Socket Extension Sets? Impact? Chrome?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I've got a mismatched set of socket extensions that i've been using for years and i'd like to A) Get a more broad selection of lengths and B) Get rid of the wobble extensions i have (tekton) because they do neither wobble or fixed well. What are your thoughts on buying JUST impact extensions to save room? Any downside? I've RARELY used impact extensions even at work but mostly use chrome. The only impact extensions i've really used are longer transmission length extensions for bell housing bolts and such. And what brands? I'm looking to fill the place of these extensions for "cheap" (by that i mean not snap on money but not craftsman or tekton money either, unless they're good quality). Any ideas? 3/8 and 1/2 would be impact and 1/4 can be chrome if they don't all come together in a bundled set. Thanks!

 

[bob15]

I would look at the Mac knurled 3/8 drive....even used. They are knurled on the "reciever" end: http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratchets-and-Accessories/3-8-Drive/6018ab3d-a99c-45db-959d-a46f0145ba81/3-8-Drive-Knurled-Extensions/X6EK/3-8-Drive-Knurled-Extension-6

After that, I would look at SK knurled next. I would not go "only wobble" or "only fixed", but rather both wobble and fixed.

I don't care for Snap On's Wobble Plus extensions.....they always seem to lock into the fixed postion at the wrong time.

I would also stick with chrome.......for the knurling, if for noting else.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Oh i like the idea of the knurling on the ratchet side of the extension. I honestly don't use the "wobble" all that much, i'm just kind of stuck with it because it makes up the majority of my extension collection. I have found uses for them but i don't think tekton executed them well. I haven't used any other wobbles. I also like the idea of locking extensions. Nothing more annoying than pulling up an extension/socket through a twisty area of wires or brackets and your socket falling down into the unknown. I got annoyed with my spark plug socket always sticking to the plugs so i ended up buying a set of the wobble extension/magnetic spark plug socket combo. No more worry of the socket coming off or the plug getting stuck.

 

[gdocktor3]

You can probably get away with Sunex, GP or similar brand of impact extensions if you wanted. As mentioned above, I too like the knurling on chrome extensions. Cripedistributing has good deals on USA made Kobalt, Allen, KD and Armstrong, as well as Gearwrench and Sunex. I purchased a GW and Sunex magnetic extensions from them and they work really well. Truth be told, I have at least one extension by every brand out there and dollar for dollar, the chrome Kobalt USA extensions from Cripe are pretty fantastic. It's all about what you want to spend. Why buy impact if you never use them?

 

[Super Sport]

Oh i like the idea of the knurling on the ratchet side of the extension. I honestly don't use the "wobble" all that much, i'm just kind of stuck with it because it makes up the majority of my extension collection. I have found uses for them but i don't think tekton executed them well. I haven't used any other wobbles. I also like the idea of locking extensions. Nothing more annoying than pulling up an extension/socket through a twisty area of wires or brackets and your socket falling down into the unknown. I got annoyed with my spark plug socket always sticking to the plugs so i ended up buying a set of the wobble extension/magnetic spark plug socket combo. No more worry of the socket coming off or the plug getting stuck.

For locking extensions, a member here recently introduced me to locking extension adapters. They can be used on regular extensions to make them locking. Far cheaper and take us a lot less space than a whole set of locking extensions. One such example here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNAMMZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20.

For regular extensions, other than knurling or wobble I think impact extensions would be fine. I do like Mac's knurling on the drive end and have been buying up a few of those to replace my old Craftsman extensions. I do also like wobble extensions quite a bit and have found many times where they were useful and am still working on upgrading some of those. I currently have a mix of USA Craftsman, Matco, and Snap On and all work pretty well.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

You can probably get away with Sunex, GP or similar brand of impact extensions if you wanted. As mentioned above, I too like the knurling on chrome extensions. Cripedistributing has good deals on USA made Kobalt, Allen, KD and Armstrong, as well as Gearwrench and Sunex. I purchased a GW and Sunex magnetic extensions from them and they work really well. Truth be told, I have at least one extension by every brand out there and dollar for dollar, the chrome Kobalt USA extensions from Cripe are pretty fantastic. It's all about what you want to spend. Why buy impact if you never use them?

I would like to have the option. I currently own the IR W7150 and the W5132, so i've been itching to use extensions on them. All i have for impact extensions are one 6" 3/8 and a 2" and a 3" 1/2. I've used them but i moreso meant when i worked in a shop i didn't use impact extensions too much unless it was transmission type work. I'm strange and like using hand tools as much as possible. But at home where i don't have the comfort of a lift, impact is my friend lol.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

For locking extensions, a member here recently introduced me to locking extension adapters. They can be used on regular extensions to make them locking. Far cheaper and take us a lot less space than a whole set of locking extensions. One such example here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNAMMZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20.

For regular extensions, other than knurling or wobble I think impact extensions would be fine. I do like Mac's knurling on the drive end and have been buying up a few of those to replace my old Craftsman extensions. I do also like wobble extensions quite a bit and have found many times where they were useful and am still working on upgrading some of those. I currently have a mix of USA Craftsman, Matco, and Snap On and all work pretty well.

I never knew those existed?! I think i'll pick up a set of those and whatever extensions i find. Did you buy multiple or do you just switch one from extension to extension?

 

[rhandwor]

I have a few impact extensions every you change a socket time I change a socket I have to depress the locking pin.
Visit a few pawn shops or flea markets and purchase a few USA made extensions. It will be much cheaper.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have a few impact extensions every you change a socket time I change a socket I have to depress the locking pin.
Visit a few pawn shops or flea markets and purchase a few USA made extensions. It will be much cheaper.

I've used the pin detent extensions. The nice thing about them is they hold on, the bad thing about them is they HOLD ON. lol.

 

[Infinia]

what ever you choose > I'd get a set of chrome 3/8 locking, these are indispensable for spark plug replacements on modern overhead cam engines. but you knew this.
I have older CM locking set of 3 I bought for the same price as that doohickey adapter POS thingy.

I believe the quality between Gearwrench , Husky and Kobalt is the same, and good enough for the shade-tree to the homegamer. IDK about HF or Tekton>

 

[Super Sport]

I never knew those existed?! I think i'll pick up a set of those and whatever extensions i find. Did you buy multiple or do you just switch one from extension to extension?

I just bought one of each drive size. I don't have the need for a locking extension often, so the 30 seconds it takes to screw the adapter tight onto an extension doesn't matter to me.

That 1/2" drive is the same price at Zoro.com and if you watch for coupon codes you might be able to get 20-30% off, but they do have a minimum for free shipping usually.

The best deal I could find on 1/4": http://www.ebay.com/itm/361822549484?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

The 3/8" I bought is an Armstrong 11-931. It sold out where I bought it from, but it looks like it's available for around $20 elsewhere.

 

[6PTsocket]

Any idea who made those Kobalt extensions? I would guess it is one of the other Apex brands you mentioned before they were recently shuttered. I like the Armstrong stuff as much as any brand.

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