Craftsman has come out with a dual-head extendable wobble ratchet as part of their new 30pc socket set. The ratchet features 1/4″ and 3/8″ square drive ends on opposite sides that both wobble to help with fastener access in tight or obstructed work areas.
Another interesting feature is how the ratchet handle can be extended or retracted to control leverage. This makes Craftsman’s double drive ratchet a bit more versatile than Kobalt’s 3-in-1 design.
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The 30pc socket wrench set comes with an assortment of 1/4″ and 3/8″ inch and metric sockets and is priced at $30 on sale.
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Personally, I am happy to use separate 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets with wobble adapters. I am also more a fan of 6pt sockets and don’t use 12pt ones very often. But, in terms of all-in-one mini socket sets, you could definitely do worse.
Jerry
I like the idea of the wobble ratchet. There are times when I need just a little more knuckle clearance, but even a short extension would not fit. However, having the other drive square sticking up from the back of the ratchet would take up a lot of that space.
Give me a set with separate 1/4 & 3/8 ratchets, as low profile as you can get, and still have the wobble feature, and I’m all on it. I don’t even need a full set, just the two ratchets together would suffice.
IMO, a potentially great idea, for getting at hard to get at fasteners, but not properly executed due to the other drive square sticking out the back side. (even the telescoping handle is a good feature, extend for leverage, retract for tight spaces)
LORDDiESEL
I think you just hit all the points.
Matthew Sumner
Looks like this would not be for me. I would prefer separate ratchets. Might be nice for someone with very few tools and no place to store lots of tools. They could benefit from the 2 tools in one aspect. I do agree with above comment that a really thin wobble model with only 1 drive size may be useful at times.
walt g
Craftsman would have a winner on their hands if this was locking, flex, led lighted, roto, indexable, black chrome finish, 3 piece set fitted in shadowed foam with a blow molded travel case.
SteveR
I’m not so sure a wobble RATCHET is a good idea for general use. They permit some of your force to be displaced sideways such that you can’t concentrate as much force on an obstinate or rusted-tight fastener. Most manufacturers offer universal joints, flexible extensions and wobble extensions (which have the wobble feature where you attach the socket). Another issue with a wobble ratchet is that contaminated grease, dirt and foreign objects can easily work their way into the ratchet mechanism, which can damage it. Alternatives you can try include penetrating oil, heat or a narrow pin punch with a small hammer (hit the head of the bolt to loosen it, then slowly drive the fastener off with succeeding hits to the side of the hex head with the punch). Wobble extensions come in several lengths, enabling you to get down into a tight (or deep) work area. Depending on the situation, sometime a T-handle wrench or crowfoot wrenches can save the day. And some situations may require you to remove parts around the fastener that obstruct its removal.
Alex
Do they sell just the dual headed extension ratchet????
Stuart
Unfortunately I don’t think so.
BenDayho
Model # 44826