Magnetic Spark plug sockets - GW or Snap On

[chappys4life]

I know this might start a lot of controversy but need to ask this. I am a home mechanic and I probably change spark plugs 1-2 times a year. I need a 5/8 and 13/16 spark plug sockets as I hate my cm rubber inserted ones. I am looking at the gearwrench magnetic with swivel extension for $15 a piece shipped or snap on magnetic for $45 each. There is also the option for the gearwrech kit with both sizes and a bent handle ratchet for $59 not really sure I like the bent handle part wish it was just a reg flex.

So guys being I will not use these for work and just a average home guy help me choose.

 

[Vvmvbb]

Gearwrench for sure.
I see no technical advantage of the Snap On for this kind of duty.
Of course if you just love the tools and the extra $60 buys you the fix you need that's fine too - we all do that from time to time.
I have the GWs and they are real nice.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Get the Matco branded GW sp socket set, about $80.
Has all the sizes and extensions, works great.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

also check out the Duralast magnetic SP sockets.

 

[chappys4life]

Get the Matco branded GW sp socket set, about $80.
Has all the sizes and extensions, works great.

Is it the Matco SPK5? I wish I could just get the 6" in 5/8 and 13/16.

 

[markitsnappy]

I used the gearwrench when I changed the spark plugs on the 17 year old jeep I bought. They were stuck pretty good. I even broke one but I was still able to get it out with that socket. I would definitely recommend them. But of course I'm turning into a snap on freak and I want those now too.

 

[spider3455]

Love the Gearwrench. Just used it last week the change the plugs in my hemi jeep grand cherokee

 

[t100]

rubber hose, $1 a foot.

 

[Skin]

Is it the Matco SPK5? I wish I could just get the 6" in 5/8 and 13/16.

You can

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-41730.aspx

Same sockets, different brand.

 

[Benji]

The snap on one is nice I've had myne abought a year now.

 

[fivespdcat]

The snap on socket is really nice, another member here referenced the lock it sockets and those look nice too. I've never tried the gearwrench socket, but the snap on is thin walled which is required on some vehicles so if that is an issue for you, it might be worth it to spring for the snap on. Otherwise, I wouldn't other with either one, if you don't change them a lot the craftsman is fine...

 

[marcusicp]

I have the Matco branded set and they have been great! I got them on promo about a year ago for about $60. Well worth the money in my opinion.

 

[lilscorpion]

I Chang eplugs on my BBC that has some big headers. Always had a problem with getting to #7 and #8. The day my GW's showed up I tried 'em out and it was magical ( in a "dude, way bad a$$" way). The first plug had me wondering why I'd waited so long. Somehow the magnetic part is strong enough to keep the plug in place 'till you're done but lets go so much better than the rubber boot ones. I purchased the three plug set by the way. Only used the one that you can buy seperately FWIW. If I were to do it all over again, I'd just buy that one but my needs are defined.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

After reading all of the love for these, I just went for a set. Cripe has them on ebay pretty cheap. This is the set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390415353519

And if you go to their store they have the individual sockets as well.