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Good Spark Plug Tools....

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dragonle87

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Sep 10, 2010
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210
I have the typical 5/8 & 13/16 from SnapOn
I recent had to change spark plugs on a 2001 Nissan Xterra & my god....the spark plug that's near the firewall is a pain in the ***....
All I have are "standard" extensions & a swivel, but i still couldnt get to it.

Does anybody have recommendations on additional tools to use?
Like a "flex spark plug socket"?
 
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Tarheelgarage

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Dec 14, 2008
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NC
S-K Flex plug sockets have saved my bacon many times.
Part numbers 4490, 4480. Sold in two pack set.
 
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csmitty

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Dec 17, 2010
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SO has universal spark plug sockets, if thats what you mean. Been meaning to get some. They also have locking swivels. wouldn't mind some of those either. Thats always my problams.
 
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csmitty

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Dec 17, 2010
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mlittle29 said:
I have these. They are great and have a bit longer reach than a normal fixed SP Socket.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=67390&PartNo=S9709B&group_id=1348&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=86764&PartNo=S9710A&group_id=1348&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
Click to expand...


Do they have the same misalignment as the universal joint type? I can see the industrial finish being helpful for a spark plug socket.
 
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mlittle29

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Jul 20, 2011
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Oklahoma City
csmitty said:
Do they have the same misalignment as the universal joint type? I can see the industrial finish being helpful for a spark plug socket.
Click to expand...

I believe so if i understand what your talking about. I have never had a problem getting to any plug as long as you have one of these and a nice extension...even a wobble will help some too.
 
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GeorgiaHybrid

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Extreme NW Georgia
I'm with tarheel on this one...These have saved me a lot of time over the years:

SparkPlugSocket.jpg


SK double swivel sockets.
 
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dan1120

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Mar 23, 2011
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Location
Dallas, TX
dragonle87 said:
I have the typical 5/8 & 13/16 from SnapOn
I recent had to change spark plugs on a 2001 Nissan Xterra & my god....the spark plug that's near the firewall is a pain in the ***....
All I have are "standard" extensions & a swivel, but i still couldnt get to it.

Does anybody have recommendations on additional tools to use?
Like a "flex spark plug socket"?
Click to expand...

I know the pain buddy. Ive had to do those also. I remove the hood and end up standing/squatting on the intake manifold, scary business. Then getting the boot on is just as bad. I use the matco kit, SPK5. http://matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPK5/5PC-MAGNETIC-5-8-SPARK-PLUG/ I absolutely love it.
 
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dragonle87

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Sep 10, 2010
Messages
210
thanks for the input guys!!!!

The flex extension isnt a bad idea at all. I was thinking of buying a set of locking extensions anyways...just so damn pricey!!!

Hey, is it me or the SO spark plug socket doesnt hold the spark plug very well....
 
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saturdaymechanic

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Jan 17, 2011
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276
Location
Maryland, DC area
It's not my thread, but I also appreciate the replies. I have the GW magnetic 3" swivel that is gold when using on my 2000 Altima. But looking through my wife's owner's manual for the 2011 Murano, 3 of the plugs are behind the intake manifold.

This has put me off from doing the job when it's needed, but now I may reevaulate with some new tools.
 
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DrkMtnDew

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Sep 24, 2010
Messages
1,465
if i end up using something other than a straight sockets it is usually the SO double joint (S9721A) or the single joint (S9710KC). they were a little pricey but well worth every penny.
 
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Skin

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Boston
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DrkMtnDew

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Sep 24, 2010
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if space get real tight i've had to use a locking flex gearwrench on the spark plug socket to break it loose. then taken a piece of fuel line and put it on the plug to turn it the rest of the way.
 
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fr0mastaj

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Jan 18, 2010
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MA
GeorgiaHybrid said:
I'm with tarheel on this one...These have saved me a lot of time over the years:


SK double swivel sockets.
Click to expand...

That looks very promising! Could i turn that to about 70-80 degrees and put an extension on it and still have any torque to work with?

Also, where did you buy your set from? I googled and very limited sellers... only one appears to be SJdiscount...
 
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Wesley B

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I've been thinking about this set, since it comes with a ratchet also. lol. But it would be nice if it came with the longer extensions.
 
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dragonle87

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Wesley B

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I know the 1/4 drive flex extensions **** as far as getting any kind of torque on a fastener.
 
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dragonle87

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Sep 10, 2010
Messages
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DrkMtnDew said:
if space get real tight i've had to use a locking flex gearwrench on the spark plug socket to break it loose. then taken a piece of fuel line and put it on the plug to turn it the rest of the way.
Click to expand...

the job i was trying to do was right next to the firewall...
There's no way I can feel the tip of the spark plug or see it other than using an inspection mirror. It was mainly hit or miss, but with my limited tools: swivel, spark plug socket, & extension wasnt enough.

So I wanted some additional tools for the near future when I come across again.
 
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scott37300

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May 5, 2010
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3,450
Location
Wisconsin
Spark plugs need a variety of tools for different engines. First I REALLY love this ratcher, http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21365&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog. It really gets in some tight spots.

Then I use a variety of extensions if needed. I like locking extensions for plugs down deep. Also use wobble extensions to get some more angle if needed.

As for sockets I have a variety, from the standard to U-joint style to double swivel. They all have their places and all are worth the money when you can get a plug job done easily without fighting a cramped engine compartment.
 
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littletoes

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Nov 9, 2010
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Location
NE Washington
Doesn't Snappy make some locking extensions?

The problem I have, when you "get" it, something will come un-done, and you have to START ALL OVER! That's what is aggravating to me. May just have to get some locking extensions.....
 
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illmatyk

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Sep 6, 2009
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Yigo, Guam
Nice to see this thread as I will be working on a Pathfinder this week and was warned about the number 6 plug.

Looks like I will be buying me some new spark plug sockets soon too.

:beer:
 
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83diesel

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Feb 9, 2008
Messages
206
dan1120 said:
I know the pain buddy. Ive had to do those also. I remove the hood and end up standing/squatting on the intake manifold, scary business. Then getting the boot on is just as bad. I use the matco kit, SPK5. http://matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPK5/5PC-MAGNETIC-5-8-SPARK-PLUG/ I absolutely love it.
Click to expand...

After having the Matco set I don't like using any other spark plug sockets. Use to think a spark plug socket was a spark plug socket. Don't spend a lot of time fumbling looking for dropped spark plugs, don't have to worry about the rubber deteriorating from oil and have yet to break a spark plug due to the socket hugging the spark plug.
 
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dankicksass

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dragonle87 said:
what about this from Matco:
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPK5/5PC-MAGNETIC-5-8-SPARK-PLUG/

Is there something equivalent to it?
Click to expand...

Napa and Gearwrench both sell that, but you'll have to put it together from a couple different sku's. It's not a bad deal from Matco, really...

KD/Gearwrench pn# 41730 and 41740 put together makes Matco SPK5, with an extra 6in 5/8 swivel, at about the same $85 cost. Or you can get the 5/8, 13/16 and 9/16 (Ford) 6in swivels from KD/Gearwrench at Advance for about $37, and use your own extensions to do the rest. Just search for "magnetic spark plug socket" on Advance and you'll see them there. Save yourself $10 with coupon code A123.

I've used those for a little over a year, can't believe I went so long without them. Every job is easier with a good tool.
 
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shampoop

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Location
SW Washington
I'm really glad I invested in some SO locking impact extensions. I use them for everything all the time. So far I've done great with just them, a swivel extension/universal, and a regular spark plug socket.
 
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Skin

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Feb 24, 2010
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dankicksass said:
It's not a bad deal from Matco, really...
Click to expand...

I know its amazing :shocking:

Perhaps they forgot to stick a 1 in front but its really not a terrible deal for a Matco retail price. The other thing to factor in is warranty. The KD sets have been discontinued so to me thats worth an extra tenner.
 
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dankicksass

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Skin said:
I know its amazing :shocking:

Perhaps they forgot to stick a 1 in front but its really not a terrible deal for a Matco retail price. The other thing to factor in is warranty. The KD sets have been discontinued so to me thats worth an extra tenner.
Click to expand...

The Ford swivel socket is only available in old KD, for what it's worth. The old KD sets are still available in Napa brand, but they're expensive if your Napa guy doesn't cut you a good break, or as KD while stock lasts. Current and future KD catalog is specialty tools only, with Gearwrench and Allen taking over the old KD product lines a year ago or so. I wouldn't worry about warranty too much, Danaher/Apex has plenty of venues to take counter trades.

This other spark plug socket set from Matco is an OTC rebrand, and I don't like it. Costs about half as much with an OTC label on it instead of Matco. I think Dragon found the one bargain in the whole Matco catalog.
 
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dragonle87

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Sep 10, 2010
Messages
210
I may consider buying the Matco magnetic swivel spark plug sockets. Such a good deal.
Thanks dankickass
 
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