Which style impact swivel?

[pontoon]

I’ve seen two types.

Type 1 is like a regular extension except the male end is thinner so the socket can wobble in it.

Type 2 is like a wobble adapter socket welded onto the end of the extension.

It seems like Snaap On only sells the type 2 now? Does the type 1 have reliability problems? I like the idea of less bulk... though I’m sure the type 2 swivels nicer...

What should I get?

 

[u2slow]

They each have their uses.

The former does more angle, but also a bulkier body. I have the 2nd type in hex drive for my 1/4" cordless impact.

EDIT: Type one will eventually break with hard enough use. Snap-On is likely tired of honouring warranty. I knew a HD mechanic that kept warrantying his Sears/Craftsman one every year or two.

 

[plinker]

The Sunex wobble extensions are very good, though I consider them somewhat consumable in the 3" length (I keep several spares). A normal impact swivel with whatever extension is needed is an only if I have to thing due to torque loss.

 

[pontoon]

They each have their uses.

The former does more angle, but also a bulkier body. I have the 2nd type in hex drive for my 1/4" cordless impact.

EDIT: Type one will eventually break with hard enough use. Snap-On is likely tired of honouring warranty. I knew a HD mechanic that kept warrantying his Sears/Craftsman one every year or two.

Ok thank you. If I can find a quality swivel in type 2 I’ll probably get that for reliability. Maybe I’ll get some in the other type in case I get desperate to sneak something thin in somewhere.

Are there any good options besides snap on? I’ve been really liking my Proto tools lately... I haven’t seen this type of swivel from Proto so far.

 

[Iowafox]

I would personally go with a regular impact extension with a impact universal joint on it. I don't like the wobble extensions very much. They break to easily for my liking. They have a life span of 2 years if used daily on a impact then your dealer will have to replace it. That is one reason I recommend regular extension with a impact universal joint on it. Unless bulk is a issue then I would say go option 2 but for what I do most the time bulk isn't to much of a problem.
At the end of the day do what ever one you think will work best for you and that you think will do most jobs best.

 

[pontoon]

The Sunex wobble extensions are very good, though I consider them somewhat consumable in the 3" length (I keep several spares). A normal impact swivel with whatever extension is needed is an only if I have to thing due to torque loss.

I actually got the Sunex ones since I like my GP 1/2 extensions well enough (and I think GP and Sunex are the same?). I didn’t like the Sunex in 3/8... seemed kind of flimsy on the female end and I didn’t like how it isn’t chamfered on the female end. The extensions slipped off my anvil right away. Maybe partially due to all the oil. Also seemed to fit a touch loose. And it has two pin holes, while I need zero or one at most.

 

[pontoon]

I would personally go with a regular impact extension with a impact universal joint on it. I don't like the wobble extensions very much. They break to easily for my liking. They have a life span of 2 years if used daily on a impact then your dealer will have to replace it. That is one reason I recommend regular extension with a impact universal joint on it. Unless bulk is a issue then I would say go option 2 but for what I do most the time bulk isn't to much of a problem.
At the end of the day do what ever one you think will work best for you and that you think will do most jobs best.

Thanks for the insight. When the wobble is wearing out, does it chew up the sockets? That’s my main concern with that type... it’s one thing to lose an extension. If the extension is wrecking all my sockets that’d get expensive fast.

I do use my universal sockets 90% of the time when I need some wobble. Sometimes I need to combine the wobble extension and a wobble socket or a long socket to get the angle.

 

[Iowafox]

Thanks for the insight. When the wobble is wearing out, does it chew up the sockets? That’s my main concern with that type... it’s one thing to lose an extension. If the extension is wrecking all my sockets that’d get expensive fast.

For the most part if you use impact sockets not to much just normal wear and tear. If you use chrome they do show a little more wear but not to much.
If you do hand use only either will be 100% find and likely you will not break either.
Impacts now they are the spot where the ends ends of the square will round and mushroom? Not sure if that is the right way to explain it.
I haven't had any sockets go bad and get ruined but wear out impacts after a few years yes.

 

[u2slow]

Are there any good options besides snap on? I’ve been really liking my Proto tools lately... I haven’t seen this type of swivel from Proto so far.

All my #1 types are Mastercraft (from Canadian Tire)

The type #2 I think were Task (from Princess Auto)

Haven't broken any yet.

 

[plinker]

I actually got the Sunex ones since I like my GP 1/2 extensions well enough (and I think GP and Sunex are the same?). I didn’t like the Sunex in 3/8... seemed kind of flimsy on the female end and I didn’t like how it isn’t chamfered on the female end. The extensions slipped off my anvil right away. Maybe partially due to all the oil. Also seemed to fit a touch loose. And it has two pin holes, while I need zero or one at most.

Cant say as I've had any issues with a loose fit on anvils with mine, though the M12 ratchets I have leave a little to be desired. Could be you need a new retaining ring?

IME GP & Sunex are similar but not 100% the same. Sunex is easier to deal with warranty stuff from my experience as well.

For me the wobble head will usually break right off, no damage to the socket, the head just gets smooshed for lack of a better term. Sometimes enough to where the ball wont hold the socket on. Excessive torque is likely the culprit, not much choice though with tight clearances on some wheel bearings.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have used both. The wobbles are in my opinion better than the swivels. I’ve had sockets fly off of the other ones. Not sure what brand they were as they were my coworkers. But the socket went flying luckily didn’t hit anything lol.


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