A Variable-Length Socket Extension
By Chuck Cage
Need an extension longer than the “short” one and shorter than the “long” one? Snap-on’s new variable-length socket extensions might fill the bill. They’re also spring-loaded so they’ll stay on the fastener.
These look great for any kind of limited-access area down in an engine compartment, giving you not only the exact length of extension you need, but also providing a little pressure without you constantly pushing.
They’ll sell in two-piece sets with 4″ and a 7″ versions included for use with 3/8″ drive ratchets. The only bad news: they’ll run you a cool $90.
3/8″ Flexible Extension Set [Snap-on, Warning: PDF Link]
May 5th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I think these are possibly the best idea I have ever seen - I think twice now I have had to cut and weld extension bars because there was absolutely no other way of moving a fastener.
May 5th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
For $90 I’ll wait for the knock-offs to become available. Still a great idea though. Just not $90 worth of idea.
May 5th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Expensive, but useful
May 8th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Sounds like a great idea, but how is it accomplished?
What I want to know is how do you adjust then length? What type of mechanism locks it in place? What is the likelihood of the length changing while you working?
May 8th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
it seems to be done with a spring in the handle thing.