The invention discloses a short-head type universal joint for an American valve and a French valve. The universal joint comprises a head part, a rotating column, a pressure-injection piece, an oppression ring and a centre unit. The head part is provided with a containing chamber and a penetrating hole communicating with the containing chamber in an extending mode. The rotating column is placed in the containing chamber and can rotate axially on site under the effect of external force. A hollow chamber is formed inside the rotating column. An opening is formed radially in the outer circumferential surface of the rotating column in a sinking mode and communicates with the hollow chamber. The rotating column is provided with a press-abutting part on the opening. An air guiding hole is formed in one end of the rotating column and communicates with the hollow chamber. The rotating column can bear the external force action to rotate between an inaction position and an action position. The pressure-injection piece penetrates into the hollow chamber. A containing hole and an action hole communicating with the containing hole are formed in the pressure-injection piece in an extending mode. The oppression ring has elasticity and is placed in the penetrating hole. The centre unit is placed in the containing hole and can bear the external force action to conduct reciprocating displacement between an American valve position and a French valve position. The size can be shortened effectively, and carrying and using convenience is improved.