Tekton Mini Extensions 3/8"

[dmparksa]

I recently picked up some Koken 3/8" metric sockets in short and deep at the recommendations of many. I later picked up a set of semi-deeps during DRPD's holiday sale. I still use my other sockets more(I usually go to someone else's garage/driveway to work on their cars, so I take a GW set with me instead of these), so these Koken sockets have stayed shiny with minimal use for now.

With that excuse as to why my sockets are so shiny out of the way, I just picked up this 3/8" mini extension(link to the set) from Tekton that made my semi-deep purchase look pretty silly.

Here are some pictures for reference:





I think they're definitely worth the price to pickup a few individually and/or to pick them up as a set if you don't already have a semi-deep set, or for those cases like where you need to fine-tune your extension length to fit a particular spot(looking at you, Subaru spark plugs). It's a bit difficult to take on and off the sockets since they're so short and with no knurling, but if you have a quick release ratchet handy, you can pop the mini extension+socket into the quick release ratchet and pull just the socket out without resorting to a flat head screwdriver.

 

[VolvoRyan]

But.... but... it's still longer than a semi-deep and it's still a shallow socket.... so it's not really taking the place of a semi-deep.

Otherwise, spiffy extensions are always cool in their own right.

-Ryan

 

[dmparksa]

But.... but... it's still longer than a semi-deep and it's still a shallow socket.... so it's not really taking the place of a semi-deep.

Otherwise, spiffy extensions are always cool in their own right.

-Ryan

There will be that one day that the 1mm difference WILL make a difference. When that day comes, I'll tell all my friends and family during Christmas dinner.

 

[Madjik Man]

I remember their email when these first came out. And read the marketing.

But isn’t the point of a semi deep not only the length of the socket but also the depth of the broaching? Also to allow you to drive the nut down onto a semi deep bolt? (Which wouldn’t be possible with a shallow socket on a mini extension)

Don’t worry, I already put a set of these mini extensions in my Tekton list.

 

[dmparksa]

I remember their email when these first came out. And read the marketing.

But isn’t the point of a semi deep not only the length of the socket but also the depth of the broaching? Also to allow you to drive the nut down onto a semi deep bolt? (Which wouldn’t be possible with a shallow socket on a mini extension)

Don’t worry, I already put a set of these mini extensions in my Tekton list.

That's true, but most of my deep sockets have shallow broaching, so I think of deep sockets as sockets with more length without fiddling with extensions, just like semi-deeps.

For DIYers like myself, I don't think I've ever needed a semi-deep for any job I've done, but there might have been once or twice where it would have made my life a bit easier. For my infrequent use/need, this extension would be a great way to try semi-deep length sockets out before buying a set.

I also think it's still a neat item to purchase for professionals who might need the granularity of a 1" extension.

Even I've had some instances where my more conventionally sized 3" extension was too short and my 6" extension was too long. Would have been neat to have a 4" or 5" extension; this 1" extension allows that, so it's still useful in my book.

 

[CallumRD1]

I have a couple sets of those mini extensions and absolutely love them. I've found myself in tons of situations where being able to get exactly the right amount of extension was the difference between an easy job and a real pain. I use the 1/4" drive ones by far the most.

 

[demarpaint]

I have a couple sets of those mini extensions and absolutely love them. I've found myself in tons of situations where being able to get exactly the right amount of extension was the difference between an easy job and a real pain. I use the 1/4" drive ones by far the most.

I had some reward $$ with Tekton, so I grabbed a set.

 

[Madjik Man]

That's true, but most of my deep sockets have shallow broaching, so I think of deep sockets as sockets with more length without fiddling with extensions, just like semi-deeps.

For DIYers like myself, I don't think I've ever needed a semi-deep for any job I've done, but there might have been once or twice where it would have made my life a bit easier. For my infrequent use/need, this extension would be a great way to try semi-deep length sockets out before buying a set.

I also think it's still a neat item to purchase for professionals who might need the granularity of a 1" extension.

Even I've had some instances where my more conventionally sized 3" extension was too short and my 6" extension was too long. Would have been neat to have a 4" or 5" extension; this 1" extension allows that, so it's still useful in my book.

Yeah as a DIYer the only real instances I need deep sockets is when there’s a long stud/bolt.

I rarely get into an instance of needing to implement linear algebra to figure out what combination of extensions/sockets are needed to get on a fastener.

But I love tools so I have quite a few extensions to putz around with

 

[JradM]

For a budget option you could also substitute a 1/4" F to 3/8" M adapter, provided you don't need the torque of a 3/8" ratchet of course.

I also have spinners that could work. E.g.:


But I also appreciate a reason to buy a new tool.

 

[Odd-job]

I am adding these to my list to even though I also have semi deeps and various deeps with varying depth. Sometimes you just need that extra little bit to clear an obstruction, but not too much before running into another obstruction.

 

[dnschmidt]

Just another example of "Why didn't I think of that.?" The mini-extensions are the bomb. No excuse not to have them.

 

[demarpaint]

Just another example of "Why didn't I think of that.?" The mini-extensions are the bomb. No excuse not to have them.

Yep, I ordered a set of three today.

 

[toddmorr]

I don't get the fuss, koken has had mini extensions for a long time, wobble and non, with that awesome knurling.

 

[VolvoRyan]

For DIYers like myself, I don't think I've ever needed a semi-deep for any job I've done, but there might have been once or twice where it would have made my life a bit easier. For my infrequent use/need, this extension would be a great way to try semi-deep length sockets out before buying a set.

I do mostly automotive. In my brain, it's a "regular deep" that rarely gets used. Manufacturers tend not to make fasteners longer than they need to be, so a semi-deep works on the nut end of a bolt, or a stud as well as a regular deep.

-Ryan

 

[vssjim]

Just another example of "Why didn't I think of that.?" The mini-extensions are the bomb. No excuse not to have them.

i have a couple sets and use them constantly and they are cheap