Koken 3300C-16 vs 330CZ-16

[dyermullet]

3/8 Sq. Dr. 6-Point Clip Type Spark Plug Socket 16mm - Ko-ken USA

Input Drive Size: 3/8" Drive Shape: Square Length: 70mm Type: Spark Plug Socket with Spring Clip Output Size: 16mm Opening: 6pt. Spring Clip: Yes - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

3/8 Sq. Dr. Z-Series 6-Point Clip Type Spark Plug Socket 16mm - Ko-ken

Thin Wall Z-Series Clip Type Spark Plug Socket – the epitome of precision and protection for your spark plug maintenance needs. Crafted with - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

What is the actual differences between these spark plug sockets? website show same length.

Thanks.

edit: for anyone that finds this in a search. Per the koken catalog they are the same size:
3300C-16 is 20.5mm diameter and 70mm long.
3300CZ-16 is 20.5 diameter and 70mm long.

Thanks to tamaraw for the catalog link.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Z for z-series. Smaller and IMO more elegant form factor.

 

[Madjik Man]

Z= Z Series (Zeal)

A lot less movement between the socket and ratchet/anvil.

 

[tamaraw]

One is Zeal branded. Just the "fancier" version, slimmer at the rear, maybe lighter, possibly tighter tolerances at the square drive end.

I own the non-zeal extension version and like it a lot.

You can see more info on the full product lines in the manufacturer's catalog here. (Koken USA is just a vendor/reseller)

 

[dyermullet]

One is Zeal branded. Just the "fancier" version, slimmer at the rear, maybe lighter, possibly tighter tolerances at the square drive end.

I own the non-zeal extension version and like it a lot.

You can see more info on the full product lines in the manufacturer's catalog here. (Koken USA is just a vendor/reseller)

Thanks for link to catalog!

I was able to find the 3300c-16 on page 286. 3300cz-16 on page 33.

3300C-16 is 20.5mm diameter and 70mm long.
3300CZ-16 is 20.5 diameter and 70mm long.

Since they are same size will just go with the cheaper.

 

[Steve_P]

Thanks for link to catalog!

I was able to find the 3300c-16 on page 286. 3300cz-16 on page 33.

3300C-16 is 20.5mm diameter and 70mm long.
3300CZ-16 is 20.5 diameter and 70mm long.

Since they are same size will just go with the cheaper.

This is what I did also. I have one Z series, and one regular, in different sizes. No preference between the two.

 

[dyermullet]

This is what I did also. I have one Z series, and one regular, in different sizes. No preference between the two.

thanks

 

[Madjik Man]

Thanks for link to catalog!

I was able to find the 3300c-16 on page 286. 3300cz-16 on page 33.

3300C-16 is 20.5mm diameter and 70mm long.
3300CZ-16 is 20.5 diameter and 70mm long.

Since they are same size will just go with the cheaper.

I have the zeal series one and it’s awesome. I’m sure the non-zeal is great too.

I also highly recommend the extension version of the spark plug socket. It’s all I use now, honestly.

 

[dyermullet]

Last weekend finally had good enough weather and the free time to change plugs in two vehicles working in the driveway. Used the 3300c-16, glad I bought this, no more struggling with the rubber insert style. Should have bought one years ago.

 

[Dave455]

Last weekend finally had good enough weather and the free time to change plugs in two vehicles working in the driveway. Used the 3300c-16, glad I bought this, no more struggling with the rubber insert style. Should have bought one years ago.b

I started using these about 15 years ago, and instantly thought they were superior to everything else.

I now have the standard sockets, the extended sockets, and the universals, in both 5/8 and 13/16.

It’s the extended 5/8 that sees most use. Zero problems holding plugs, or cross threading, as the socket and plug are so rigid.




I don’t own any of the Z Series / Zeal as they don’t offer much advantage. Maybe if you were really tight for space and needed the waisted design they would be worth it. Or if you had already invested in Z Series tools.

 

[Steve_P]

The Zeal spark plug socket makes no sense to me to introduce as a separate product. The OD reduces near the square end, but so what? Yes, it's different, unique, and a few grams lighter than a standard socket. Like I said, the only reason I have one is that because it was a few dollars cheaper at that time.

 

[dyermullet]

I started using these about 15 years ago, and instantly thought they were superior to everything else.

I now have the standard sockets, the extended sockets, and the universals, in both 5/8 and 13/16.

It’s the extended 5/8 that sees most use. Zero problems holding plugs, or cross threading, as the socket and plug are so rigid.

I might get the universal one next. I have all old domestic vehicles so dont really have the need for extension version. But I did buy the 9/16 one to use on the gf car. Last time I did plugs on that had to use magnet on a stick to remove, rubber hose to start and normal deepwell to tighten.

 

[mikey03]

What about magnetic versus clip because magnetic sounds better to me since clips eventually break or the spring wears out but they don’t seem to make magnetic versions of the extension spark plug socket other than 14mm

 

[superautobacs]

What about magnetic versus clip because magnetic sounds better to me since clips eventually break or the spring wears out but they don’t seem to make magnetic versions of the extension spark plug socket other than 14mm

Probably because all 14mm plugs are bi-hexagonal. Ko-ken doesn't make clip style on any of their 12pt plug sockets.

I have a 16mm universal joint model that I've been using for 12 years now and other than the chrome finishing on the socket showing scratches, the clips are doing an A+ job at holding the plugs.

photos from 8 years ago showing the difference between standard and Z series 14mm, magnetic style sockets for 12pt plugs.

Ko-ken 12pt, 14mm Magnetic Sparkplug Sockets by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

Ko-ken 12pt Magnetic Sparkplug Sockets 3305P and 3305PZ by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

Ko-ken 12pt Magnetic Sparkplug Sockets 3305P and 3305PZ by ChrisCas aka Superautobacs, on Flickr

 

[tamaraw]

since clips eventually break or the spring wears out

It uses a pair of slightly convex sliders 180 degrees out from each other. The design is very robust and the idea of it breaking or wearing out is pretty much a nonsense scenario.
See photos below:

 

[mikey03]

Anyone got both clip and magnetic kind? Which do you like better?

I can’t find it in their catalog for me I think the ultimate one would be 16mm 6 point magnetic with built in extension one piece so nothing to slip off

 

[Pexto]

Anyone got both clip and magnetic kind? Which do you like better?

I can’t find it in their catalog for me I think the ultimate one would be 16mm 6 point magnetic with built in extension one piece so nothing to slip off

I don't have a magnetic one - having tried the clip, I don't feel the need to try anything else. The clips really are fantastic.

Besides, every magnetic socket I've ever used ends up with swarf and **** sticking to it. And that's the very last thing I want anywhere near an open spark plug hole.

The guys upthread saying things like "Should have bought one years ago." and "It’s all I use now." mirror my thoughts exactly.

 

[tamaraw]

Anyone got both clip and magnetic kind? Which do you like better?

I have used the Koken spring clip, generic rubber insert type, and the magnetic type. At the end of the day, they will all do the job.

The downside of the cheap rubber type is that it gets oily/gross pretty easily and the rubber can slip out of the socket or stay on the plug when you go to pull it out.

Magnetic can hold ok depending upon the strength of the magnet in question, but I find sticking to other ferrous materials in your work area or storage to be obnoxious.

The mechanical grip of the Koken spring clip type tends to hold the plug more securely than the magnetic types in my experience. Even if the plug gets bumped or pushed around a little, it still holds, whearas magnetic might release if it gets pulled too far out. It also takes up slop and gives superior feel for starting the threads by hand.

I can’t find it in their catalog for me I think the ultimate one would be 16mm 6 point magnetic with built in extension one piece so nothing to slip off

I still don't get what you think is going to come apart that wouldn't on a magnetic model. But hey, if you want magnetic, then get magnetic.

 

[richfinn]

Anyone got both clip and magnetic kind? Which do you like better?

I can’t find it in their catalog for me I think the ultimate one would be 16mm 6 point magnetic with built in extension one piece so nothing to slip off

I have both Magnetic and clip style, the 14mm 12 point is magnetic because it would not be possible to make it in the current 6 point clip style.

Lots of Euro cars use smaller 14mm hex 12 point spark plugs nowadays (particularly GDi engines) because they now have to squeeze the injector in to the combustion chamber along with the four valves and the spark plug.

My 16mm is also magnetic and 12 point, but the 21mm is 6 point clip style (I only have this for classic cars really)

The Z series plug sockets have slightly thinner walls which can help when the plug aperture is very narrow (BMW etc.) and they are more of a precise fit on a Ko-ken Z square drive extension.

 

[mikey03]

Damn okay I think you guys convinced me to go clip instead of magnet I just think magnets are cool

 

[Qualitytools]

One of the arguments against magnets in spark plug sockets is that the magnet can and will break while the clip will not.

 

[dyermullet]

The Z series plug sockets have slightly thinner walls which can help when the plug aperture is very narrow (BMW etc.) and they are more of a precise fit on a Ko-ken Z square drive extension.

They are the same diameter. How is the wall thickness different?

 

[richfinn]

They are the same diameter. How is the wall thickness different?

Have a look at superautobacs pics, if you look carefully at the regular 3305P vs the 3305Z series you will see it, I will see what measurements my supplier has but I suspect they are not quite correct.

 

[dyermullet]

Have a look at superautobacs pics, if you look carefully at the regular 3305P vs the 3305Z series you will see it, I will see what measurements my supplier has but I suspect they are not quite correct.

The dimensions are already listed in post #5 straight from the catalog.


I am still happy with the clip style.

 

[dyermullet]

Damn okay I think you guys convinced me to go clip instead of magnet I just think magnets are cool

So far I am still happy with the clip style. Wish I would have purchased years ago.

 

[richfinn]

The dimensions are already listed in post #5 straight from the catalog.


I am still happy with the clip style.

I don't think the Ko-ken catalogue measurements are always correct (they might be for the 6 point clip styles though due to how the clip is arranged)

https://www.uktools.com/16mm-38drive-70mm-long-spark-splug-socket-with-spring-clip.html (no measurements listed for this one)

https://www.uktools.com/koken-3300cz-16-16mm-38dr-z-series-spark-plug-socket.html (they do list measurements for this version)