Gearwrench spark plug removal ratchet kit

[biggsean]

Anybody use this product yet?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5EGK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I ordered a set last night after becoming frustrated with using a 3" extension along with a spark plug socket. Seems like this is a great alternative to the swivel 6" socket from snapon that sells for $50, plus it comes with both size sockets, and a ratchet to boot.

 

[PoorOwner]

I havn't experienced the difficulty in changing spark plugs , I just use a 7" extension and it works fine for me? Well the extension on one plug came loose leaving the socket in there but I was using a cheap HF extension then..

my cars are inline-4s so maybe I am spoiled?

 

[biggsean]

I havn't experienced the difficulty in changing spark plugs , I just use a 7" extension and it works fine for me? Well the extension on one plug came loose leaving the socket in there but I was using a cheap HF extension then..

my cars are inline-4s so maybe I am spoiled?

That's the same problem that I have. The extensions come loose, and it becomes difficult to get them back on especially if the engine is warm. There isn't a lot of wiggle room in the engine bays of cars with horizontally opposed cylinders, so any advantage is greatly appreciated.

 

[DavidtheDuke]

That's the same problem that I have. The extensions come loose, and it becomes difficult to get them back on especially if the engine is warm. There isn't a lot of wiggle room in the engine bays of cars with horizontally opposed cylinders, so any advantage is greatly appreciated.

Word from the spoiled: Not a problem with locking SO extensions

 

[PoorOwner]

After the socket fell off my mismatched HF extension and random sparkplug socket, I opened my craftsman USA set and the extension locks on the sockets tightly, at least the craftsman sockets anyway.

but cheap long nose pliers are helpful in extracting the damn thing when it happens.

I mean it's not a bad deal if you feel you need it.. a craftsman flex ratchet like that in the kit costed $30 already (made in USA though) I know on my turbocharged car I take out plugs like every month to inpect.

Oh and when you post an amazon product should tell us how much you get it for, because when there is alot of people browse that product they adjust the price up right away.

 

[Fedwrench]

Locking extensions are the way to go. I have found that the ball wobble type universal spark plug socket pictured in the link is too fat to fit in some spark plug tubes (Snap on model). However, please let us know how the set works out for you. I look for that set often on Ebay but, I haven't found one cheap enough to warrant me buying one yet.

 

[Senorpablo]

I have a Subbie, and use a craftsman locking extension and universal spark-plug socket.

I don't know how I got by without locking extensions, they're so handy.

 

[eschoendorff]

Honestly, I would take the chance on that tool set. I know it's not Made in USA, but GearWrench stuff has not let me down. Their designs seem to mimic the best of Snap on and Matco...

 

[biggsean]

I have a Subbie, and use a craftsman locking extension and universal spark-plug socket.

I don't know how I got by without locking extensions, they're so handy.

What kind of Subaru do you have?

 

[Joe B.]

Those look just like the KD Tools (also Danaher) spark plug sockets. I'd just buy the sockets and use your old ratchet.

 

[biggsean]

Those look just like the KD Tools (also Danaher) spark plug sockets. I'd just buy the sockets and use your old ratchet.

But then I wouldn't have another cool ratchet to add to my collection.

 

[Senorpablo]

What kind of Subaru do you have?

'05 WRX Sedan, Silver. Stock free up, Cobb down pipe and stage 2 map.

90K miles on it. Only issues so far have been: blown upper radiator hose, brake rotors had minor pulsing so I replaced them all, and my glove box is starting to rattle.

Super solid cars!

 

[hamburglar]

...............

 

[biggsean]

'05 WRX Sedan, Silver. Stock free up, Cobb down pipe and stage 2 map.

90K miles on it. Only issues so far have been: blown upper radiator hose, brake rotors had minor pulsing so I replaced them all, and my glove box is starting to rattle.

Super solid cars!

Nice, I also have a 2005 WRX. I have 13,000 miles, and a fully built STI longblock, STI drivetrain/brakes, GT35R, hydra, hydramist, plus tons of other goodies.

Are you on www.wrxmodders.com yet?

 

[Senorpablo]

Nice, I also have a 2005 WRX. I have 13,000 miles, and a fully built STI longblock, STI drivetrain/brakes, GT35R, hydra, hydramist, plus tons of other goodies.

Are you on www.wrxmodders.com yet?

Nice--that's a great wagon sleeper. Did you sell the stock parts for the upgrade?

I'm on Nasioc, but not wrxmodders.

 

[biggsean]

Yeah, I pulled the stock motor and sold the 2.0l longblock at 12,000 or so miles.

You should come check out our site sometime. It's not as massive as Nasioc, but it's a much warmer atmosphere.

 

[biggsean]

Ok guys, I just got this set the other day and I snapped off some pictures this afternoon. As usual, I'm very impressed with the bang for your buck value of Gearwrench. The ratchet itself has a very smooth 60 tooth gear, and the swivel head is very solid.

Here are some pictures:

Here it is in comparison with my Craftsman flex ratchet. The Craftsman ratchet pales in comparison, because it doesn't have as many teeth in it's gearing, and the flex head is much sloppier in operation.

And for scale, compared to my Craftsman low profile ratchet, Craftsman flex ratchet, and Snap-on F80.

 

[eschoendorff]

So you like that GearWrench stuff pretty well then? I gotta say, it looks even better in your pictures than it did on the websites.

Can I ask how much that set cost you?

 

[biggsean]

So you like that GearWrench stuff pretty well then? I gotta say, it looks even better in your pictures than it did on the websites.

Can I ask how much that set cost you?

That's why I love taking pictures.

I got it for just under $54 shipped to my front door.

 

[billymade]

It is pretty amazing how closely Gearwrench is copying Snap-On for the look and design of their tools; that soft grip handle is soooo close to Snap-On, even the GearWrench logo is similar!

 

[Fedwrench]

It is pretty amazing how closely Gearwrench is copying Snap-On for the look and design of their tools; that soft grip handle is soooo close to Snap-On, even the GearWrench logo!

You can't really tell from the pictures but, Gearwrench even has the back side of the soft grip handle flattened like the Snap on soft handles. I guess imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Are the spark plug sockets magnetic?

 

[biggsean]

Yep, the sockets are magnetic.

 

[eschoendorff]

geez... for $54 shipped, man that looks like you did well!

 

[unclemat]

geez... for $54 shipped, man that looks like you did well!

So how did they work for you for the spark plug removal? What is the length of the spark plug socket?

Also, how is this ratchet? I guess for spark plug on Subbie you would rather use a straight handle ratchet (perhaps with a flex head).

 

[biggsean]

I would say the sockets are about 6-6 1/2" long. I haven't had a chance to use the ratchet or the spark plug socket yet, as my motor is currently sitting on an engine stand.

 

[unclemat]

But then it is easy for you to go try well the socket length matches the plug hole!

 

[biggsean]

But then it is easy for you to go try well the socket length matches the plug hole!

Haha, I knew you were going to say that. I'll test it out tonight and report back.

 

[biggsean]

Here are my impressions after testing this kit:

1.) The ratchet is top notch. It's nearly as smooth as my bent handle Dual 80 SnapOn, and the flex section is nice and notchy, with zero floppiness.

2.) I'm not sure if I like the swivel feature of the socket/extension. Seems to be a lot of play, and it just doesn't feel natural. Id like to try this out on a motor that's actually in a car before I determine what the final verdict will be.

 

[bchee]

Oh and when you post an amazon product should tell us how much you get it for, because when there is alot of people browse that product they adjust the price up right away.

Have other people noticed this? I didn't know that.

 

[JayL]

@ biggsean

How are the socket/extensions with swivel doing? Any final feedbacks.

tks

 

[biggsean]

So far so good, it seems to be an exception product thus far. I've really been pleased with all of Gearwrenches ratchet/socket line up until this point.

 

[bchee]

I notice a lot of bent handle ratchets are advertised as 'spark plug removal' ratchets. Anybody else notice this, and why?

 

[JayL]

@BiggSean

I'm a GearWrench Fan too so far ... I'll order this Spark Plug Removal kit.

On a side note. Have you tried their 15 Piece Combination Long Polish Non Ratcheting Wrenches. I found one for around $86 a set and it fits my budget. I wonder if shelling out some more dinero to get the SK ones will be worth it.

 

[chappys4life]

I almost bought this set but I need a 18mm socket . Do they sell additional socket like this?

 

[wrenchr]

Those look just like the KD Tools (also Danaher) spark plug sockets. I'd just buy the sockets and use your old ratchet.

What fun is that??

 

[joshboogie]

I have a question about this ratchet. Is the pin holding the head and shaft together just a pin or can you tighten it?

 

[bchee]

I just bought this 3pc ratchet set. It was on sale again
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5EGK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Honda 1]

I have two sets of the GearWrench brand wrenches and have been really happy with their products. If you are able to buy them on sale, you get a really nice tool for the money.
I'll probably check out some more of their products. They seem to be introducing a lot of new tools.

 

[joshboogie]

You know sometimes I hate you guys.......I just ordered one.....

 

[ImportTuner]

I just bought this 3pc ratchet set. It was on sale again
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5EGK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That's a good price; I just finished paying $39 to Amazon for the all metal bent spark plug ratchet ratchet alone ...