How useful for car work is flexible extension on socket drive?

The message from Susan P contains these words:

The amount of torque you can apply through one is minimal.

What I'd like 'cos I left mine behind when I stopped working, is a magnetic dish to keep bits in. Splendid device.

What Guy says is correct, but they are handy for getting nuts started in awkward positions, they can then be tightened with something more rigid when they've been run up to touch. Of the three I'd prefer the first one.

Steve

I wouldn't be without

Used almost daily

I've had a 1/4" one for well over 20 years. Came with the socket set. I use the socket set frequently, but AFAIR I have never used it. OTOH, over the same period, a universal joint in the kit has been used quite a lot. Mike.

Don't you think the first flexible extension might be so long and so flexible that it is the weakest of the three?

What is it that makes a magnetic bowl better than something like a shoebox for holding nuts and bolts?

Is it that the magnetic bowl can be placed on the car or that the bowl holds nuts & bolts even after it has been knocked by mistake?

Both, in my experience!

Yes to both. They stay in the bowl where you put them. Even steel balls. None of that "I just put it down for a second, I'm sure it was there.".

I was about to post exactly the same comment, so I'll just second yours...

I've never used a flexible extension even though I've had one for decades...I've often wished for a magnetic reach:

when nuts / bolts / whatever fall down a tight gap and create even more work getting them back than the job in hand.Illumination is also a good idea, flexible lamps and such likes

In message , Andrew Gabriel writes

Double ditto. I've had access to them for 30 years at work but not once have I found it useful.

===================================== Flexible adaptors appear in many socket sets / screwdriver sets and they're almost all the same except the 'Snake' driver. Your money would be better spent on a decent screwdriver set containing a flexible adaptor such as this:

Those I have are not particularly flexible and as others have said theydon't provide much torque (tightening power). Cic.

The message from Susan P contains these words:

Both. If you're under the car it's really handy to stick it to the underside and just shove bits at it - and they stick.

We sell the JCB range of tools at work and IMHO they're chocolate.

Tom

JCB (as in hand and power tools) is part of the Bush/Power Devil/ Alba/Hinari cheap and cheerful empire. Their only connection with JCB the excavator company is that the latter receives a royalty for use of the name.

I bought a set of JCB screwdrivers from Amazon because they were cheap, and they are just that. Not terrible and about 100 times better than cheap screwdrivers that you used to get, but really not well finished or top quality materials.

You might laugh but the Lidls sets I have bought are a couple of notches up the quality ladder and are quite nice tools to use.

H

All crap. Get him a 1/4 drive socket set with a universal joint adaptor. I use mine all the time.

Fraser

Things I use all the time while working on cars Decent 1/4" drive socket set Ratcheting screwdriver (Snap-on make an awesome one but big $) Magnetic pick up tool Claw type pick up tool Really decent work light

Fraser

The message from "Fraser Johnston" contains these words:

I'd go with that one, too. That and a couple of boxes each of latex and vinyl disposable gloves.