Tool Review: ARES Tool Locking Impact Socket Extension Set

April 8, 2024
Reviewed by Brin Kline, owner and technician at Assured Auto Works in Melbourne, Florida.

Content brought to you by PTEN. To subscribe, click here.

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.

About the Author

Brin Kline | Owner of Assured Auto Works

Brin Kline is the owner of Assured Auto Works in Melbourne, Florida, an automotive general repair business with a mobile diagnostic and module programming division. He has been in the automotive industry for 27 years. Kline also teaches for Carquest Technical Institute and Trained by Techs, is a member of the Automotive Service Association’s Mechanical Operations Committee, and president of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) of Florida. 

Kline also reviews a variety of tools for Professional Tool & Equipment News. To read his tool reviews, search his name on VehicleServicePros.com

Sponsored Recommendations

‘What if I don’t have an automotive background?’

Many mobile tool distributors have no automotive background and actually use it to their advantage when selling tools.

Decoding diagnostic tools

A distributor’s guide to oscilloscopes, borescopes, and multimeters.

You don't have to use the tools to sell them

Sometimes not having an automotive background can actually work to your advantage when selling tools.

Tales from the Road: Routing the storm

Getting people’s attention is a standard part of sales, but for this Mac Tools distributor, it means a whole lot more than that.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!