craftsman u-joint sockets? Anyone use em?

[NOMAD]

I think this will be my next socket purchase. I want to fill out my sockets and was going to get a u-joint but also saw the 3/8 drive short u-joint sockets.

Anyone think these are good to have around? I got some ball end extensions and liked the extra degree of movement they gave.
So:
U-joint adapters
or
U-joint sockets?

[Blacknwhitepit]

I think this will be my next socket purchase. I want to fill out my sockets and was going to get a u-joint but also saw the 3/8 drive short u-joint sockets.

Anyone think these are good to have around? I got some ball end extensions and liked the extra degree of movement they gave.
So:
U-joint adapters
or
U-joint sockets?

When you say ball end extension, do you mean a wobble extension?

Without a doubt pick up the Adaptor set (1/4, 3/8 and 1/2) at least.

Then when resources ($$) allow, definetely get the U-Joint sockets. They sometimes have to be used in places a socket and U joint adaptor can't go.

It sounds as though your tool collection is growning. Getting a set of these in SAE and Metric is part of the natural Evolution :) !

U Joint tools make so many jobs easier!

-BWP

[JB740i]

I picked up a bunch of them during the 3 for 10 deal a while back. But don't expect to see that one again. I've used them recently removing a land cruiser radiator. A universal and a socket wouldn't have been able to get at a couple of them.

[Uncle Buck]

Priceless when you need them, I have both 6 & 12 pt in SAE and 6 pt in metric, all are Cman sets. For many years before I had these sets all I had were u-joints and I must say that for about 90% of what I ever needed to do they usually got the job done, u-joints were all my dad and I had when I was growing up and I could still likely do just fine if that was all I had to work with. You learn to make do with some stuff.

[mulepackin]

I echo hholmbergs statements. They come in real handy when you need them, but can be worked around. I bought a set of about ten many years ago, and use them on occasion. Last was removing the fan shroud on our Envoy.

[Deafautotech]

i have all craftsman u-joint socket sets and it is very handy for me on jeep and chrysler... i got 10mm 1/4dr u-joint worn out fastest and i got pins went out itself and other time it broke in half piece of socket... i love craftsman's warranty as i only paid like 2 dollars when that year when it went open stock with 50 percents off and i bought two 10mm swivel sockets... i had one broke and have other in extra...

[joenero]

It's real nice to actually have the universal socket set vs. a universal and a socket, more room when it is really necessary to have. They are good pieces, I've broken many of them multiple times and upgraded to SO at work but they get the job done well.

[Rabbit]

I have both Metric and SAE in Craftsmen in 6 point and I also have a set of SK. I too was like hholmberg and grew up using universal adapters and sockets, but now that I have the universal sockets I absolutely love them and sometimes use them i places i would have never dreamed of using the clumsily long adapter and socket together.

[NOMAD]

Yes, I meant the wobble extensions.

My tool collection is growing because of this darn site!
I can't wait till my replacement cylinder head gets here so I can get back to my wrenching. Once it gets here I'll have so many new toys I'll be tempted to assemble, dissassemble and assemble again!

I'm going to use the $5 off coupons to grab some of these tomorrow. I'll debate the adaptor for now, I can see u-joints and deeps being my go-to sockets for basic wrenching.

[Jay H 237]

I bought the Craftsman 3/8" U joint sockets in standard and metric back during the summer. I reach for them first now instead of the separate universal adapter and socket!

[Fedwrench]

If you work on late model cars, whether you call them wobble, swivel, or universal sockets, often they are the only way to remove fasteners in difficult to reach locations. Craftsman's are decent quality, and have the great warranty. The chrome versions don't do too well on the end of an impact though. The pins loosen up quick. Impact versions are available but, the chrome ones will fit into places the impact models can't.
Wobble extensions are also great and can be a job saver in some situations. The only thing I don't like about Craftsman wobble extensions is the absence of knurling for a better grip during greasy hand spinning. Sears does offer a kind of neat extension set under thee Companion brand. They're a combination regular and wobble extension in one. Push the socket all the way on and it's straight, pull out slightly, and it wobbles 30 degrees. No lifetime warranty, and a little heavier but, for a few dollars a set it does the job as well as my much more expensive Snap on set.

[eschoendorff]

Wobble extensions are also great and can be a job saver in some situations. The only thing I don't like about Craftsman wobble extensions is the absence of knurling for a better grip during greasy hand spinning. Sears does offer a kind of neat extension set under thee Companion brand. They're a combination regular and wobble extension in one. Push the socket all the way on and it's straight, pull out slightly, and it wobbles 30 degrees. No lifetime warranty, and a little heavier but, for a few dollars a set it does the job as well as my much more expensive Snap on set.

Ooooh... I'm gonna get flamed for this, but I use my cheap, knurled MIT wobble extensions more than my Made in USA Craftsman or Kobalts.....

[kbs2244]

I inherited a set when my Dad died 30 years ago.
I have never used them.

[NOMAD]

I have the companion brand wobble extensions. I love the knurled grip on them and I didn't think I'd be able to generate the arm strength to pretzle them so I opted for the cheapest extesions. I figure if they do give out I'll buy the nice ones because I see how they can be useful.

[Deafautotech]

i own snap on wobble set and i love it. it is time save!! one tech dont have wobble extension and i had set but i was working with him to disassembly and assembly the engine (FORD)... it is very handy for me and he like it but he just dont want it because he dont need it... it is his decide... if i want then i will get one.

craftsman flex sockets are very nice tools and i love it but when i just use air ratchet (not impact wrench) and it will get loose and sloppy....