Craftsman  Flex Extension Bar, 1/4 in. Drive

 Don't get confused, this Flex Extension Bar Is not a replacement for swivel sockets, universals, wobbles and extensions.

I've found it rather useful with various 1/4 inch sockets on the end of a spinner handle that will accept  a Thumbwheel ratchet and with just a Thumbwheel ratchet as well.

I have always used this extension with the understanding it was meant for low torque applications and in doing so it has never let me down.  I do have a "spare" on hand though in the event I do have a self inflicted failure.

My wish is that there were longer and larger versions sold by Craftsman!  What a great tool to have when the regular ratchet/extension combo won't work!  This thing allows me to get in to some tight spots and still get the job done!

Again, need one for 3/8 drive and a longer one for the rear spark plugs!

Bought this tool to reach a hard to get at bolt.  Got on the bolt, turned it with a ratchet and one end turned but the other didn't.  Went back to Sears for replacement (2hr round trip). Tried again same thing.  Ended up using 3 swivels to get the bolt loose.  Had one years ago that worked great.

Several (10-15) years ago Craftsman made these in  3/8" size and 6" or 8" in length. THEY were a greeat tool for those, "I'D RATHER NOT REMOVE THE ENGINE" areas. I say "THEY" because you have to have 1 twisted for clockwise and 1 twisted for counter-clockwise or they fall apart. Just thought it might help to know.

I wish this were longer, that would add more flex to it. over all it is a good little item to have in the box. It gives you the flex you need to reach some tight spots, spark plug number eight for example. It does feel better made than most flex drives.

Unfortunately, the flex extension bar failed to do the job of removing a #6 screw. Upon using the bar, the spring twisted and was not usable.

Needed this to loosen one small bolt on an engine.  Went to Sears and picked this up thinking it was just the answer and having memories of using my father's years ago for just this type of situation.  Well, got the socket on the head of the screw no problem and started to turn to loosen.  I didn't use much force and the end of the flex extension came off.  Back to Sears, swapped it out thinking must just have gotten a bad one.  Same result.  Should hold together better and I BARELY put any force on it.  May be great for tightening, but I'll never know. 

So, I bought this because I needed to get a bolt out of an awkward position.  The flex part works great, but the problem with this tool is in the way the socket on the end connects to the spring.  When trying to loosen the bolt, and with VERY LITTLE torque, the socket on the end comes off.  Took it back, got another, same result.  They should really weld, or put some adhesive on this.  Would work GREAT then.  Since this didn't work, had to remove the intake manifold.  When I did, found out the bolt was BARELY over finger tight to start with, so shouldn't have been an issue. 

This Flexible Extension Bar is truly a design master-piece. There always seems to be one fastener on every small tight-work project that is vitually impossible to get too. The engineers at Craftsman must have been spending time in my shop looking over my shoulder.

With this flexible bar, I can use my traditional 1/4" drive ratchet to worm my way through the maze of obstacles to get to that bolt. No more rounded off fasterner heads by attempting to mount your socket at an angle.

I wish they would introduce a complete line of sizes and drives in this accessary. It's that good!

I have snapped more than one of these, forgetting while using what it is and getting a little heavy handed with my 1/4" drive ratchet.

The great thing with these is the fact that if you do snap it, you don't need to wait for the tool truck to come around, you can just stop by the store on your way home and your back in business!