Universal or Wobble Extension

J.A.F.E. · Mar 15, 2009

Do you use a universal joint or wobble extension? Do you favor one over the in some drive sizes and the other in other drive sizes? Ever use them together?

I grew up using universals and universal sockets am very comfortable using them. Wobbles have always seemed a little iffy but I like the newer designs I've seen lately.

Both have their uses but most have a preference on what to use. What's yours?

krusty the clown · Mar 15, 2009

it depends on the situation. sometimes you only need a small amount of flex so i use the wobble ext. sometimes you need more then i use a universal. sometimes i use both........

slimshady_2469 · Mar 15, 2009

im no pro and have next to no experience with wobble extensions but just my 2 cents....
u-joints have saved my *** on a couple occasions

Monte · Mar 15, 2009

buy both

doesn`t hurt

paramudduck · Mar 15, 2009

I use them both. Sometimes a wobble is best for the job, sometimes a universal. Then there are the time you use multiples of both...hooked together.

Danglerb · Mar 15, 2009

You need both, wobble is for that almost straight on, but not quite.

Universal is like turning left.

Swivel is in the middle.

Merkava_4 · Mar 15, 2009

I've never tried a wobble extension, but I'm a big fan of universals.

Frank Elson · Mar 15, 2009

another vote for both.
Sometimes one works better than the other, sometimes you need both together.

Paladin · Mar 15, 2009

krusty the clown said:
it depends on the situation. sometimes you only need a small amount of flex so i use the wobble ext. sometimes you need more then i use a universal. sometimes i use both........

Yup. I use a wobble when I can and when I can't, a universal. I prefer the wobble. I've managed to skin some knuckles using universals... :thumbup:

HolisticPerformance · Mar 15, 2009

I almost never use a universal adapter, though I have them in each drive size. If I am to use a universal joint, I use the SO U-Joint sockets. Big time Expensive, so I buy them as needed.

I use the hell out of a swivel adapter, probably in every job I do, I have to grab one at least once (usually so I can use my impact for a faster job).

I have wobbles, and the rare times I need them, am happy with them, but in nearly all situations, I'll just grab a u-joint socket or a swivel adapter.

I'll also say that SO's wobble drive extensions have a feature that lets you insert the extension part of the way for the "wobble" feature, the rest of the way for a normal straight-on extension. I DO NOT like this, as it is so easy to accidentally push the extension too far in an lose the "wobble" feature.

Ballistic Jello · Mar 15, 2009

Just wanted to mention that the feature you were talking about above, while true, is from Snap-On's "Wobble Plus" extension line, while they do also make standard wobble extensions. I also find this "feature" annoying and will eventually purchase "regular" wobble extensions, over trading my regular straight extensions for these virtually worthless ones.

HolisticPerformance · Mar 15, 2009

Ballistic Jello said:
Just wanted to mention that the feature you were talking about above, while true, is from Snap-On's "Wobble Plus" extension line, while they do also make standard wobble extensions. I also find this "feature" annoying and will eventually purchase "regular" wobble extensions, over trading my regular straight extensions for these virtually worthless ones.

Thanks! I wasn't aware of that. Lets see if my dealer will give me anything for mine on a trade (doubt it)

billymade · Mar 15, 2009

I have had Snap-On wobble extensions in my box and didn't really use them until recently; I was working on a VW Jetta and I will say for these newer cars with tight/confined engine compartments, wobbles really work well! As the saying goes; "you can never have too many tools", applies here, in spades; having all these types of options, helps make the job easier. I say when you can afford it; get everything!

Check out this thread, I started; I was discussing tools that help make working in tight engine compartments easier!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...ght=tools+tight+engine+compartments&showall=1

HolisticPerformance · Mar 15, 2009

billymade said:
As the saying goes; "you can never have too many tools', applies here; having all these types of options, helps make the job easier. I say when you can afford it; get everything!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...ght=tools+tight+engine+compartments&showall=1

Ain't it true. I may have 9 types of 15mm fastener removers out on my tool tray before a job is done sometimes. You NEVER know what a job may call for.

Will you tell my fiance about this?

Hawk321 · Mar 15, 2009

Don't like wobble...I use only unversal ext. If I need an angle...so I can use one of my joints or a swivel socket.

T56 Impala · Mar 15, 2009

The wobbles have saved me more than once and have made a job much easier more than once. I use U joints all the time, but the are not fixed to an extension.

Mike83 · Mar 15, 2009

I use wobble if I can since more torque can be applied generally. Otherwise univ. sockets and if I dont have a size in univ. sockets I use the u joint adaptor. Sometimes those take up too much room though. I need to get some univ. deep and mid depth sockets.

Ballistic Jello · Mar 15, 2009

HolisticPerformance said:
Thanks! I wasn't aware of that. Lets see if my dealer will give me anything for mine on a trade (doubt it)

Probably not enough to make it worth it, look up "Completed Items" on ebay and see what they've sold for, probably more than you'll get from your dealer...I'd probably put them on there or craigslist if you have the time.

Uncle Buck · Mar 15, 2009

Both, I find a place for them all.

Stephenw · Mar 15, 2009

I prefer a wobble extension. I only go to a universal if I need more flex than the wobble will provide.

Danglerb · Mar 15, 2009

What don't you like about a wobble extension?

In 1/4 drive sometimes I don't even bother getting anything else out of the box.

OTOH my most expensive Snapon purchase to date is a set of 10mm to 13mm extension swivel sockets FLXM804.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=51103&group_ID=257

zuspiel · Mar 16, 2009

Stephenw said:
I prefer a wobble extension. I only go to a universal if I need more flex than the wobble will provide.

Same here. I also like my really short wobble, not just the 3" and 6" ones. Universals only come out if a wobble (or two

) won't work.

BTW, the Cman wobbles I have also have the locking feature with 1/2" and bigger sockets (3/8" drive). I don't seem to have issues with that.

wantedabiggergarage · Mar 18, 2009

Catching up on a lot of stuff, after the cable modem died.

I use wobble/swivel sockets all the time. Universals with deep sockets. Wobble extensions are great on area's that I can't get dead onto, but am close (dropping transmission pans, with a 1/4 long wobble extension and socket, for hose clamps, etc).

mofo62 · Jan 31, 2011

billymade said:
I have had Snap-On wobble extensions in my box and didn't really use them until recently; I was working on a VW Jetta and I will say for these newer cars with tight/confined engine compartments, wobbles really work well! As the saying goes; "you can never have too many tools", applies here, in spades; having all these types of options, helps make the job easier. I say when you can afford it; get everything!
Check out this thread, I started; I was discussing tools that help make working in tight engine compartments easier!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...ght=tools+tight+engine+compartments&showall=1

Yeah Man,I think that Wobble Extension ,its totallly Awesome ,I Love Wobble Extension... :shocking:

V!

creativecars · Jan 31, 2011

I like to use wobble extensions alot, but I be careful with the power I put on them. I don’t like standard universal joints, and only use them when wrapped with some electrical tape so they don’t flop sideways. On the other hand I use impact universals without worry weather with an impact or with a hand tool.

ajchien · Feb 1, 2011

A little off topic ...

I have a 1/2 in driver universal that's been around enough that it's now really, really loose. Would prefer to have it a little tighter, any way to achieve getting them firmed up?

MalibuLX3 · Feb 1, 2011

ajchien said:
A little off topic ...

I have a 1/2 in driver universal that's been around enough that it's now really, really loose. Would prefer to have it a little tighter, any way to achieve getting them firmed up?

What brand? If a tool truck brand or Craftsman, I imagine you could warranty it for a new one.

TireTracks · Feb 1, 2011

I like U joints. Never used a wobble though.

whatsitsname · Feb 1, 2011

I prefer wobble. Universal joints have cost me a lot of cursing and ****** knuckles. Have a set of Mac 3/8 wobbles that I that I use as impact extension. They held up great.

whatsitsname · Feb 1, 2011

ajchien said:
A little off topic ...

I have a 1/2 in driver universal that's been around enough that it's now really, really loose. Would prefer to have it a little tighter, any way to achieve getting them firmed up?

Wrap electrical tape around the joint (same as if you are trying to bandage wrap you knee cap). I do this even on new u joints as I don't like how u joints can get stuck in a 90 degree angle.

saturdaymechanic · Feb 1, 2011

I use both. as some have stated, different jobs, call for different tools. I recently used a 10" wobble to replace my battery, it fit just right.

I use U joints around crazy angles, love them for that reason.

Now I just need to upgrade to a flex head ratchet!

TAMPAGT07 · Feb 1, 2011

Wobbles first, U-joint sockets second, Flexible extensions third, then finally Universal with socket fourth. Crowsfeet probably last resort.

bczygan · Feb 1, 2011

How about this "ball joint" universal? Work better than the regular universals?

Bill

csargents1546 · Feb 1, 2011

One of my favorite setups is a 1/2 impact universal with a short wobble extension with a 12mm 12pt for pulling driveshafts off of Ford trucks

matthew · Feb 1, 2011

I like wobbles. That little bit of play is nice to have, usually prefer those extensions over regular if it's low to moderate torque.

In the past I haven't much cared for u-joints, found them to be a pain. The spring loaded u-joints from Triangle, also sold by Gearwrench, are really nice, however, and may win me over to u-jonts yet...

Universal or Wobble Extension

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