Snapon locking extensions; mini review!

[billymade]

Snapon locking extensions; mini review!
Hey, I just got a locking extension thanks to our resident British "moose" and thought I would give a "mini review" about it. As I have mentioned in the past: I have a 02' Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S with a 1.8 Turbo engine; like many modern cars the spark plugs are "way down there" inside the engine. Because of this I really needed a extension that would lock; that way I wouldn't get the socket stuck inside the spark plug hole and never get it out! My initial purchase was a set of Craftsman extensions but the lock "button" was plastic and I was fearful, they would break and make it nearly impossible to take my socket off! Plus, any rationalization I can come up with for the need of some "USA Snap-On goodness"; is always a good thing, in my book!
This particular extension is a impact version and the length is 11" or so.

Snap-On 11" 3/8" locking impact extension part # IMXL111; $57.80.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Craftsman 3 pc. Quick Release Extension Bar Set, 3/8 in. Dr.
Sears item# 00943355000 Mfr. model# 43355 You Pay: $21.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...et+Accessories

Ok, time to swap the plugs!

Shop floor shots; extension/socket on!

Shop floor shots; extension/socket off!

The locking collar moves up and down to lock/unlock the socket; it is spring loaded, it will snap back into the locked position!

The locking "nub" sticks out quite a bit and locks really well; the socket is not coming off! These nubs remind me of those irritating impact extensions that you usually have to "push in" to remove the socket.

The two rings of knurling, really make it have a nice gripping area to lock and unlock the socket.

This little lever is on the opposite side of the nub and moves it in locked and unlock position.

There are two metal rings or pieces of wire that keep the locking linkage in place.. plus, I think it is the "spring" that keeps everything under tension and in the default, locked position.

Do you need to change some plugs on a modern DOHC engine; with spark plugs in crazy deep locations? Get a quality locking extension; you will be glad you did!


These extensions are really solid, have nice weight and heft to them; I would recommend these to anyone who wants and needs a high quality locking extension. In my case, it is perfect for spark plug swaps in my Beetle!

While, I would like to think these are Snap-On specific tools; I have run across these in other truck brands, so they may be rebadged versions of a OEM supplier; the Mac/Matco versions are "laser etched" but the Snap-On has the logo/part # stamped on them.

Snapon, Matco and Mac product photo comparisons:

Snap-On Locking Impact Extension Set 3 pcs. Stock#: 303IMXL $151.05
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Matco Tools 1/2" Drive 3 PC Locking Impact Extension Set
Part#: SCX3KL Price: $155.75
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/to...pe=T&cat=3433#

Mac Tools SVP3EKL Price(USD): $134.99
3", 5", and 10" lengths. High alloy steel provides strength and durability. Quick-release sleeve for quick and safe “lock and unlock”.
http://www.mactools.com/Product/tabid/120/productid/320256/variantid/311015/Default.aspx

I would assume any of these brands would be a high quality extension for your needs.... do you guys think they are all the same across the three truck brands? I wonder who the OEM is?

 

[krusty the clown]

i have the set......3",6" and 11". i cant imagine replacing plugs without them. i bet they have payed for themselves in savings on electrical tape

 

[ImportTuner]

I have that exact looking 3 piece set except that it is made by Blue Point ... once the socket is on, there is no way it will slip out. The SK locking extension has the identical design ..

 

[autoace]

You have a turbo beetle, make sure you replace your timing belt,water pump,t-belt tensioner,and idlers every 60K,those valves crunch real nice if the belt fails, you will slightly curse your fender design for the cramped room, but they are no where as bad asa PT cruiser to do. I'm not insulting your intelligence, don't know if you are a technician or not. Didn't want to take the chance and have you ruin your engine, amazing what 20 valves and a turbo will do for 1.8 liters huh, they move right along. They make an adjustable waste gate for more boost if you are power hungry. These motors will take it so long as the mechanics are 100%,hope it's a manual trans., as Mazda says ZOOM ZOOM

 

[autoace]

P.S. the rt. side motor mount bolts are torque to yield, never reuse them, they can shear off flush with the body and make you drill out the remains. When VW says not reuseable they mean it.by the way, those seem to be great extensions

 

[billymade]

Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S, Reflex Silver
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...kswagen_new_beetle_turbo_s_first_drive_review

AutoAce; been there done that @ 30K or so! Those damn German engineers decided to put a plastic impeller on the water pump; my impeller cracked into three pieces! I did the water-pump, timing belt and the whole shebang while I was "in there"; I should be good until about 100K or so! Thanks for the "heads up"; I love my little Beetle, it has the AWP motor with 180HP and 6 speed ******, she really "goes" when you stomp on it! This is the kit that I got when I did the waterpump/timing belt swap....
I am typically, the ****, "overkill" type of preventative maintenance freak; I figure, if I am in there I am going to replace everything that is related to the timing belt path, if anything fails... with the motor being a interference engine.... the whole head is toast and who knows what else! I hear that repair job is expensive! A $250 kit is cheap insurance, compared to a whole head job and other damage that commonly occurs! Thankfully, the kit I got has a new improved waterpump with metal impeller; hopefully it will last me allot longer then the plastic one did!

http://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/...Timing_Belt_Kit_"PLUS_EXTRA"&products_id=2412

By the way, I am not a "technician" per se but I did all the work on my old air cooled Beetles and now that my warranty is up on my "New Beetle"; I am having to work on this modern stuff as well....

 

[bchee]

thanks for the review and picts. Admittedly, I have the 6" craftsman locking ext. It has maintained its locking feature well but, of course, that was after I took the original one back because it didn't hold the socket. I had to play with several extensions in the store to make sure I got one that locked well.

 

[krusty the clown]

do you guys think they are all the same across the three truck brands? I wonder who the OEM is?

short answer is yes. here is the patent assigned to 501 qualicorp ltd.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=NlglAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&dq=locking+extensions


as i remember SK was the first to introduce them, followed by matco. i have seen the matco, SK and snap on versions and the locking mechanisms are identical down to the patent number, they are just pinned to an existing extension. i believe that 501 qualicorp ltd supplies the locking mech and the various companies just attatch them to thier own extensions.

 

[billymade]

krusty the clown, cool thanks for the info; the schematics are interesting to look at and gave me some "insight" into the design of the extension and how it works; thanks to you, the OEM mystery is solved!

"Until we meet again and the case is sol-ved" Inspector Clouseau

 

[csquared]

Impressive photos and p-shop. So I appologize in advance, but as the new guy, what camera/lense?

 

[billymade]

Nothing special or particularly expensive to be honest! A older Canon Powershot 7.1 MP A620, "macro mode", I "attempt" little "compositions" with my tools (note engine cover/plugs/tools), I also try to get close to my subject, get some interesting "perspective" shots, My mac mini and iPhoto! iPhoto has a way of getting you down to brass tacks, making fast, quick adjustments and getting the job done!

Canon PowerShot A620 7.1 MP Digital Camera
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a620-review/
I found this camera at Sears, it was a demo unit; it had a broken lens cover, I think I paid $30 for it, sent it into canon for repair and it came back good as new... repaired free of charge! I have a nicer Canon S2IS but find the size, quality of pics and ease of use of the A620 to be my "go to" camera and is more enjoyable/flexible to use!

Apple Mac Mini computer
http://www.apple.com/macmini/
I have a older PowerPC based G4 1.5 GHz Mac mini, 1 GB ram, 19" Dell flat panel monitor, its pretty good for most stuff I throw at it; I would like to upgrade to a Intel Mac soon, hopefully they will upgrade the Mini or the Mac Pro soon, we'll see what "Steve" has up his sleeve!

Apple iPhoto: part of the Mac OS X based iLife software package, comes free with most Macs!
http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/#overview
While I was never a "photoshop guru" by any stretch of the imagination; I find Apple's iPhoto to be a joy to use! It streamlines the whole process of getting the photos ready from: resizing, adjustment, cropping, and optimizing for the web! Once you spend a little time with the program and get used to it; it really becomes "intuitive", I don't miss going into Adobe Photoshop at this point, for this level of "web posting" based photography! Thanks Apple!

 

[eschoendorff]

Nothing special or particularly expensive to be honest! A older Canon Powershot 7.1 MP A620, "macro mode", I "attempt" to little "compositions" with my tools (note engine cover/plugs/tools), I also try to get close to my subject, get some interesting "perspective" shots, My mac mini and iPhoto! iPhoto has a way of getting you down to brass tacks, making fast, quick adjustments and getting the job done!

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a620-review/

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/#overview

Man, I really need to get up to speed on iPhoto... I have bee impressed with all my Mac software thus far...

I just discovered GarageBand on my Mac.... makes is really nice to be able to multi-track myself playing all the different instruments so that I can literally show the kids what I need them to sound like....

In my case, the Craftsman locking extensions work fine for me. I also have a set of VIM locking extensions with handles... neither has let me down.

 

[csquared]

Camera lines tend to have a similar look to them, and I just thought I recognized yours. I shoot Canon too. Well done.

 

[autoace]

Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S, Reflex Silver
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...kswagen_new_beetle_turbo_s_first_drive_review

AutoAce; been there done that @ 30K or so! Those damn German engineers decided to put a plastic impeller on the water pump; my impeller cracked into three pieces! I did the water-pump, timing belt and the whole shebang while I was "in there"; I should be good until about 100K or so! Thanks for the "heads up"; I love my little Beetle, it has the AWP motor with 180HP and 6 speed ******, she really "goes" when you stomp on it! This is the kit that I got when I did the waterpump/timing belt swap....
I am typically, the ****, "overkill" type of maintenance freak; I figure, if I am in there I am going to replace everything that is related to the timing belt path, if anything fails... with the motor being a interference engine.... the whole head is toast and who knows what else! I hear that repair job is expensive! A $250 kit is cheap insurance, compared to a whole head job and other damage that commonly occurs! Thankfully, the kit I got has a new improved waterpump with metal impeller; hopefully it will last me allot longer then the plastic one did!

http://www.mjmautohaus.com/catalog/...Timing_Belt_Kit_"PLUS_EXTRA"&products_id=2412

By the way, I am not a "technician" per se but I did all the work on my old air cooled Beetles and now that my warranty is up on my "New Beetle"; I am having to work on this modern stuff as well....

Yeah those original water pumps are trouble, I usually use Hepu ones, when I do them. I saw your kit had cam and crank seals with it. If the factory ones are dry, you can usually leave them alone, especially at low miles. Looks like the kit had all the hardware too.nice, I will look them up. When you do the brakes, Brembo rotors and Mintex pads will bring you to a halt real quick.happy motoring

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I have both the Craftsman locking extensions and that Snap~on impact one. I never had ANY problems at all with the Craftsman ones, and they have to be going on 10 years old. I just found that Snap one on Ebay and know that I would like them in impact grade.

But I have been wondering if anyone bought the seperate SK ones that can be put on any extension? How hard are they to put on and remove? (would like to buy one set for whatever size extension I need)

Thanks

 

[billymade]

I have just hit 40k or so on my Beetle.. I don't drive much and work is only 10 minutes away from home... part of the Turbo S package was larger rotors, they have 11.3-in vented disc (front); 9.1-in disc (rear), the front which are larger then the standard Beetle; it also came with "ASR"; anti slip regulation, which is nice in wet/slippery conditions and is a good addition to the 180HP 1.8T; otherwise this thing would be spinning the tires all the time! I have a "soft foot" in relation to my day to day braking habits; so, I haven't had to replace anything yet... when I do a brake job, it looks like it would be a good opportunity to "upgrade" the system, save money over stock parts prices and get better performance.. Allot of the kits I'm seeing use OEM parts from the Audi TT for bigger calipers, rotors, etc.... you can add so much performance stuff to these cars (Mark IV chasis) its amazing.....

 

[GDA]

Billymade,

Nice review. I have a 3/8 set and have found them extremely useful to reach axle bolts on the diff and also for doing some front steering column work from up above in the engine bay.

From my experience, they really dont have a downside to them.

 

[Fedwrench]

Once in awhile you can find the locking adapter separately on ebay for a few bucks. Apply a little loctite to the set screw threads, attach it to the on of the many extensions laying in a drawer gathering dust, presto chango, locking extension for cheap. The adapters are usually Blackhawk or SK.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Proto-Blackhawk...ryZ20773QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Sunrise]

i have Snap-On chrome locking extensions. locking is must for spark plug change

 

[bchee]

Once in awhile you can find the locking adapter separately on ebay for a few bucks. Apply a little loctite to the set screw threads, attach it to the on of the many extensions laying in a drawer gathering dust, presto chango, locking extension for cheap. The adapters are usually Blackhawk or SK.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Proto-Blackhawk...ryZ20773QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

hey, that seems like a cool idea. I didn't know they worked that way. I don't know if I trust that tiny set screw though....

 

[Senorpablo]

Sockets will not come off the Craftsman locking extensions--the plastic is very good quality. Snap-on is crazy expensive!

 

[Tool Pants]

I have a Boxster and Porsche also uses a plastic impeller. When the bearings go the shaft can move around and the impeller makes contact with the engine case. The plastic impeller then breaks. With a metal impeller the impeller can grind a hole in the case which means you need to replace the engine.

Porsche mechanic told me VW had this problem, and switched to a plastic impeller. Another mechanic told me some BMWs also use plastic.

 

[chammyman]

most use plastic and they are shite. Most supply new metal impellars and its not an issue.

The Volvo 480 truck engines don't actually shed or burst their impellar, it just spins on the shaft when it heats up so it stops pumping. £300 for a water pump for one if anyone cares.

 

[eschoendorff]

hey, that seems like a cool idea. I didn't know they worked that way. I don't know if I trust that tiny set screw though....

Same here. If I am going to spend the $$$$ on locking extensions, I am simply going to buy full sized locking extensions instead of adapters.

 

[eschoendorff]

Billymade... tell me it isn't so! I knew you worked on older Beetles... but, uh, er... well, my mother in law drives a new Beetle. And so do a lot of other people's mothers in law. It's kind of an older lady car around here.

Don't worry... I won't tell

 

[billymade]

Yeah, I've gotten some ribbing about that; the fact is I have had four (4) Beetles total in my life and I have never owned a car (aside from a VW fox I played around with for while...) that wasn't a Volkswagen! Call me a dedicated fan, freak or just plain insane... I have owned these VW Beetles: 64', 73' Super Beetle, 00' New Beetle Turbo GLX and now my 02' New Beetle Turbo S pocket rocket! If it makes any difference... the one I own now is the 'uber Turbo "S" Beetle at 180 HP, six speed ******, sports suspension etc. etc. etc. it was the "baddest" one you could get and the most powerful; it was basically a Golf GTI with a different body on top of the Mark IV chassis... Your not the only one who has questioned my masculinity, then again if the car I drive on a daily basis defined me as a male.... well, I guess I would be in trouble? I just enjoy German cars and Volkswagen as a brand and Beetles, in particular! Any more questions? Calling Dr. Freud?

Without a doubt; the "Baddest of the Bad" New Beetle was the limited edition New Beetle RSi; only sold in Europe, Mexico and the UK with extremely low production numbers... I think only a total of 250 in total were made... never imported into the USA

The RSi was based upon the "New Beetle Cup" series VW had gong for awhile..
The RSi was powered by a 225 hp 3.2 liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion (VW's Quattro), suspension was tuned by Porsche.

RSi review:
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/8_01_vol.htm

VW New Beetle Cup 2000 Ad on youtube:

 

[billymade]

Tool Pants, so are you saying the plastic impeller is designed to save the engine block? I don't know what plastic they are using but mine cracked at 30K or so; this to me seems like a premature failure. The bearing in the water pump was tight, no play and it was the plastic, just cracked under the heat/cooling cycles I guess. The Beetle is a turbo and I live in the desert so I'm sure it runs pretty hot but failure at 30k? This is a well known issue; thankfully my new pump is metal; I hope it lasts a long time or at least until my next timing belt swap!

 

[bchee]

Does anyone have any experience with the Husky locking extensions? They look like they use the same mechanism

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100045456&N=10000003+90401+527299

 

[ImportTuner]

Does anyone have any experience with the Husky locking extensions? They look like they use the same mechanism

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100045456&N=10000003+90401+527299

I also have these .. the pin for release sticks out too far and it is easy to accidently bump it and the socket falls out ... I should know (damm socket fell between the wheel well and took me 45 minutes to get it out ...

 

[billymade]

Bummer, doesn't sound like a very good design; any other solutions out there? I know the Snapon, Mac, Matco solutions are expensive...

 

[ImportTuner]

Bummer, doesn't sound like a very good design; any other solutions out there? I know the Snapon, Mac, Matco solutions are expensive...

Get the SK's ... they are great

Bought mine at thetoolwarehouse.net

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-4516.html

 

[Sunrise]

but, to be honest, i have snap-on and craftsman locking extension. and i like craftsman better. thinner lock. and i locking button seems pretty strong.

 

[bchee]

Get the SK's ... they are great

Bought mine at thetoolwarehouse.net

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SK-4516.html

damn, $70 is too steep for me

 

[billymade]

You could try the Craftsman... I, guess...

Craftsman 3 pc. Quick Release Extension Bar Set, 3/8 in. Dr.
Sears item# 00943355000 Mfr. model# 43355 You Pay: $21.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...et+Accessories

 

[eschoendorff]

You could try the Craftsman... I, guess...

Craftsman 3 pc. Quick Release Extension Bar Set, 3/8 in. Dr.
Sears item# 00943355000 Mfr. model# 43355 You Pay: $21.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...et+Accessories

I have those and - HOLY ****! - they work just fine.

 

[bchee]

You could try the Craftsman... I, guess...

Craftsman 3 pc. Quick Release Extension Bar Set, 3/8 in. Dr.
Sears item# 00943355000 Mfr. model# 43355 You Pay: $21.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...et+Accessories

I already have a 6" craftsman locking extension. I just want the more expensive kind that everybody else has

 

[afazz]

I bought the Craftsman set, and I only have 1 of them left. The first one broke just bouncing around in my hand-box before I even used it, I put it in the "return to Sears" pile and somehow it got lost. The second one fell apart on its first use, and I threw it into the woods in a fit of rage The third one still seems to be working fine, maybe I just got a bad batch!

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I already have a 6" craftsman locking extension. I just want the more expensive kind that everybody else has

Craftsman are fine for hand tools. When getting the more expensive one, go for impact grade. That way they won't say no warranty when you use them on air tools.

 

[billymade]

As I mentioned in my review; I wasn't happy with the quality of the Craftsman, I returned them after I tried them out, I was afraid the button would break off and thats why I wanted the Snapon; I really like the new one... that being said; they are not cheap! As the saying goes... you get what you pay for...

 

[bchee]

I was using my craftsman 6" locking extension today and it didn't work!!
It didnt break, it just didn't hold the socket on at all. This is the 3rd one that didn't hold. (the 2nd one I tried at the store)

I used it before and it was fine, so I don't know what changed. The only difference I can think of - I was using a craftsman socket with the double detent groove thing. Forgot what it's called.