quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
Sooooo, why aren't all swivel sockets made like impact type ball type swivel joints, which I'm guessing based on the information provided in this thread so far, are more stable than regular joe swivel sockets.

And.. if that is true (being more stable), what is the problem of using only impact ball swivel sockets in place of any and all regular swivel sockets ? If those guys don't flop around as much with increasing angles and torque, would it not be smart to just buy and use those exclusively for regular hand ratcheting ?

Because they do flop around and when you are trying to get at a bolt head you can barely see with a 6" extension you want want that sucker to stay straight. Or if you are working horizontally on something - socket facing straight away from you. They are more expensive and will have a lower lifespan than a regular socket. And they encourage you to tighten bolts at an angle from perpendicular because they can, and that screws up the applied torque if you angle too far.

But then I work in manufacturing and design assembly lines so I am looking at the right tool for each job with sockets that have to last tens of thousands of hits without failure, and prevent misuse that could lead to improper torque.

I only use universal joints as an absolute last resort or if I know it's not much torque and saves me some hassle. With that said, I started using motivx spring loaded universal joints. They are a lot nicer and a much less pain in the ass.