How is this tool not better know by every one???

[WILD-BILL]

When I worked in the auto center at sears a guy I worked with there had one of these spark plug installers that just flat out made any plug change a breeze. All the markings were wore off and he couldn't remember where he got it from so after I left there I had been on the hunt for one of my own.

Seems all my searches came up empty and no I talked to had any idea of what I was referring to.

But now, after 3 yrs of hunting the right combination of words were dropped into Google and victory was mine.

This handy little thing is such a life saver I ordered 3. One for work, home, and my race car trailer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IE5TSQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you happen to have one you can atest to how usefull iit is.

If you don't have one and do even the occasional spark plug change, I guarantee you wont be sorry for getting one.

 

[gdocktor3]

You’ve been a member since 2011. You never asked about it on here?

 

[PugetDude]

I always just used a piece of fuel line to start hard-to-reach plugs.

 

[apollo11]

same here

 

[kkroger]

Ditto...

 

[signcrafter]

These are so much nicer then a hose. Until you use one you will have no idea how nice they are. Sure if all you work on is older cars with lots of room in the engine bay then a hose is great. But if you're working on the back plugs of a transverse engine by the firewall in a cramped engine bay then you will see how nice this 10 bucks tool can make your life.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319373&highlight=Spark+plug

 

[454ragtop]

As mentioned, head and shoulders above a piece of fuel line. You set to the shape you want and it holds it, not flopping around like a piece of hose. I've had one for years, and mentioned it a little while back in one of those threads like little known tools or lifesavers or something.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376130&highlight=spark+plug&page=3

 

[WILD-BILL]

You’ve been a member since 2011. You never asked about it on here?

As dumb as this sounds that thought never even occurred to me.

The wealth of knowledge here continues to amaze me.

 

[jonesg]

As dumb as this sounds that thought never even occurred to me .

What did you say that for, I was beginning to think you were smart. !

 

[WILD-BILL]

What did you say that for, I was beginning to think you were smart. !

A common mistake

 

[johndeereman]

I just ordered one just because i'm sure it will help with SPRING MAINTENANCE.

 

[Rlfd213]

I have had the same one and use it regularly for the last 20+ years. It is really worth the couple bucks it costs.

 

[lugnut71]

I have a blow gun made from the same stuff, works awesome to blow around hard to reach plugs

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

A similar product has been in use for over 40 years to direct coolant on to metal cutting tools used in the machining industry. Never seen it used in this application. Spend a little time here, learn a whole lot!

 

[davethorik]

A similar product has been in use for over 40 years to direct coolant on to metal cutting tools used in the machining industry. Never seen it used in this application. Spend a little time here, learn a whole lot!

Yes Loc-Line! Pretty good stuff. I think someone posted a Worx electric screwdriver the other day on here and it came with a flexible extension with these on the exterior.

 

[fnieto]

Owned one (all black) since the early 90's. Handy for those plugs towards the rear firewall.

 

[Fedwrench]

Knew of this model and the probably more popular one from Thexton. Never felt a need for either one.
I've always used a knurled spark plug socket of varying length to start spark plugs
I still don't think I'm missing out on anything. Good thing most of the vehicles I service have iridium plugs that last 100K miles or so

 

[bczygan]

Just ordered one for my Astro Van. $13 something but free with points.

Bill

 

[gdocktor3]

Does this thing accept any size spark plug?

 

[manwithtools]

Snap loc line, very common in the machining world. Never thought of it for this use....

 

[454ragtop]

Does this thing accept any size spark plug?

Yes. Does a real nice job of grabbing the wire tower of the spark plug.

 

[Gmonkee]

Didn't know a tool was made but have used the hose trick a long time.

I learned it from a guy 50 years my senior at the time.

 

[mikeceli]

So where can they be purchased?

 

[454ragtop]

So where can they be purchased?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IE5TSQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[signcrafter]

Snap loc line, very common in the machining world. Never thought of it for this use....

While they are similar this tool is a lot more then snap loc line. The loc line bends to whatever shape you need. The end has a foam like insert that holds the spark plug, but if it starts to thread wrong the plug will spin in the foam so not causing any damage. Then you just twist the other end, there is some kind of cable or linkage inside from end to end. But the outside doesn't spin.

So if you're doing back plugs on an engine you can basically bend it in a U shape. Stick it with a plug in the hole and twist the knob and it threads the plug. Unlike with a hose the whole thing spins and flops and doesn't hold the same shape. It's hard to explain and until you use one you won't appreciate it.

If I get some time I will try to take some pics of mine in use. Or even a video if I get time.

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks for sharing, I will have to get one as I just replaced my spark plugs and as always some are more difficult to reach than others.