The Critic
Well-known member
As the title states, what is their purpose? I have always used a standard locking extension with an impact swivel socket.
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Wobble Extensions - why do I need them?
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
rust in the eye
Well-known member
Same purpose as a swivel socket, to allow misalignment.
I often use several together when access is tight such as R&R transmission bell housing bolts.
I often use several together when access is tight such as R&R transmission bell housing bolts.
danielbuck
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2014
- Messages
- 958
if you've been drinking and your hands are more wobbly than normal, use a wobble extension and it still lets the socket spin straight.
Madjik Man
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- Dec 3, 2015
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- 1,540
Wobble Extensions - why do I need them?
Because… GJ
bwringer
Well-known member
Get you some, and your life will change.
Seriously, wobblies are a complete game-changer. You'll save hours and hours.
Just yesterday, I saved around four hours of assery replacing an engine mount because I could juuuuust reach a very badly placed fastener on the engine bracket with a shallow socket and a wobble impact extension. Instead of effing around with loosening and/or removing all the other engine mounts and raising the whole engine six inches, I raised the engine about 1/4", just enough to take the weight, and took the bracket off.
And no, universal joints/sockets aren't the same thing. Wobblies can handle more torque with a lot less effort in stabilization.
Seriously, wobblies are a complete game-changer. You'll save hours and hours.
Just yesterday, I saved around four hours of assery replacing an engine mount because I could juuuuust reach a very badly placed fastener on the engine bracket with a shallow socket and a wobble impact extension. Instead of effing around with loosening and/or removing all the other engine mounts and raising the whole engine six inches, I raised the engine about 1/4", just enough to take the weight, and took the bracket off.
And no, universal joints/sockets aren't the same thing. Wobblies can handle more torque with a lot less effort in stabilization.
If you work on enough stuff, you'll find a reason to own every tool out there.
Seriously, sometimes you need a bend in your drive line, not so much in your socket. You can join a wobble extension to a straight extension and create an arc in your socket-driving line. Plus, wobbles are thinner and stronger than universal joints. But universal joints and flex sockets can be driven at sharper angles, so there's that...
Swivel sockets, universal joints, wobble extensions, crows feet, even cheating with drive-size adapters, you name it. Do what you've gotta do to make that socket land squarely on that bolt, lol. You'll need them all eventually.
Seriously, sometimes you need a bend in your drive line, not so much in your socket. You can join a wobble extension to a straight extension and create an arc in your socket-driving line. Plus, wobbles are thinner and stronger than universal joints. But universal joints and flex sockets can be driven at sharper angles, so there's that...
Swivel sockets, universal joints, wobble extensions, crows feet, even cheating with drive-size adapters, you name it. Do what you've gotta do to make that socket land squarely on that bolt, lol. You'll need them all eventually.
Madjik Man
Well-known member
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- Dec 3, 2015
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- 1,540
For me I have a wobble only set.
I do not like the wobble-fix variety.
I do not like the wobble-fix variety.
finn
Well-known member
I only use non-wobble extensions on stuck fasteners that I have clear access to and I am afraid I might break my cherished wobble extensions on.
Wobble is my first go to choice 99% of the time.
Wobble is my first go to choice 99% of the time.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Wobbles are more compact than swivels, and less likely than a universal to go sideways on the end of a long extension.
-Ryan
-Ryan
bwringer
Well-known member
Agreed. It's very damn annoying when the wobble clicks into "straight" mode as you're working it into position.For me I have a wobble only set.
I do not like the wobble-fix variety.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Sometimes you can get by with a wobble extension if you don't have a swivel socket, but the swivel socket is always the sure bet.
The question is, why buy wobble extensions when you can use that same money towards a set of swivel sockets?
The question is, why buy wobble extensions when you can use that same money towards a set of swivel sockets?
bwringer
Well-known member
Sometimes you can get by with a wobble extension if you don't have a swivel socket, but the swivel socket is always the sure bet.
The question is, why buy wobble extensions when you can use that same money towards a set of swivel sockets?
Having the exact swivel socket you need in that moment is far from a sure bet.
Sometimes you need something really weird like a crowfoot on a wobble. Or an e-torx on a wobble, jammed into a spot where a u-joint won't fit.
And sometimes you just need more options. Something like a three foot extension, plus two swivels, a u-joint, and a crowfoot can easily save literally hours of disassembly and assembly and hundreds of dollars in gaskets and fluids.
whateg01
Well-known member
1 wobble extension and 1 set of sockets vs 2 sets of sockets to carry.
MovingAlong
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,316
As the title states, what is their purpose? I have always used a standard locking extension with an impact swivel socket.
Two very different questions:
1) Why do you need them? Sounds like you're doing fine without them, so maybe you don't need them.
2) What is their purpose? It's kind of implied in the name - they allow the socket to wobble on the end thus avoiding the need for a swivel socket when a full swivel isn't required.
They are not the right tool for every job, but when the job calls for it they sure are nice to have...
I actively avoid using my swivel/universal sockets since I discovered wobble extensions. swivels only come out in the shittiest of situations
grab the cheap set from HF and enjoy the first time you use it. I've had no reason to upgrade after 7ish years of hobby usage.
grab the cheap set from HF and enjoy the first time you use it. I've had no reason to upgrade after 7ish years of hobby usage.
I'm in agreement with much of the above content. I rarely reach for chrome swivels these days because that 15 degrees of wobble is often enough to get by, they don't totally flop and need to be taped like chromes, and impact swivels are usually too fat for under hood or under dash work.
You probably don't need every single length of extension either. A short 1 or 2" wobble and a 6" wobble in 1/4 and 3/8 have been perfect for my general automotive use. It increases contact stress in the socket drive ends and they're more prone to failure than a regular extension so I only use them when I need them. I very much recommend them.
You probably don't need every single length of extension either. A short 1 or 2" wobble and a 6" wobble in 1/4 and 3/8 have been perfect for my general automotive use. It increases contact stress in the socket drive ends and they're more prone to failure than a regular extension so I only use them when I need them. I very much recommend them.
Do you have universal sockets in short, mid, and deep length? With the wobble extension you do. Do you have a need to flex other drivers that fit your extensions. In days past we had a universal that went in between the driver and driven tool. It works and will angle more than a wobble extension, but also will flop around more and sometimes lock up at extreme angles. So one chooses the best tool for the job if available or the least janky one for the situation.
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line