Snap-on Wobble Plus Extensions

[6skott]

Does anyone have any experience with Snap-on’s Wobble Plus extensions?
<o>
</o> Snap-on’s site says “Extensions are usable in both wobble and rigid functionality. Wobble function provides 16° of additional accessibility.”
<o></o>
That seems like a neat concept and new they are an extra $16 (1/2" drive) versus the standard wobble extensions and it seems like a no brainer. However I am worried about the extension transitioning from standard to wobble mode at the wrong moment under load and turning into a ‘knuckle buster’, hence my inquiry to all of you.

305SXWP = Set, Extension, Wobble Plus (5 pcs.) (2" to 11" lengths) = $143.69<o></o>

305ASXW = Set, Extension, Wobble (5 pcs.) (2" to 11" lengths) = $127.55

 

[64merc]

No, I believe it is the opposite - if you push too hard it goes from wobble to standard, not vise versa. At least this is what happens to my Companion extensions IIRC.

Edit: I'm not the type to just tell you to do a search, but I believe we talked about these not to long ago.

 

[paramudduck]

I'm bored:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17637&highlight=wobble+extensions
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12409&highlight=wobble+extensions

Plus a lot of other hits on plain wobble extensions.

 

[Merkava_4]

In a complex world, I like a nice simple extension that fits the socket tight. Either the regular or the wobble for me, but not the 2 in 1.

 

[Mike83]

I have some "Pro-Grade" wobble-plus from Fleet Farm just for my car tool kit, and they do have a tendency to go from wobble to regular. I would just as soon get both separately, but not from Snap-On, too expensive for such a tool IMO. I got an SK 6 piece 3/8" wobble set from Amazon for $50 shipped.

 

[Lightning]

The Snap On wobble plus are really good tools. Trust me, I use these tools often and they do not go from regular to wobble very easily. They hold the socket very well and I reccommend them. I started a whold thread with reference to wobble plus extensions recently. Buy some and try them out, you will likely love them.


I do not know if the Craftsman wobble plus are good because I use the Snap On brand. I have not tried the Craftsman. If you buy the Snap On wobble plus I think most will like them.

 

[paramudduck]

Well I just read my last post. Seems like part of it is missing:

I had some of the wobble plus working on my Blazer. The angles and the pressures involved kept sliding the thing to the straight extension at the worst possible time. Then I'd have to pull it all out fix and try to slide it back in through the maze. Ended up using the cheap no name wobbles to do the job. I'll admit I was pushing hard to get the feel of the nut to get it on, But snaking through a fender to get to it so working fairly blind.

 

[rsanter]

I just have the shortest one and then add it to the end of a regular extension when I need that feature

bob

 

[Lightning]

Well I just read my last post. Seems like part of it is missing:

I had some of the wobble plus working on my Blazer. The angles and the pressures involved kept sliding the thing to the straight extension at the worst possible time. Then I'd have to pull it all out fix and try to slide it back in through the maze. Ended up using the cheap no name wobbles to do the job. I'll admit I was pushing hard to get the feel of the nut to get it on, But snaking through a fender to get to it so working fairly blind.

You are not supposed to push down while applying torque! You could end up busting your hand or worse. Once you learn how to use these tools properly, you will love them.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I just have the shortest one and then add it to the end of a regular extension when I need that feature

bob

That is generally all that any of us really need in my opinion!

 

[Lightning]

If you want the wobble feature when you use the Wobble Plus make sure it is not straight when you push the socket on the bolt. It is so easy once you get used to it and it will save you some space.

 

[mtwaterguy]

You are not supposed to push down while applying torque! You could end up busting your hand or worse. Once you learn how to use these tools properly, you will love them.

He's saying that he was pushing down while trying to find the nut, not that he was applying down pressure while turning the nut.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I just have the shortest one and then add it to the end of a regular extension when I need that feature

bob

Same as me. i might at some time buy 2 or 3 other wobble extensions thought, for times where you need the extension to be as skinny as possible. at work i'm always the one given the awkward jobs where there's the absolute bare minimum of space to work with..

 

[Lightning]

You can also use univeral sockets in tight spots that will give you even more access. I think it is a good idea to have some of these for the most common sizes. Univeral joints are another option although rarely you might not have enough space for these. Snap On has a swivel universal joint for 1/2 inch drive IP80D.

The Snap on univeral sockets for 3/8 inch drive are a bit pricey though. A 12 piece set is around $350 or more. I would not buy a whole set, just what you need.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

i bought two cheap 1/4" and 3/8" sets of universal sockets for less than the price of two Snap-on universal sockets.

they don't get a great deal of use, but when i do use them, i'm thankful i got them.

 

[paramudduck]

Lightning considering that i was at the end of 36 inches of extensions. With just enough room to get the socket to the area I want to know how you can position on the bolt with out applying pressure? In close to 40 years of working on things from farm equipment to sprints to rather exotic cars. I have never seen a way to do this yet.

But every time I would press on the socket to get it to slip in place the Snap On wobble plus would slip up to straight lock and I would have to pull it out again.

I put on the old junky no name plain wobble after the fifth try and slipped it in jiggled a second til it caught and removed that crazy bolt.

 

[Deafautotech]

Lightning considering that i was at the end of 36 inches of extensions. With just enough room to get the socket to the area I want to know how you can position on the bolt with out applying pressure? In close to 40 years of working on things from farm equipment to sprints to rather exotic cars. I have never seen a way to do this yet.

But every time I would press on the socket to get it to slip in place the Snap On wobble plus would slip up to straight lock and I would have to pull it out again.

I put on the old junky no name plain wobble after the fifth try and slipped it in jiggled a second til it caught and removed that crazy bolt.

true... that reason why i own both set as snap on extenions and snap on wobble extension set.... i had no problems...

 

[Lightning]

Lightning considering that i was at the end of 36 inches of extensions. With just enough room to get the socket to the area I want to know how you can position on the bolt with out applying pressure? In close to 40 years of working on things from farm equipment to sprints to rather exotic cars. I have never seen a way to do this yet.

But every time I would press on the socket to get it to slip in place the Snap On wobble plus would slip up to straight lock and I would have to pull it out again.

I put on the old junky no name plain wobble after the fifth try and slipped it in jiggled a second til it caught and removed that crazy bolt.

If you take your time, you can do it. It justs takes a little practice. I have a 24 inch extension and many others so reaching 36 inches is no problem for me.

 

[Lightning]

You can also use a magnetic socket. I have a set and it is usefull for tight situations and you do not have to apply much pressure.

 

[paramudduck]

I've never tried the magnetic sockets. One of my friends has a couple I may pay him a visit.

The problem with this one was just the no room for any thing. You had to go in at an angle and then wobble onto the bolt. The problem was doing it blind and by feel as you did the wobble the extension clicked to straight every time. I even had my friend try it and it did it to him as well. Funny thing was he brought them over to try and convince me to get a set. Bad timing no?

We had no problems with the length matter between the two of us that day we could have reached the entire length of the blazer with about 5 extensions and still had a lot laying around.

Part of the problem was I was using his tools. All Snap On and I wasn't used to his handle. (Comfort grip.) But it just seemed to slide to the locked position too easily in this case. I know extreme weird case but it soured me.

 

[Lightning]

I've never tried the magnetic sockets. One of my friends has a couple I may pay him a visit.

The problem with this one was just the no room for any thing. You had to go in at an angle and then wobble onto the bolt. The problem was doing it blind and by feel as you did the wobble the extension clicked to straight every time. I even had my friend try it and it did it to him as well. Funny thing was he brought them over to try and convince me to get a set. Bad timing no?

We had no problems with the length matter between the two of us that day we could have reached the entire length of the blazer with about 5 extensions and still had a lot laying around.

Part of the problem was I was using his tools. All Snap On and I wasn't used to his handle. (Comfort grip.) But it just seemed to slide to the locked position too easily in this case. I know extreme weird case but it soured me.

Do not let that experience sour you on the wobble plus. I think you will like them after some time. Your case above may be an exception if you are in a blind spot, but for a lot of jobs the wobble plus work well.


The magnetic sockets and nice to have where you use long extensions.