Tool Review: ARES Tool Locking Impact Socket Extension Set
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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: I’m now more confident in situations where I would normally be concerned that the socket may fall off the extension. This confidence allows me to focus on the work and less on how careful I need to be to keep the socket on the extension. That saves time.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: Increased efficiency always leads to increased profitability.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: There's no setup required. Just remove the extension and get to work.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: If you can connect and disconnect a pneumatic tool to and from an air hose, and you are familiar with using socket extensions, then you will be able to use this product with ease and success.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: This set comes in a cardboard box with graphics and text showing and describing the features and benefits of the product. Inside the box are the three 3/8" drive impact extensions placed in a nice foam organizer that would work well in any toolbox or roll cart drawer. The set includes a 3", 6", and 12" extension.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was it easy to understand?
A: There is no manual included in the box and there's no need for a manual in this case, but the box does show how to use the quick-lock feature of the extensions.
Q: What features did you like?
A: There's an anti-corrosion finish that gives me confidence that the product won't rust. I also like the anodized aluminum locking mechanism. It appears to be assembled in a way that will allow for servicing the product if ever required even though the company offers a lifetime warranty. I mainly just like that they are locking extensions that are made for impact use. I already own some locking extensions, but they are not designed and manufactured for impact use.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: At the time of this review, they only offer a 3/8" drive and 1/2" drive set with a 3", 6", and 12" extension. I hope that they offer more lengths and a 1/4" drive set in the future. The locking mechanism is a little bulky, but I don't recall ever seeing a locking extension that didn't have a bulky locking mechanism.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs do you use this tool for?
A: I like using these for removing and installing the battery hold-down blocks when replacing batteries. I also like using these for any underhood work where if a socket were to come off, it meant that I no longer own that socket. We also recently removed a transmission on a Subaru for a clutch replacement service. These extensions were used when removing the bell housing bolts.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some new features compared to the old version?
A: I already own a 1/4" drive set of locking extensions that I love, but they are not made for impact use.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: For anyone looking for a set of locking extensions for impact use, but you don't want to spend a large sum of money, I'd say give these a try. I would rate these at an eight and that's only because I'm a tough critic. I prefer American-made tools. I'd like to see a slightly less bulky locking mechanism, and I haven't had them long enough to gauge longevity.
