Best spark plug socket set?

[Smokenarrow]

Guys, I'm looking for suggestions on a complete spark plug socket set. I would prefer magnetic over rubber inserts. I'm open to all suggestions on what you have and what you've used that works well. Extensions, swivels, blow mold case included...tell me what you like and what you would rather have. Price is not a huge issue, but I'm looking to spend $500 on a set either. I have all but worn out my cheap ones and today I had to use regular sockets and magnets to get them out of the head. I wrench for a living but I'm not "brand loyal". What works? I'm all ears.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I've been using my Craftsman spark plug sockets with rubber inserts for decades with no problem. Only magnetic spark plug socket I ever used was for an airplane spark plug.

Chris

 

[GTA Matt]

Other then having the rubber inserts, the Mac tools SPK9 set is pretty hard to beat.

 

[johnny5c]

+1 on the SPK9, really hard to find a more complete set.

 

[Karl_B]

I like the Koken spark plug sockets because of the clips. I bought 180 mm long set, but I would like to pick up the regular version and the 250 mm ones.

I picked up a used Snap-On socket that used a different style of clip. It grew legs and I haven't bothered to track down another. It was a dollar pawn shop find.

I much prefer clips to magnets or rubber.

 

[czgunner]

I have a Matco marked magnetic set that I love.

 

[92integra]

matco has a re-branded gw set that i plan on getting matco spk5. i haven't really looked but cant find tho whole set under the gear wrench name.

 

[mattyrattypoo]

^ I think what you are talking about is this.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Spark-Plug-Service-Kit/dp/B000K1Q7PG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1396155286&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+spark+plug+socket+set

I have this same set, only branded Napa. It works well!

 

[Glammers37]

I have a Matco marked magnetic set that I love.

I agree, absolutely love them

 

[superautobacs]

I like the Koken spark plug sockets because of the clips. I bought 180 mm long set, but I would like to pick up the regular version and the 250 mm ones.

I picked up a used Snap-On socket that used a different style of clip. It grew legs and I haven't bothered to track down another. It was a dollar pawn shop find.

I much prefer clips to magnets or rubber.

I like theirs clip retention system as well and I have both the Zeal and standard models, including their universal jointed ones. The Zeal version in particular has an extremely slim profile.

 

[nicksnothereman]

^ I think what you are talking about is this.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Spark-Plug-Service-Kit/dp/B000K1Q7PG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1396155286&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+spark+plug+socket+set

I have this same set, only branded Napa. It works well!

That's probably what I would buy (kd or gearwrench probably the same) but I don't have the same requirements as op. Never a problem coming out but can be an issue going back in (to get the socket to release) if you don't use di-electric grease.

 

[czgunner]

Here you go.
Matco set

 

[pfhWJ]

Matco Set, picked mine up from 77 off the truck a couple of weeks ago when it was on sale

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Best set i have is the Matco SPK5 set. Even has 9/16. I almost grabbed a snap on set last week used, but it wasn't as comprehensive as the matco.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Not sure if the matco one is a danahar product, but this is what the label says.

 

[Flivver250]

I bought my Snap-Ons in 1978 and they are still in action 36 years later. I am pretty sure I got my money's worth.

 

[Farmall450]

I've been using my Craftsman spark plug sockets with rubber inserts for decades with no problem. Only magnetic spark plug socket I ever used was for an airplane spark plug.

Chris

Same, the kobalt kit that came with the flex head ratchet wasn't bad either, I use it all the time now.

 

[dsimatt]

Not sure if the matco one is a danahar product, but this is what the label says.

I have the same set and is nice thou I really only needed just 2 of the sockets since I'm in a diesel shop. I also noticed it was rebadged from a different brand but I got it on special so not gonna complain.

 

[Hantke]

I know I seem to be on a roll with this, but have you checked Napa auto parts? they have some nice sets (i believe both magnetic and rubber) in the Evercraft brand and if you work at a shop chances are you get a discount (bonus!). I've been using the **** outta my ever craft stuff lately.
(I assume you mean best for Price + Longevity?) May be worth hitting Matco or Snap-On since you work in a professional field though.

 

[Smokenarrow]

Best set i have is the Matco SPK5 set. Even has 9/16. I almost grabbed a snap on set last week used, but it wasn't as comprehensive as the matco.

That is a nice looking set, I'll have to check that one out. Thanks!

 

[Smokenarrow]

I know I seem to be on a roll with this, but have you checked Napa auto parts? they have some nice sets (i believe both magnetic and rubber) in the Evercraft brand and if you work at a shop chances are you get a discount (bonus!). I've been using the **** outta my ever craft stuff lately.
(I assume you mean best for Price + Longevity?) May be worth hitting Matco or Snap-On since you work in a professional field though.

There are 2 Napa stores around me and they are both a JOKE. I know the one is independently owned by a Ford dealership and they stock bottom of the barrel tools. The other store, closer to me, has NO tools in stock what so ever. They are both worthless. Thanks for the info though. If I'm ever traveling and see a Napa that is bigger than my porch, I'll swing in and see what they offer for selection.

 

[Hantke]

There are 2 Napa stores around me and they are both a JOKE. I know the one is independently owned by a Ford dealership and they stock bottom of the barrel tools. The other store, closer to me, has NO tools in stock what so ever. They are both worthless. Thanks for the info though. If I'm ever traveling and see a Napa that is bigger than my porch, I'll swing in and see what they offer for selection.

Our Auto-Zone is like that, kinda sad because where i used to live Auto-Zone was awesome. Our Napa is locally owned as well, they own roughly 5-6 around the area, but it's mostly a farm community so we have that advantage, plus we also have a bunch of International Harvester and restoration groups operating locally, so they cater more towards hand tools, off-road lighting, and maintenance / repair of most older vehicles. Nice mini-fridges too

 

[gm54210]

I've been using my Craftsman spark plug sockets with rubber inserts for decades with no problem.
Chris

Same here. the rubber insert was a godsend when changing plugs on my '71 Maverick - went through a hole we drilled in the wheel well to get one plug.

 

[Skin]

That's probably what I would buy (kd or gearwrench probably the same) but I don't have the same requirements as op. Never a problem coming out but can be an issue going back in (to get the socket to release) if you don't use di-electric grease.

They are the same as KD but you cant get the exact same set anywhere else. Closest you can get to that Matco set is by combining these two.

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-41730.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-41740.aspx

 

[brettboat]

I've been using my Craftsman spark plug sockets with rubber inserts for decades with no problem. Only magnetic spark plug socket I ever used was for an airplane spark plug.

Chris

Yea, I've never seen magnetic spark plug sockets outside aviation... But that's mainly because we're too afraid to drop a $100 spark plug.

 

[n8n]

The Schwaben spark plug socket for direct injected BMW (14mm? 12 point) is magnetic, and after using it my old rubber insert sockets seem inferior and suckful.

 

[toolz]

I got this set recently, with an additional short wobble extension it is a terrific help at getting hard to reach or deeply recessed plugs. I like the magnetic retention.
33 bucks seemed like a good deal to me!
GearWrench Tools 41740 3-Piece 5/8-Inch Magnetic Universal Spark Plug Service Kit

• 

Click to open expanded view

 

[csargents1546]

Snap on has one that is a wedge style. It works well for me. The only issue I have had is when the plug seats all the way, it can be hard to get the socket off.

 

[young_buck]

That matco set is awesome, I use it at work and you can't beat them, got em on sale for under $80 off the truck and they have made me back that much by not having to replace them when rubber inserts wear out

 

[skywrench]

Brettboat wrote: "Yea, I've never seen magnetic spark plug sockets outside aviation... But that's mainly because we're too afraid to drop a $100 spark plug."

Just to highjack the thread a little, for aircraft sparkplug sockets I've got a Snappy 6106KA with the friction wire clip at the hangar, and ATS-950 with magnetic insert in my tool bag: No strong preference. I mostly turn them with a S.O. FHLF80, but sometimes an "old school" T-bar.

Brettboat, appreciate your comments on that other website.

Skywrench

 

[kapster]

I love my duralast magnetic spark plug sockets, magnetic is the only way to go imo. Not sure if they still make them or if they've changed. Believe they're copies of snap on.

 

[90zcar]

I have 2 different snap on spark plug sockets. The one is a 5/8 swivel and is 30 some years old and the rubber insert inside hasn't cracked or dried out. Works great and I have never had any issues with any of the rubber insert sockets


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