Wobble Extensions - SK/Snap-On/KTC/Wright?

[71firebird400]

Let's hear your thoughts on who has the best wobble extensions. I am looking to replace some cheapo Craftsman with something that will last a lifetime; all in 3/8" and possibly in 1/4".

My preference is to go with a standard wobble- I seem to have issues with the wobble plus style "locking up" on me unintentionally.

I know wobbles are more prone to breakage so hit me with your good recommendations! It looks like Snap-On (206AFXW) and SK (4537) both have good options. My tool box is full of Craftsman, SK, Wright, KTC, Koken, Sunex and even some Harbor Freight so anything goes!

 

[LXCam]

My snappy wobbles have been flawless for better than a dozen years. I recently bought a koken 1/4" that has become my favorite. It only gives up about 10 degrees of angle when compared to the so but it holds an angle way better.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have the SO wobble and wobble-plus, in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. The 1/2 are wobble only. IMO, they are both solid options, and if I get ripped off again they would be one of my first purchases.

Based on my recent Koken buys, and Dave's hi-res pics of the knurling, I would look at the Koken set too.
You can check the Japan tools thread on the KTCs.

So many good options.

 

[AviationTech]

+1 for Ko-ken wobble fix extensions, ability to lock the socket without changing extension and knurling at the base where it connects to the ratchet are nice features. I own the 1/4 and 3/8 sets

 

[71firebird400]

Thanks all. The Kokens have the ability to lock the socket on straight, right? That is one feature I'm looking to avoid- I would prefer a wobble that doesn't accidentally snap the socket on as I'm fumbling around with it.

 

[mcmtech]

For the price the HF ones held up for me for quite a few years used professionally until I got some snappys and a few gearwrench ones.

 

[T45]

the regular wobbles are the way to go unless you have storage or budget issues and need to manage space/weight etc. if you already have good extensions, then get proper (dedicated) wobbles.

if you reef on them hard, I would look at the better brands...snap on is up there, also german brands maybe look at hazet...with a cutaway extension is really where a better quality of steel comes into play...

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I use my SKs hard every day at work. Pretty pleased with them.

 

[shawhite]

Why get a complete set of wobbles. Why not just get the shortest (1in) in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 and use it on your regular extension.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

because the wide spot gets in the way, and it makes more difference close to the socket like that.
I have Snap On, a bunch of Performance Tool, and at least one other gineric, and have noticed no difference in performance. I use them a lot too.

 

[RPH]

I have had my sk set twenty plus years and wouldn't be with out them. Work them hard too.

 

[bob15]

+1 for Ko-ken wobble fix extensions, ability to lock the socket without changing extension and knurling at the base where it connects to the ratchet are nice features. I own the 1/4 and 3/8 sets

What you are describing is commonly called wobble plus. It's seems most do not like them........including myself.

The knurling on the "base" is also on Mac extensions.

 

[bob15]

Let's hear your thoughts on who has the best wobble extensions. I am looking to replace some cheapo Craftsman with something that will last a lifetime; all in 3/8" and possibly in 1/4".

My preference is to go with a standard wobble- I seem to have issues with the wobble plus style "locking up" on me unintentionally.

I know wobbles are more prone to breakage so hit me with your good recommendations! It looks like Snap-On (206AFXW) and SK (4537) both have good options. My tool box is full of Craftsman, SK, Wright, KTC, Koken, Sunex and even some Harbor Freight so anything goes!

I have Snap On, SK & Wright in wobble extensions. I have zero issues with any of them. Biggest difference would be the knurling or the lack of on the Wright's.

I would probably buy the SK's if I did it again......

 

[Fedwrench]

I can't recommend SK in 1/4 drive as I've broken a few. However, their 3/8 drive have been fine. I really like the knurling around the female square drive portion so, MAC, KOKEN, and others offering it will serve you well.

 

[Bobioz1]

I like the wobble plus. Snap On also makes a locking wobble at least in 3/8 drive.

 

[cja245]

I have the snap on standard wobble sets in 1/4 and 3/8. My only complaint is that the knurling is kind of garbage, but otherwise they have been great. I mainly bought them to have a larger assortment of lengths over the harbor freight set I had. If you don't need a large assortment of every drive size, the harbor freight set is a bargain. I never broke one and I was pretty hard on them.

 

[71firebird400]

Thanks all. It sounds like SK is probably my best bet for value, and Snap On for overall quality. Really appreciate all of the insight and real world experience.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Why get a complete set of wobbles. Why not just get the shortest (1in) in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 and use it on your regular extension.

Easily replacable if it wears out. BRILLIANT! I already have a Mac. I likes it. I like that! Great idea!

 

[Finky198]

I have the SO wobble and wobble-plus, in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. The 1/2 are wobble only. IMO, they are both solid options, and if I get ripped off again they would be one of my first purchases

So many good options.

This^^^ I have 1/4", 3/8" wobble plus pretty much my go to for all extensions.
I didn't buy new so I can't comment on truck prices.

 

[cherrybomb]

I have a 3/8 drive snappy in the 6 in. length. I extremely happy in its function and quality.I also have Proto in 1/4 drive.As a previous poster wrote,I too have the short lengths in 1,2 and 4 which I also am extremely happy with the fit ,finish and operation.The Protos are a more reasonable price,and U.S.A as well as the SO,but you pay for the truck.I would reconmend,no matter brand you purchase,check the operation as there is a bit more fancy maching,especially on the wobble plus.

 

[sberry]

I got ATD from the parts store, at the time like 12$ a set and they worked so well bought another.

 

[itylerstewart]

The Kokens look legit. I'm sure my gf will be thrilled when 3 new extension sets show up

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have a 10" Matco off the truck. I never liked how it worked, it looks a little twisted on the end like it was made wrong or was damaged.

 

[franzdom]

Thanks all. The Kokens have the ability to lock the socket on straight, right? That is one feature I'm looking to avoid- I would prefer a wobble that doesn't accidentally snap the socket on as I'm fumbling around with it.

No, Koken makes both types. Their extensions are so nice with killer knurling and slots. They are a joy to behold!

 

[Billythekid1]

Why get a complete set of wobbles. Why not just get the shortest (1in) in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 and use it on your regular extension.

Great idea never thought of that maybe would not work 100% of the time but would work 99%

 

[eyeball]

I can't recommend SK in 1/4 drive as I've broken a few...

I have been thinking about buying an SK set and would like to hear more about your experience with them.

I am curious what part of the extension broke. Was it down at the socket end where the relief is cut to allow the wobble?

Since you have broken more than one, do you think it was due to a manufacturing defect, engineering shortcoming, poor materials or something else?

 

[franzdom]

Why get a complete set of wobbles. Why not just get the shortest (1in) in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 and use it on your regular extension.

Blasphemy!

 

[rmsg0040]

I just started checking out flatratemaster on youtube, he made a video about these

IMO, he seems like a honest guy giving truthful advice

 

[bcradio]

I have been thinking about buying an SK set and would like to hear more about your experience with them.

I am curious what part of the extension broke. Was it down at the socket end where the relief is cut to allow the wobble?

Since you have broken more than one, do you think it was due to a manufacturing defect, engineering shortcoming, poor materials or something else?

Are you set on buying SK?

There are a ton of good brands out there.

 

[1950mercury]

I had sk wobbles and they don't have near the degree wobble as snap on or Macs. Plus I've broke a few I would not recommend sk

My favorite are snap on locking wobbles

 

[Gmonkee]

GN by Allied Taiwan, also found in many other brands. Not bling brand but good solid workers over time. My 3/8" set came to best use when those went in.

I like stacking wobble to get past curves and obstacles them use the W+ when it serves better. Just good solid tools.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have 1/4 Snap on wobbles and 1/4 Husky wobble plus and I love the husky ones they have the knurling as well and use them over the snap on. They are older husky but they still make them they just have a different logo and for the price it can't be beat, I don't know if they are the exact same as mine but same concept. I don't have 3/8 or 1/2 wobbles I own nice snap on and Williams extensions and matching swivels and just use those. GW wobble extensions are also nice sold at advance auto. Any will last a lifetime I've never broken an extension they are not too important when it comes to brand.

 

[sberry]

I am not fussy about extensions either. I suspect the ATD I have is the same as the Husky, they are knurled. Like most stuff,,, I use them some, they work when needed. I only have them in 3/8. I tend to use the largest drive size I can vs the smallest and don't use 1/4 a lot.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I have been thinking about buying an SK set and would like to hear more about your experience with them.

I am curious what part of the extension broke. Was it down at the socket end where the relief is cut to allow the wobble?

Since you have broken more than one, do you think it was due to a manufacturing defect, engineering shortcoming, poor materials or something else?

Its the thinnest part. thats the only place I've seen them break.

 

[unisawone]

I have snap on's and SK's, broke just about everyone of the SK's.....

 

[71firebird400]

Wow, really appreciated all of the comments. It's a shame that the SK's are prone to break; I think I'll spend the extra cash and end up with a set of Snap-Ons. I do really enjoy the wobble extensions (and use them a lot) so this is one area I don't mind going for the name brand.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Something I did't know they made and have never actually seen but really want are locking wobble extensions. But beware, they are pricey and rare.

 

[71firebird400]

Snap-On's have been ordered. Sometimes it feels like they are the easy answer but, man, they make some great stuff. Don't worry though, I also ordered some Koken Zeal spark plug sockets and universals to maintain my GJ credibility

 

[48548]

Here are some of mine

 

[SantaAna12]

^^^