GEARWRENCH"3 Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive X-Core Pinless Impact Universal Joint Set - 84960

These things are pretty great. They have more bearing surface than a usual cross pin, so *should* be more durable. They can, if need be, go into a slightly greater angle than a usual universal. They're also really smooth when turning, unlike the kind with the big block in the middle. They're pretty comparable to the kind with a pin through a slot, but it's possible to knock a dent into the slot with the pinned ones, resulting in a notchy experience. With these, since there's more surface area, that should be less likely to happen. I like the spring inside as well; it provides enough tension that a short socket can usually be held at an angle on the joint for placement in an obstructed area.I've only used the 1/4" and 3/8" universals so far, but they've both been really great. By the time I'm using a half inch impact, I'm usually in a situation where I need all the torque, and a universal might eat up more than I'd prefer - so I personally don't use a half inch universal very often. It's big enough that I have high hopes for it if I do get into such a situation, though. :)

Tried using them daily but got wobbly soon unlike my Matco ones, they stay at my house for home projects and do help me out there.

I have been using the 1/4" U joint more than the 3/8 and 1/2" u joints. I had read other reviews stating the writers displeasure with these Gear Wrench U joints. My thought was, 'Can't be!! Gear Wrench makes such good tools!!' I am a mobile diesel mechanic. I have alot of Gear wrench tools. The previous U joints from Gear Wrench had pin and slot design, which worked GREAT!! These have a spline type system. The end that goes onto the extension or ratchet has splines while the end that the socket goes onto has a splined ball fitted into the end that goes into the ratchet. At first glance, one would think that this would be a robust design. However, after about 6 months use, and only on hand tools or battery operated ratchets and not air impact tools; these have unacceptable slop in the splines. On the 1/4" U joint, I have about an 1/8 of a turn of 'slop' in the u joint. My old pinned (pin going through slot allowing flex/u joint action) still are nice and tight even after much more extensive use. We all know that when your working in tight spots, any slop can be a killer. Thats why they make 72 tooth ratchets now and not the 36 tooth ratchets........because you get a smaller swing. Sorry Gear Wrench. Big fan of your tools, but you guys FAILED HERE!!

Amazing!! Amazing!! Amazing!! Amazing!! Amazing!! Now that I have used this on my 3/8" & 1/2" Milwakee impact it is a game changer. Electric and Air guns are big n bulky. These swivels are allowing me to use off angle and still make the proper connection to the fastener! I have been in regular use of the 3/8" for a few months, as a hobbyist at home mechanic. Joint is still nice and tight, on my short sockets. Looking forward to more use on the 1/2" too. 1/4" I have not used, so I cannot comment.BIG ol Recommend!!!!

3/8 did not hold up to my midtorqe Milwaukee 3/8 impact. Very soft metal. And gearwrench rep says it’s on back order for warranty been 3 months had to buy a pinned SUNEX witch has worked amazing.1/4 inch one has held up to Milwaukee 12v hex driver gen 3 very well and haven’t used the 1/2 inch much.

Bought this set in July 2019 and used the 1/2 unit this past week (Sept. 2009) to tighten a transmission mount bolt without having to remove an obstructing intermediate shaft on an articulated dump truck. I used a 1/2 DeWalt 20v high torque cordless impact with a 12" extension and didn't go overboard tightening, or overall angle, the universal was on the socket end and thus had much less total torque than in no extension was used. While this universal did the job, it was damaged thoroughly, it no longer freely rotates and has visible deformation on the load bearing surfaces. I initially though I had used these when they were not impact rated by mistake because the damage, only to search my Amazon after and see that they are impact rated. They might be okay with low rated impacts, and hand use. However, for impact, they are too soft. Its notable that these are very light, and low profile in comparison to regular impact universals.I am now looking at traditional universals. When you need these, you need them to hold up.

These work extremely well with no issues. Can't beat pinless.

Great impact universals. A little wider than pinstyle jointed universals while on extensions, so tight spots may be a problem. Other than that they work great and I don't have to worry about pins falling out and unversals falling apart while in use.

I like the fact that they have less loss of torque than other designs of the same kind of tool.

Thanks!

Fantastic universal joints and the price can't be beat

pretty strong so far. used daily, hasn't broken yet

Good product!!