1/2″ Insert Close-ups
Above, the 1/2″ extension is shown attached to a 9/16″ socket (left), and a 7/8″ socket (right). What you should be able to infer from the first image is that the distance between the drive-end baffle and fastener stop in the socket is greater than 3/8″, and so the magnetic tip cannot contact an inserted bolt. The same observation was made for even smaller sockets, which is why the 1/2″ drive extension failed both aforementioned bolt tests.
Below is another photo of the 1/2″ extension attached to a 9/16″ socket to better emphasize the depth mismatch incompatibility. We are using the term “incompatibility” for any situation where an extension’s magnetic tip cannot reach a fastener. Such conditions result when a socket has an internal barrier greater than 3/8″ in length as shown above, or in the rarer case where a socket’s baffle is narrower than the diameter of the extension’s stud.
Incompatibilities Explained
After some trial and error, it became clear that an incompatibility condition only arises when an extension is paired with an “undersized” socket that has a size transition between drive and receiving ends. Current-generation Craftsman sockets were used to determine the following incompatibility ranges for each extension: the 1/2″ extension is incompatible with sockets smaller than but not including 5/8″ or 15mm, the 3/8″ extension is incompatible with sockets smaller than 5/16″ or 9mm, and the 1/4″ extension is incompatible with sockets smaller than 1/4″ or 6mm.
Although it may seem serious, this “incompatibility” is actually rather insignificant since 1) it requires an unlikely matchup of drive and socket sizes, and 2) if by chance it does become an issue, there are numerous workarounds that can be employed. One such workaround would be to switch to a smaller drive size, either entirely, or with the use of 1/2″->3/8″ or 3/8″->1/4″ adapters.
Verdict
As with many of their innovations, Gearwrench designed their new magnetic extensions to shave off some of the time, effort, and frustration associated with a particular task. To be completely honest, we initially questioned the utility of these extensions, but decided to give them a try anyways. Well, it only took a few uses before we discovered just how handy they could be.
Much of our affinity for these extensions did not come from the time that we saved, or the effort that we conserved - for us, it’s mostly about the fasteners that weren’t dropped on the floor, those that didn’t ricochet into unreachable compartments, and those that didn’t bounce off of our heads!
These magnetic extensions won’t be replacing our standard ones – nor were they designed to – but they will most certainly be seeing a lot of use. Although in theory we would be happier if these extensions were universally compatible, our experience with them has been overwhelmingly positive. With that said, we highly recommend Gearwrench’s magnetic extensions.
Finally, thank you to Gearwrench for providing the magnetic extensions at no cost.
Buy Gearwrench Magnetic Extensions via Amazon
Buy Gearwrench Magnetic Extensions via Sears
Amazing picts and review. Thanks
Awesome review. I was inclined to order one myself soon after I read it. Awesome photos and great observations from a tool lover’s perspective. Thanks!
Excellent review, thank you! See you at GJ.
Harbor Freight has some made in Taiwan extension bars with magnetic extensions: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99795
GearWrench is full of great ideas!