How to use an extension bar with a ratchet and socket?

12th March 2020

How to use an extension bar with a ratchet and socket?


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		An extension bar can be used with a socket to help reach into confined and awkward spaces that you would not otherwise be able to access.

		Connecting the extension bar and socket
		Step 1 – Connect extension bar to ratchet Connect the extension bar to the ratchet in exactly the same manner as you would connect a socket.

		Line the drive socket of the extension bar up with the drive square of the ratchet and push the two together. You should hear a ‘click’ as the ball bearing in the ratchet’s drive square locates into place on the internal notch of the extension bar’s drive socket.

		Step 2 – Connect socket The socket connects to the extension bar exactly as it would the ratchet.

		Line the drive socket of the socket up with the drive square of the extension bar and push the two together. You should hear a ‘click’ as the ball bearing in the extension bar’s drive square locates into place on the internal notch of the socket’s drive socket.



		Follow How to use a socket with a ratchet wrench from step 3.

		Removing the extension bar and socket
		To separate the socket and extension bar from the ratchet, press the release button on the back of the ratchet head. This will free the ball bearing in the ratchet’s square drive, allowing the extension bar to be removed.

		If your ratchet does not have a push release button, hold the ratchet in one hand and the extension bar in the other and pull the two apart. This should overcome the ball bearing in the ratchet’s drive square.

		To separate the socket from the extension bar, hold the socket in one hand and the other end of the extension bar in your other hand, then pull the two apart. This should overcome the ball bearing in the extension bar’s drive square. Sometimes you might not have the right size socket and ratchet. In this case you should check out our page on how to use an adpator with a socket and ratchet?