Gearwrench magnetic 5/8" spark plug socket - $7.69

[gamp945]

Nothing huge here, but if you need a good spark plug socket, the Gearwrench magnetic ones seem highly recommended. I believe these are also rebranded by Matco.

Advance Auto has the 5/8", 6-inch long version for $10.99. You can apply the coupon SAVINGS for an extra 30% off and pick up for free, for a total of $7.69. The lowest prices I can find elsewhere are eBay (~14) and Amazon (~15).

Gearwrench 5/8" magnetic swivel spark plug socket

They also have the 13/16" version for $14.99, which comes to $10.50 after discount. The lowest price I can find elsewhere is Cripe Distributing, which is also $10.50.

Gearwrench 13/16" magnetic swivel spark plug socket

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'll mention that for the 5/8 version, the gearwrench versions are the way to go and NOT Snap On. The Snap On 5/8 version of this is too bulky to be used on some vehicles (subaru), so get the gearwrench version.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350204

Favorite spark plug socket of mine...

 

[jumbojak]

I have that socket. While I like the idea mine tends to want to twist to one side when dropping a plug back in the hole. I tried using it a few times but fear of cross threading keeps me away from using that one anymore. It flops over at the slightest little bump.

 

[CTyankee]

Bought one a couple of years ago to change the plugs in my mini-van You can barely see the plugs, never mind try and get them out. Turned what I'm sure would have been a frustrating job into a fairly simple one.

 

[jshillin]

I have one and it works great. It's my go to sparkplug socket. I may just pick up the 13/16" as well.

 

[timdgsr]

Just bought one of these the other day. I went ahead and picked up another at this price. Thanks for the heads up

 

[disston]

My 4.6 Ford uses this size plug and they are in a narrow deep well. I bought a socket for this back when I got my first 4.6 engine about 12 years ago. I think it's a K Tool. An aftermarket manufacturer like Lisle or many others. The socket is not marked so I can't be sure. This socket uses a rubber insert to hold the plug and has worked very well for a lot of years. Don't think I need to change but I'm wondering. What is, if any, an advantage of having a magnetic insert over a rubber insert? Maybe they are just a matter of choice. But I like my rubber insert socket. I think it may be better even.

 

[bubinga]

l have the set, think it has the 13/16, and the 5/8 and it has the ratchet.
It works nice.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

This socket uses a rubber insert to hold the plug and has worked very well for a lot of years. Don't think I need to change but I'm wondering. What is, if any, an advantage of having a magnetic insert over a rubber insert? Maybe they are just a matter of choice. But I like my rubber insert socket.

The rubber insert comes off (unglued) after years of use and won't hold the plug when you need it most. I love my magnetic holder!

 

[disston]

The rubber insert comes off (unglued) after years of use and won't hold the plug when you need it most. I love my magnetic holder!

Everything wears out. Even magnets lose their magnetism eventually. The Universe is converting everything to entropy.

The rubber plug in my K Tool spark plug socket seems made of a robust type of rubber. I expect it to outlast me.

 

[thugline]

Thanks, OP. I ordered two.

 

[M-technik-3]

Wich I had a thin walled 18mm magnetic one. Snap On is crazy priced as is the Hazet one.

 

[Nick Danger]

Thanks.

 

[timdgsr]

What is, if any, an advantage of having a magnetic insert over a rubber insert?

The reason I'm trying the magnetic over my older rubber insert model is the rubber holds onto the plug better than my extension holds onto the socket. I end up using a regular 5/8 socket to install it and the plug falls in. Probably not a big deal, but always makes me think I'm gonna change the gap or crack the porcelain.

For me, this is a cheaper solution than locking extensions

 

[nczo6]

Just ordered some, thanks.

 

[RoadBeater]

Good find, Thanks!

 

[lightning02]

do they make a full set of these in all sizes like in a case of some sort?

 

[gamp945]

do they make a full set of these in all sizes like in a case of some sort?

They do, it is part number 41730D. I tried ordering it last month from Zoro and found out after waiting several weeks that it has been discontinued.

In any case, it is less expensive to purchase these same 3 sockets from advance auto (although you don't get a case). The 9/16" Socket is available here, but that is pretty specialized spark plug socket size.

 

[nczo6]

mac or matco can't remember still sells the "kit" but one of the sockets is longer 12" maybe and it is quite a bit more since it is rebranded.

 

[graffix000]

The original savings code of SAVINGS has expired, but you can replace the code with SCW227 and save the same 30%.

Going to be picking up one later tonight.

 

[djb2]

The rubber insert comes off (unglued) after years of use and won't hold the plug when you need it most. I love my magnetic holder!

My 'best' spark plug socket has a rubber insert that sometimes grips the plug better than it stays in the socket. It's frustrating torquing down the new plug, only to find that it must be removed to retrieve the rubber insert. Then when the socket+plug is out, the rubber insert stays in the socket as it should.