Whats Considered a Complete Ratchet Extension Set?

[oldschoolcraft]

Whats Considered a Complete Extension Set?

I'm gradually building out my tool collection to expand capabilities and am focusing now on ratchet extensions. For sockets, here's what I currently have:

1/4 Drive (4mm to 15mm)
6pt Regular Proto
6pt Deep Proto

3/8 Drive (10mm to 19mm)
6pt Midlength US Craftsman

1/2 Drive (10mm to 24mm)
12pt Regular Proto
12pt Deep Proto

I mention this only because I have more 1/4 and 1/2 than 3/8. Which might change your answer in me having more 1/4 and 1/2 extensions since I lack 3/8 shallow and deep. I do own a 1/2 drive in 3/8 body snap on ratchet that should help if I need to use 1/2 drive in confined space. I will eventually buy a full 3/8 set once I start doing more work if I find my 1/4 and 1/2 sets can't fill the need but the 3/8 midlength set is something I owned for 20 years and was my only socket set for that time until I recently bought the Protos thanks to 25% off Zoro sales and the tool buying enablers on this forum


So for extensions, I bought Proto 2", 6" and 10" for both 1/4 and 1/2. I don't own any 3/8 extensions yet, but Proto has a 4 piece set of 2", 3", 6", 12" that I'm looking at.

Proto also makes 2" wobble extensions and I am considering one for each of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. But I have never used them before.

What would a reasonable extension set be? Should I have multiples of each length in the same drive size? I know you can connect them together to make them longer but it seems to add more instability the more you add.

Proto makes some super long extensions. They make:
14" in 1/4
18" in 3/8
20" and 36" in 1/2

I am a hobbyist for now but may start doing more auto tech work in the future so planning out my next purchases for the next 25% Zoro sale. I'm open to non-proto if another brand is better.

Maybe the recommendation is a core set of Proto for quality but then get Gearwrench or HF for some longer sizes to have just in case for a rare thing, and then upgrade those to Proto or SO if I break one.

I'm also thinking of a universal flex adapter for each of the drive sizes. I'm strongly considering to buy a full SnapOn 1/4" Drive Set of Flex Sockets, but for 3/8 and 1/2 drive, I am thinking of just going with a single adapter.

I don't own any drive adapters (yet). I was thinking of buying a Proto 1/2 to 3/8, and 3/8 to 1/4, but one of my mechanic mentors says drive adapters are a good way to shear sockets using the wrong tool for the job. I mention this because without them I can't join together multiple drive size extensions for a super long extension. Not even sure if that's a good idea or not.

But, I don't know what the core set of extensions is, if one of each of 3 to 4 sizes for each drive is good. Or duplicates of some, or what.

I'm sure most of you have loads of spare extensions that came bundled in socket sets over the years. I don't have those so pretend you're starting from scratch.

 

[jimmyin3D]

I had to redo my tool collection recently so I had a similar conundrum.

I decided to just get a set of each size from Koken, the Wobble-Fix design. Same as the Snap On wobble-plus. Accomplishes everything I need them for and serves a dual purpose.



Having the sets helps keep them organized. I also got some locking Impact Extensions for 3/8 and 1/2.

If you decide against the sets make sure to get the smallest extensions you can get they are super handy. For working at home you won’t need extra long extensions above 14” unless doing serious work (transmission/clutch etc)

 

[HenryAZ]

Short, medium, and long for each drive size.

 

[Pontiac787]

I agree with HenryAZ and Jimmyin3D. I would say get S/M/L in each set with a few wobble sockets as well. The shortest extensions do come in handy. I like knurling on mine so I went with SK. Zoro is a good source when you have a 20% off coupon.

 

[Mr_B]

other things get is drive adaptors as they can be handy short extension length and allow you mix up extensions sockets and ratchets to overcome lot of issues .
extensions are pretty cheap and the sets even more so and storage trays quite nice have .
I not a fan of the dual purpose ended extension, buying separate wobble and standard square seems better to me .

 

[eschoendorff]

I’m not a fan of the dual wobble/normal extensions. That said I still use the duals I have and after 20 years they still frustrate me.

I just bought extensions and sockets as they went on sale and over the years amassed plenty sockets and extensions in USA Craftsman, Porto and SK. Ratchets are Snap On mostly.

That is what works for me. When I bought stuff on sale I ended up with duplicates of most pieces. Not necessarily a bad thing - having more than one 10mm socket/extension setup is really handy!

 

[gatlibs]

If you deal with spark plugs behind the firewall, then I'd suggest locking extensions.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

OP - your current plan is correct. 3 or 4 lengths in each size is typically considered the basic set. Between the 3 drive sizes, I have 50+ on my cart at work. It's all about what you intended use is and show important it is to you. I find most people survive with very few extensions.

 

[sk farmer]

i often use a short 1.5 inch sk. guys that get all wound up on any particular brand, well i don't know what to say. some have a knurling in different spots on the shaft, some don't. some have a place to put a wrench for more leverage i have regular wobble and locking. they all have a place.

just starting out. i would get regular extensions in 3 or 4 different lengths in each drive size. also a short or medium length wobble, you can always add another extension to make it longer. black hawk used to make a locking adapter. it could be put on the end of any normal extension or ratchet and locked on with a set screw. very handy and can be moved from tool to tool or left on.

 

[Fedwrench]

This is garage journal where no set of anything is truly complete

The answer to your question depends largely on the tasks you're doing and what you're working on. For example, one of my favorite extensions is a 36 inch long 1/2 female by 3/8 locking impact. I use it for removing bell housing bolts on some suvs. Small, medium, and long, are pretty good for drive sizes. I'd say 3, 6, 8, 10 & 12 inch long in each drive size would be a good start. As others have pointed out, sometimes a 1 or 1.5 inch long extension can be really handy to have. I also have a 14 inch long 1/4 inch drive extension that i use often. Wobble extensions are often needed in today's crowded engine compartments. Although you won't need those in every length. I really like locking extensions but, not all locking extensions are created equal though. I like the ones that were made by Armstrong that are similar to the current SK versions. I once bought a bunch of Blackhawk locking adapters for 50 cents a shot at a tool store in El Cajon once upon a time many years ago. I still have them today but, if you leave the set screw tightened against the detent ball for a couple of years or so, you might not be able to use that extension normally again because the ball loses its spring tension. One thing I look for in chrome extensions is excellent knurling. I'm fond of mac extensions because they put the knurling where you can actually use it, around the female square drive. although lessor known, sonic and toptul make the area around the square drive hex shaped which is not only great for finger spinning but, also allows the use of a ratcheting wrench in tight spaces.

 

[MattT]

I'm sure most of you have loads of spare extensions that came bundled in socket sets over the years.

That just gets you a ton of duplicates of the common lengths. Basically clutter.

i often use a short 1.5 inch sk.

Those extra short ones are handy. So are longer than normal extensions. Much better than a bunch of stacked extensions flopping around like a wet fish.

black hawk used to make a locking adapter. it could be put on the end of any normal extension or ratchet and locked on with a set screw. very handy and can be moved from tool to tool or left on.

I bought a Proto branded one a few years back to repair a 3' transmission extension. Works well enough but wasn't cheap. So you'd probably be better just buying locking extensions rather than buying the adaptors to leave on regular extensions.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-38-drive-locking-adapter-j5260-02bls/i/G7559727

 

[sk farmer]

I once bought a bunch of Blackhawk locking adapters for 50 cents a shot at a tool store in El Cajon once upon a time many years ago. I still have them today but, if you leave the set screw tightened against the detent ball for a couple of years or so, you might not be able to use that extension normally again because the ball loses its spring tension.

i may be totally wrong. correct me if i am. the directions i got with my locking adapter said to tighten the set screw against the ball. now that may be a more secure method but if you look inside the adapter, there is a detent opposite of the set screw like a normal socket. i prefer to install it that way and then tighten the set screw against the flat opposite of the detent ball. that prevents damaging the detent ball and yet provides a very secure lock on the extension. hasn't failed me yet and should prevent spring failure if left on long term.

 

[CR888]

I have impact & chrome, wobble & regular. Sizes up to 18" in 3/8 & 1/2". But I've got away mixing & matching to some extent, you don't need EVERY length in both impact/chrome & then wobble. A good set of adapters & uni adapters in both impact & chrome compliments this.

 

[Dozerhand]

Well if my math is right if you had a 2,3,4,6 and 12 inch extensions you would be covered from 2-27 inches in 1 inch increments. Like others have said I have a 1.5 inch in 3/8 and it seems to get used a lot.

 

[Jerryrigged]

Dozerhand...I really liked your suggestion in the reply! It got me thinking and it will work great for me. Thank you.

 

[CR888]

IMO its not about having every type, style, length & drive size, its about capability and achieving that level with minimal or sensible amount of extensions.

 

[DFB]

That's really cute stacking all those extensions

Some of my handiest extensions have been 3/8" drive long extensions 15" 18" 20"