Any spark plug sockets that don't ****?

[xjfish]

Gearwrench set is great. I have the rebadged Matco set. Hardly use my Snap-On plug sockets anymore... After heavy use a couple of the collars have come loose and I've had to warranty them.

 

[Snapped-off]

Don't think anyone mentioned the new astro set. Definitely worth a look if you're considering gearwrench.

 

[toolmutt]

Don't think anyone mentioned the new astro set. Definitely worth a look if you're considering gearwrench.

Have been happy with mine so far.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I just picked up a magnetic Snapon one and while it was expensive it works extremely well.

 

[bubinga]

Don't think anyone mentioned the new astro set. Definitely worth a look if you're considering gearwrench.

Have been happy with mine so far.

Is this it?
https://www.ebay.com/i/313195998523...1291&msclkid=7e8f12992a121c6fd2694df67bc70876

 

[Snapped-off]

Is this it?
https://www.ebay.com/i/313195998523...1291&msclkid=7e8f12992a121c6fd2694df67bc70876

Yes, 94404. It should come with a plastic tray.

 

[spyerx]

I use Gear wrench magnetic with built in swivel, a finger ratchet, and a compact snap on 3/8 ratchet, compact torque wrench make 911 plug changes super easy. The factory tool included with older porsches is a swivel design. Tight access, deep Wells, aluminum heads ...finger ratchets keep those plugs from cross threading!

 

[demarpaint]

Another vote for the GW set.

 

[Slednut]

My dad who was a mechanic and always bought Snap-on purchased these many years ago. The rubber inserts still hold the plugs and work flawlessly.

 

[lbhsbz]

Glue the rubber into the socket with contact cement.

 

[Coach James]

I have the magnetic sockets with 10" flex extensions, Duralast. So much better than my sockets with rubber inserts.

Coach

 

[wafrederick]

My Matco magnetic spark plug socket is my go to spark plug socket set.Also have a magnetic Lang 5/8 spark plug socket too,my go to as well.Found this out and I have not done it yet,don't spray brake clean in the magnetic spark plug sockets.Brake clean dissolves the glue holding the magnet in.

 

[overkill19]

My son bought me this Mac kit for Xmas! It’s been awesome!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[chappys4life]

GW and Matco (rebrand gw) all the way. Worked on all kinds of different engines without a hiccup.Love rubber and magnetic

 

[anndel]

I bought a Gearwrench magnetic socket with built in swivel extension. Works great for OHC engines with deep spark plug wells.

+1 for the GW magnetic socket. For deeper wells I just put on a locking extension so it doesn't drop and ding the electrode.

 

[GrantCee]

Another vote for the Koken sockets with the spring retainers. Like all Koken products, they're top quality.

 

[Outahere]

Another vote for the Koken sockets with the spring retainers. Like all Koken products, they're top quality.

After seeing all the good reviews of Koken plug sockets in various threads here, I ordered a pair this morning from Zoro.com, with a 20% off code: AUG23

#3340C-16 16mm standard, with spring clip $16.04
#3300C-16 16mm, short flex, with spring clip $28.55

 

[CS454]

Still no offerings in 1/4" for the discerning patron though

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Magnets or clips are the way to go... One of the most overlooked aspects of sparkplugs is the need to keep the porcelain insulator clean. Any contamination will either cause arcing that will eventually cause issues or trap material that will do the same. With many plugs now buried in the center of the head it's nearly impossible to clean them once installed so using a socket that holds the insulator with foam or rubber is bad.

I provide support for large gas engines (28L - 91L) and one of the most common issues I see is misfires caused by improper spark plug handling either by customers or qualified technicians. Plugs should be cleaned with Isopropyl after installation or immediately prior to remove all contamination, even oils from your hands can cause problems.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

whatever brand you get, just get magnetic one.

 

[Sumboodie]

Just made me laugh. Newest gas engine setup I've worked on aside from small engines is probably older than most of the folks on here.

 

[no704]

Use baby powder

 

[Vwpower]

Gearwrench. The three piece set.
Edit:
I guess mine are kd not gearwrench. Lol

 

[WWheeler]

I guess mine are kd not gearwrench. Lol

GW and KD are the same thing. Used to be sometimes I'd order one and receive the other.

Luv'em.

 

[InjectorService]

I like those KoKen, but do they seriously have 20.8mm stamped on them instead of 13/16?? That would just be dumb.

 

[gilbo]

Ko-Ken have a really good selection of spark plug sockets in virtually any configuration you want

What he said

 

[DemoFly]

Be careful with the magnetic sockets, they'll crack an insulator if you're not paying attention.

I actually don't even use spark plug sockets to install plugs anymore. I use a spark plug installer. Heads are just too soft now to risk a socket on an extension crossing threads.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCIX9E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got some off the truck that look like these, they aren't branded tho.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Does not ****:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH5ZDMD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[WWheeler]

Be careful with the magnetic sockets, they'll crack an insulator if you're not paying attention.

I have seen the porcelain cracked by someone using a Snap-on magnetic swivel spark plug socket before, but I've never with one of my gearwrench and they've seen hundreds, several, of spark plugs and I've never given any thought to being 'careful' with them. I've only ever been as careful as need be with the spark plugs not to strip any threads in the head, same as I do with any spark plug socket.

Edit: Come to think of it, I do have a modified 9/16 Gearwrench spark plug magnetic swivel sockets custom made just for Ford 5.4L Triton plugs because the Gearwrench as they come didn't fit them correctly and could definitely break one if you didn't notice. I wonder if that or similar might be where the claim they can break spark plugs comes from?

 

[bubinga]

Be careful with the magnetic sockets, they'll crack an insulator if you're not paying attention.

I actually don't even use spark plug sockets to install plugs anymore. I use a spark plug installer. Heads are just too soft now to risk a socket on an extension crossing threads.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCIX9E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got some off the truck that look like these, they aren't branded tho.

always used a LONG straight spark plug boot, and/or a length of old 3/8" fuel line at the tune up shops.

 

[Dave455]

I like those KoKen, but do they seriously have 20.8mm stamped on them instead of 13/16?? That would just be dumb.

The KoKen are superb in every respect. I have found none better.

Yes, they do have 20.8 on them. Yes, that is a bit daft. KoKen have a very international market, and sadly, people from some countries struggle with fractions - instead of reading the number as 13 x (a convenient small unit) they think there is arithmetic involved! Many other manufacturers from metric countries do the same.

Personally, I find the sockets so good that I forgive them! The brass bushing protects the socket well, and the metal spring clips are the best I’ve found - the socket is easy to push over plug but holds it rigidly.

If you are dealing with recessed plugs though, I advise the “extended” sockets rather than using an extension. The socket grips the plug so positively, that you will lose the plug from a conventional extension when you remove it.

 

[mike93lx]

If you are dealing with recessed plugs though, I advise the “extended” sockets rather than using an extension. The socket grips the plug so positively, that you will lose the plug from a conventional extension when you remove it.

I recently picked up some locking extensions for this reason. They're great

 

[Dave455]

I recently picked up some locking extensions for this reason. They're great

Yes, that’s the other option!

I have to admit I really like the extended sockets - they are very “slick”, and without a joint between socket and extension I find it’s easier to avoid cross threading. Even the knurling is perfect for starting the plug by hand.

You also seem to retain the “feel” better.

If I had the Z Series / Zeal plug sockets I would be very interested in these new Z Series locking extensions.

 

[SteadyC]

 

[seber]

Be careful with the magnetic sockets, they'll crack an insulator if you're not paying attention.

I actually don't even use spark plug sockets to install plugs anymore. I use a spark plug installer. Heads are just too soft now to risk a socket on an extension crossing threads.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCIX9E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got some off the truck that look like these, they aren't branded tho.

Rubber hose.

 

[Pexto]

...

I have to admit I really like the extended sockets - they are very “slick”, and without a joint between socket and extension I find it’s easier to avoid cross threading. Even the knurling is perfect for starting the plug by hand.

You also seem to retain the “feel” better.

Spot on.

I picked up one of the Koken long spark plug sockets this spring based on the recommendations here on GJ. So far I've only installed 12 spark plugs with it, but I absolutely love it! What Dave says above is exactly how I've found myself using it. The socket holds the plug very precisely, and with no extension there is no play to speak of, so it's easy to see when you have everything lined up perfectly, and you get excellent feel for starting the threads. Thread it in with fingers on the robust knurling, then pop the ratchet on for final torque, easy peasy.

I used to own a truck that had had a plug cross-threaded before I bought it. This was 40 years ago, when plugs had to be replaced often, and it was always an anxious struggle to get a plug in that cylinder without cross-threading it. Since then I've always been a bit paranoid about cross-threading plugs. So the Koken socket has been really good for my mental health!

 

[Coach James]

The KoKen are superb in every respect. I have found none better.

Yes, they do have 20.8 on them. Yes, that is a bit daft. KoKen have a very international market, and sadly, people from some countries struggle with fractions - instead of reading the number as 13 x (a convenient small unit) they think there is arithmetic involved! Many other manufacturers from metric countries do the same.

Personally, I find the sockets so good that I forgive them! The brass bushing protects the socket well, and the metal spring clips are the best I’ve found - the socket is easy to push over plug but holds it rigidly.

If you are dealing with recessed plugs though, I advise the “extended” sockets rather than using an extension. The socket grips the plug so positively, that you will lose the plug from a conventional extension when you remove it.

Dave, do you have the extended magnetic ones or spring clip ones?
Thanks
Coach

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Ko-ken with the Ko-ken swivel extension.

 

[Jblount3]

I have the Matco magnetic set and they are nice

 

[Pexto]

Dave, do you have the extended magnetic ones or spring clip ones?
Thanks
Coach

In Dave's second picture, you can see the spring clip in the socket (at 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock).