indents where the ring would go. Also there is a hole for the ball retention. Does it hurt to use chrome extensions on impacts?

 

[woody 73]

In the good book chrome for chrome and impact for impact your results may vary. If you even think for one second they are bad give this number a call 877-762-7664 ask for a packing slip and when it comes send them back for a replacement asap.

 

[Skin]

I have the same set, noticed the same thing. The rings aren't exerting enough outward pressure. Its the extensions themselves, not the brand of impacts as implied by a previous post. Replacing the hog rings solves the problem for awhile or just open them a bit with a tool.

Does it hurt to use chrome extensions on impacts?

Its not healthy for the impact anvil and the chrome will flake off. If you don't care about that, hammer away.

 

[garfunkle24]

Does it hurt to use chrome extensions on impacts?

Yes but many do it. The issue with chrome tools on impacts is their hardness for one (may shatter/split violently) and the chrome plating.

Imagine the impact beating up that chrome and making it start to peel off, then you grab that extension to steady it while spinning it with your impact at 8000 rpm...Can make a mess quickly.

 

[AlexGennette]

I just got them last Thursday and I'm going to give them back this Thursday.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I am using the snap on semi deep impact sockets couple months old. The extensions are ring type, like the end of the impact gun. I looked in the bottom of them and they looked square with no indents where the ring would go. Also there is a hole for the ball retention. Does it hurt to use chrome extensions on impacts?

Oh, I just think you got a bad batch explain to your rep what is going on and see what he says you may be able to exchange them for a new set and no you can't use chrome extensions on an impact I believe it would do the same thing to them as it would a chrome socket.

 

[AlexGennette]

Does Snap on only make the 204imxa set for 3/8?

 

[woody 73]

I have the same set, noticed the same thing. The rings aren't exerting enough outward pressure. Its the extensions themselves, not the brand of impacts as implied by a previous post. Replacing the hog rings solves the problem for awhile.



Its not healthy for the impact anvil and the chrome will flake off. If you don't care about that, hammer away.

"I cant believe it's not...healthy" See the good book in this case not the bible but the words of wisdom passed down from one who has been there before.

Chrome to chrome and impact to impact unless you are in a jam, stuck out in the middle of nowhere or on a job with a down time in excess of $100,000 dollars per hour then anything goes...

 

[Skin]

Does Snap on only make the 204imxa set for 3/8?

They make an impact locking version if you don't mind the collar, extension part numbers begin with IMXL and range in length from 3" to 31". You'll just need to pay attention to line up the hole with the pin.

 

[woody 73]

Darn expensive boogers:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=681881&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[AlexGennette]

I also see on there website that there is some with industrial finish. Does that mean impact?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=680899&store=canada

 

[garfunkle24]

No, if they are impact rated they will say. Industrial finish is just for FOD management.

 

[jonjon1]

I had the same issue, returned them, my snap-on rep said he could just 'tweak" them, I told him he could do what ever he wanted with them, because they were his again...

Matco SBXPB3TA for $80 has been very good to me, ALSO I bought a Sunex Wobble impact extension set that I LOVE, that set of extensions is awesome for like $30...

I have never had with any of my SO chrome extensions, I love their wobbles, and their locking, and I even have their magnetic set, all work awesome, I am not a fan of their impact extensions, in that area MAtco for the win..

 

[shockwave]

Just got a 3 piece impact reducing locking set that is great for bell housings made by matco never used snap on impact extensions but great chrome extension

 

[1950mercury]

They do **** return them....the hf ones are better than those. I'd buy the hf before offshore matcos

 

[toufue_yang17]

They do **** return them....the hf ones are better than those. I'd buy the hf before offshore matcos

I'm a big snap on fan and I have to say HF has some badass impact extensions. I have yet to break a 3/8" extension with my 1/2" gun+adapter. I bought 2 sets just because they are worth every penny.

 

[cg81]

I bought the snap on 6" impact extension with the snap ring on the end last year. It was the single worst extension I have ever owned. I traded it in for the locking version. I like it much better. I also bought a matco impact extension in 3/8 drive with the normal detent ball and it works perfectly.

 

[sbyrne92]

I got craftsman impact extensions and they never drop a socket, also fit pretty tight.

 

[mrborohachi]

I'm loving my 3" and 4" Cornwell pin type end extensions i got here off of Garage Sale. I keep a small cotter pin on my Kobalt magnet tray to take the sockets off the extension.

 

[Wizzard]

I have the Snap On and USA made Craftsman...the Craftsman are better for sure, and MUCH ceaper.

 

[LB-1911]

I also see on there website that there is some with industrial finish. Does that mean impact?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=680899&store=canada

Click Learn More under Description

WARNING
• Do not use chrome or industrial finish hand tools with impact drivers.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=680899&store=canada

 

[LordPsychon]

I don't use extensions much for my impacts (mostly because the extensions don't allow for 100% transfer of impact energy to be applied through the socket into the bolt/nut) but I use a lot for my regular sockets. I don't own any Snap-ons but I haven't heard much wrong with them before now. My Pittsburgh Pro and my Kobalt extensions seem to work just fine (the Kobalt's are more snug so for higher torque I prefer them).

 

[Rosso]

I have a similar problem.

SO 3/8 impact extension with the friction ring, SO impact sockets.

You can just pull the socket right off the extension, no friction at all on the socket. Pretty pissed about them if im honest.

 

[3baygarage]

I have a similar problem.

SO 3/8 impact extension with the friction ring, SO impact sockets.

You can just pull the socket right off the extension, no friction at all on the socket. Pretty pissed about them if im honest.

Pretty much the same here. I have a 4 piece set used but like new. 2 of the 4 won't even hold a socket. This is one USA made tool that needs some improvement if they intend to keep making it but I blame the design, I think the ring wears out too early well before the extension itself.

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm a Snap-On fan but not of their impact extensions for the same reason. Not impressed. I have found that either the MAC or Matco seem to be pretty good but to be honest my favorite set of impact extensions are the ones I got from NAPA a few years back. I believe they were made by Danaher, before Carlyle took over their tool division. Maybe the Carlyle's are good to but I haven't used any of them.

Mike.

 

[Rosso]

My extensions are only about two months old.

The 1/2 ones of the same design seem alright.