Wobble plus vs regular wobble extensions

[pault28]

I'm looking to add a few wobble extensions in 1/4 & 3/8 drive, probably a 3" and 6" in each drive size. What I am wondering is if there is any advantages or disadvantages of one over the other. Obviously the plus can be locked into a normal straight position. I just wonder if the plus models can handle less torque like a ball end Allen vs standard Allen.

I've got straight extensions so I am kind of leaning more towards the regular non plus wobbles. I'm all ears though so what should I go with?

 

[MadTinkerer]

I have some generic plus models from various brands and I don't like them. I find when I want wobble the socket is always pushed into the straight position or if I wanted straight it would pop into the wobble position. I just picked up a 1/4 and 3/8 snap-on wobble and regular sets off eBay for a good deal

 

[Dave455]

I must admit that the couple of wobble extensions I own I never use!

No wobble extension, either standard or 'plus' can handle the torque that a regular extension and UJ can, so that tends to be my preferred option! A proper UJ can work through a much more usable glue too!

Better still, a conventional extension and universal socket!

 

[ephotrod]

I almost use a wobble plus exclusively, it takes care of 90% of my needs.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have an older SK wobble and it doesn't work as well as some of the other USA wobbles I have. That doesn't mean much, it's just my experience, but take it as you will.

 

[Gmonkee]

This has come up before. The general consensus:

Wobble plus as the only for those that like to travel light or moblile toolbags, downside is they can slip from one to the other when you don't want them to. You learn how to use them to avoid this easily.

More stationary folks prefer to have the straight and the plain wobble, as there is room in the box without problem. Dealer techs and shop based mechs have this luxury.

Then the "I hate wobbles, they're weak" crowd that would rather use a U-joint or wobble socket combo. This seems to be the most expensive route with all the wobble sockets. But hey, if you've got it, flaunt it.

None are bad solutions. I was mobile so I went wobble plus and learned to love them. If I were still wrenching I'd get the wobble sockets too just because.

 

[epmills]

I use SO wobble plus, they work decent however if I had the money I would go for a set of reuglar and a set of wobble. As already stated they tend to slip into the wrong position at the worst times.

 

[RECox286]

I did buy, as a "gee, this looks neat" item, a set of bobble head

extensions (brand name withheld to protect the innocent).

When trying them out, it became apparent that they were almost

totally useless, as the sockets would push further onto the

extension, rendering the bobble head feature as unusable. IE:

the extension reverted to the same function as any straight

extension, which is fine if that is what you needed in the first

place. The next test was the "torque" test. It became evident

immediately, that the extension was quite a bit weaker than a

normal extension, as they broke much sooner than their straight

counter-parts would have. All in all, it was a disappointing experience,

and I relegated the whole rest of the purchase to the "spare-tool box"

and haven't seen any real need to fish one back out. What I have

found in retrospect, from many years of usage, is that the swivel

sockets do the job well, and can be counted on again and again,

irregardless of the fact that I spent what some would consider wasted

money to purchase "duplicate" sockets. I merely think of them as

"special tools" that get me out of jams when the need arises, and

money well spent.

Uncle Bob

 

[MLB0611]

I prefer the standard wobble extensions, all are snap on, I have used them with Impacts without problems including my 1/2 drive wobble. So no if you buy quality they are not weak. The only ones I have replaced are 1 I lost and I had a 1/4 the ball came out of. And I use them all the time, just used them on a cat job just a minute ago

 

[Loscaldazar]

I had a set. I sold them and got some regular extensions and will add wobble extensions when (and if) I need them.

As many have stated, the problem is they are never in the position you want them to be. Using them as standard extensions they almost always manage to pull off into the wobble position. Using it as a wobble and it gets pushed on to the locked spot.

Get separates.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

I prefer the separates, but for 1/4" work in many/most places I grab a combo extension wobble about 6" in length.

Honestly, I don't even reach for anything else that I can remember. But it's all tight space small work that I use 1/4" for (jet skis, moto, car audio... Etc. )

 

[Gmonkee]

A U-joint or flex socket is thicker but has a wider range of angle it will work in. The wobble extensions limit you to a lessor angle but are much thinner to stuff in behind a starter or whatnot.

Using U-joints or any type wobble on an impact seems risky. Except maybe in the flex impact sockets.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Wobble Plus for me, although I can see why some might not like them. They do take a little time to get used to.

 

[pault28]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. I'm just going to get some of the shortest regular wobbles. That way I can attach it to a standard extension and have wobble function without having a set of wobble extensions. I already have a standard set of 1/4" and 3/8" drive snap on extensions in a tray and snap on 6" & 11" locking extensions. The 1-1/2"L wobbles should do me fine.

 

[shockwave]

Unless you want only one set of extentions I reccomend a set of regular wobble and straight (that is what I have) where the wobble plus can double as straight and wobble (with extra angle over standard wobble) but keep in mind any wobble does not handle high torque well and twist and will not hold socket into place (warranteed countless wobbles this way)


But a universal joint with standard extension will be best and can handle a lot more torque