long spark plug socket really needed ?

[Shadowdog500]

I've been using my regular spark plug sockets with an extension without any problems so far. Is there an actual need for this longer socket that I haven't found yet, or is it just a nice to have item?

Chris

 

[nato]

Newer 3V Ford Triton engines....research and you'll see why. I know a couple import/domestic shared overhead cam engine like them as well, simply for the added length to drop into the valve cover/head opening for the plug hole. I don't know if they're considered 'necessary', but i think they are helpful.
Possibly more...other's will chime in!

 

[Deafautotech]

i own 5/8 and 13/16 extra deep spark plug sockets- i used a lot on it... But newer 3v ford engines use 9/16 not 5/8....

i am glad that i got it 5 years ago! it made easy for me to do spark plug replacements... I have about 6 or 7 spark plugs sockets as one normal regular plug socket, mid length socket, extra deep socket, swivel socket, double swivel sockets.... it made my work go easy way to do...

 

[1stwarrior95]

I can't say as it's neccesary, but I like mine because it's easier to turn by hand then a short socket w/extension. (Providing there's room of course.)

 

[geko29]

More than once I've had a standard-length socket slip off the extension while deep inside the valve cover, especially when putting plugs back in. Takes several minutes to retrieve it with needle nose pliers. Something like this would be a godsend for those cases.

 

[holland_patrick]

be glad you don't need one of these also

 

[Hawk321]

Short: NO!
With a proper lockable extension you will never need to waste your money for that.

 

[sk farmer]

be glad you don't need one of these also

i will bite. what is it for? i don't see a size or square drive end and it is very short. curious what it is for or is it a photo shop?

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Looks like a spark plug socket that you have to use a wrench with, no using a ratchet and extension.

Never seen that before....

Adam

 

[Shadowdog500]

i will bite. what is it for? i don't see a size or square drive end and it is very short. curious what it is for or is it a photo shop?

I have used one like that on my old 69' Mach I. It is for times when there is not enough clearence over the plug to get a proper spark plug socket on. You slide this over the plug and use a wrench to remove the spark plug. The Mach I had shock towers in the way and I kind of remeber that the power brake blocked one or two plugs as well.

Chris

 

[Red Green]

There is a special socket for the S10 Blazer also. That is a royal pain to get the plug behind the steering shaft.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19831&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[1stwarrior95]

i will bite. what is it for? i don't see a size or square drive end and it is very short. curious what it is for or is it a photo shop?

Nope that's real. SLP sells that socket. (I think it really is a modified C-man socket too) I can't remember what it's for right at the moment though. Thinkin GM LS engines?

I was thinkin about makin my own like it. Don't have a use for it right now, but, well...I don't have one so I "need" one...LOL


That SO socket for 4.3 S10's is interesting. Hadn't seen that one yet. I can see where it'd be handy though. (We had a 95 Blazer)

 

[tonydanzah]

These have come in handy a few times. the swivel is premantly attached into the socket. The socket has a magnet inside instead of the rubber groumet the eventually pulls out.

 

[holland_patrick]

it to help change the sockets on the LT-1 engine in the firebird in cameros from 1992-1997 I think(i might be wrong on the 1992 part) but the one on the passenger side are a Be-otch to change...

 

[TA^Guy]

I haven't found the longer socket needed but can come in handy.
I just use a spark plug socket with an extension. Only downside is tightening sparkplugs in motors with overhead cams that the socket may stay attached to the plug and not the extension. Which is why when reinstalling them I use a normal deep socket and not the sparkplug one with the rubber inside.

it to help change the sockets on the LT-1 engine in the firebird in cameros from 1992-1997 I think(i might be wrong on the 1992 part) but the one on the passenger side are a Be-otch to change...

Camaro's had LT1s from 93-97, often if you have a lift you can access the spark plugs easier from below.

 

[tonydanzah]

I haven't found the longer socket needed but can come in handy.
I just use a spark plug socket with an extension. Only downside is tightening sparkplugs in motors with overhead cams that the socket may stay attached to the plug and not the extension. Which is why when reinstalling them I use a normal deep socket and not the sparkplug one with the rubber inside.

the tool i posted a picture of stops that problem

 

[Nolan]

that really short spark plug is clever

be glad you don't need one of these also

I never knew that these existed. Thank you for making it known. I could have used something like this a number of times over the years.

I just drilled out the drive end of an extra Craftsman G series with a 9/16" bit. It easily clears the insulator of a spark plug. I'll polish it to make it pretty tomorrow and shorten it.

I'd appreciate it if you could post the overall length of the one you have. I guess that I could print the photo and scale it I had a printer.

I noticed that there were a several different versions of this type socket on the SLC website. It seems that the "shortest common denominator" should suffice for any and all limited clearance applications.

A sincere thank you once again.

 

[Dust]

The longer socket is only good on engines with deep plugs and no obstructions. On most Chrysler vehicles it's just easier to use either a wobble socket, or to disassemble and reassemble the extension and socket for each plug. I do 300/Charger/Challengers with the Hemis that way, since the front PDC, air box, A/C lines, and shock towers all get in the way. Takes me a half hour at most to do all sixteen plugs.

 

[alpinewhite]

(Sorry to revive an old thread. I was searching about this subject and found this thread)

I just use locking extensions like these from HF and connect them to regular spark plug sockets.

 

[DFB]

i own 5/8 and 13/16 extra deep spark plug sockets- i used a lot on it... But newer 3v ford engines use 9/16 not 5/8....

I see that 9/16" plug socket in some recent searches (had never seen that size before) and wondered the applications

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ya an to OP locking extension bars are what I'm finding I really need lately

 

[dubdoc]

Here are 3 sockets I can use on my 2014 Toyota Corolla.
Bottom is a standard 14mm socket. Used with 2 small extensions
Middle is one I made by welding an extension to a socket
Top is the proper 14mm lllloooooonnnngggg socket

Believe me, if I was doing this every day, the top long socket is the only thing I would use. It is sooooo nice to use. Doing it once every 3 years? Who cares.....use what you've got.

 

[Chevy-SS]

I have used one like that on my old 69' Mach I. It is for times when there is not enough clearence over the plug to get a proper spark plug socket on. You slide this over the plug and use a wrench to remove the spark plug. The Mach I had shock towers in the way and I kind of remeber that the power brake blocked one or two plugs as well.

Chris

LOL, I owned two gas (service) stations back in the 70's and did a lot of work on muscle cars. Those were the 'good old days' for sure. They didn't have sockets like that available, so we used to have to undo a motor mount and lift the engine up a little bit to get at some of those plugs. Fords (Mustangs) were the worst offenders!