Direct manipulation by hand is an intuitive and simple way of positioning objects in an immersive virtual environment. However, this technique is not suitable for making precise adjustments to virtual objects in an immersive environment because it is difficult to hold a hand unsupported in midair and to then release an object at a fixed point. We therefore propose an alternative technique using a virtual 3D gearbox widget that we have designed, which enables users to adjust values precisely. We tested the technique in a usability study along with the use of hand manipulation and a slider. The results showed that the gearbox was the best of the three techniques for precise adjustment of small targets, in terms of both performance data and subject preference.