Looking for a nice complete spark plug sockets set . Your thoughts ?

[GophersGarage]

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[Yarpo]

A lot of it depends on the style and sizes you want, and your intended use case. I really really like my Gearwrench ones, but they don't work on oem BMW or Mercedes plugs so they went from being used all the time, to being used seldomly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCR8RF3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[GrantCee]

Complete? I've never seen a "complete" set of spark plug sockets.

That set, for instance, only covers 3 sizes, and nothing specialized (12-point, BMW, etc.)

Check Ko-ken's offerings. Just in regular length 3/8, they have 13, 14, 16, 18, and 20.8mm. They make versions with spring clips (my favorite), magnets, and rubber grommets. And then they start getting specialized.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I just made sure I had sockets that fit the cars I own and put them in the “road bag” tool kit I can transfer from car to car.

 

[GophersGarage]

Complete? I've never seen a "complete" set of spark plug sockets.

That set, for instance, only covers 3 sizes, and nothing specialized (12-point, BMW, etc.)

Check Ko-ken's offerings. Just in regular length 3/8, they have 13, 14, 16, 18, and 20.8mm. They make versions with spring clips (my favorite), magnets, and rubber grommets. And then they start getting specialized.

I have the short version of the Hazet when I had my MB

I now am more so now after a new set of the standard ones since the ones I have are super basic


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[Skin]

If you searched for Proto hoping to buy US made those sockets are made in Taiwan.

The newer Astro set is nice and the Gearwrench swivels are good too.

 

[GophersGarage]

If you searched for Proto hoping to buy US made those sockets are made in Taiwan.

The newer Astro set is nice and the Gearwrench swivels are good too.

Kinda leaning towards the 5pc gear wrench they don’t come with 13/16 but I think I can get on its own


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[nbpt100]

This one looks relatively complete by many standards. Power built has a good reputation on this board. I like how they have the hex bolsters. The only question is how good is the rubber grommet.????? I have seen some cheaper sockets with a harder rubber grommet that falls out.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai...isrYmomevvAhXEGFkFHQbvCCgQ9aACegQIARBC&adurl=

 

[GophersGarage]

I narrowed it down to gear wrench or Aries they seem to be best on Amazon

I prefer magnet vs rubber

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[belvedere]

I have this set, and it is nice: https://www.mechanixgear.com/produc...MIrrqjjqTZ7QIVEm-GCh3OyAAqEAQYAiABEgIqn_D_BwE

The only thing it didn't have, that I need, is an 18mm socket for our dirt bikes.

 

[bobg03]

The only thing it didn't have, that I need, is an 18mm socket for our dirt bikes.

For a jap bike 90% of the 18MM need to be a thinwall to fit.

I have a USA made Craftsman for that size that I got back in the 90's when Craftsman was better.

As to the OP looking for a complete set, I believe SK makes a variety pak of plug sockets.

 

[drtyler]

The SK 14mm spark plug socket is useless as delivered. The rubber insert is too thick and does not fit 14mm NGK plugs.

 

[Pontiac787]

The VIM set has a good mix of sockets.

https://www.truckid.com/vim-tools/13-piece-3-8-drive-spark-plug-socket-master-set-mpn-spm100.html?view=529670&utm_source=microsoft&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=268722739&utm_content=1178677344587222&msclkid=94b4ac1543bf18723c1acc78e8f38f34

 

[bwringer]

Ya know, there does seem to be a significant unfilled market opportunity here.

I have quite the assortment, but the core is a three piece magnetic set from "BikeMaster" I bought at a motorcycle shop. I also have a couple of lengths of the thin wall 18mm needed for some motorcycles, and a few others needed once in a while.

It would have been nice to buy a one and done set. I've come to prefer the magnets; the rubber insert type NEVER last very long.

 

[nbpt100]

The Gearwrench set you originally post as an idea only has two hex sizes. Although it has different extension lengths and adds swivel heads. In a nice box is also a good feature. I would hardly call it complete.

When I hear complete I think of all or as many sizes as practical. Desiring magnets is a practical requirement. I see features like universal joints/swivel head or different length extensions as accessories you can can add to your spark plug socket set as needed.

This to me is pretty complete with hex bolsters, magnet holders and a metal rail holder.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPJF9QT/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dacan23]

What type of special socket for BMWs? I have 2 plug sockets from a big socket set and have never had a problem on any of my BMWs.

A lot of it depends on the style and sizes you want, and your intended use case. I really really like my Gearwrench ones, but they don't work on oem BMW or Mercedes plugs so they went from being used all the time, to being used seldomly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCR8RF3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[drtyler]

Some require 14mm 12-point sockets.

What type of special socket for BMWs? I have 2 plug sockets from a big socket set and have never had a problem on any of my BMWs.

 

[Yarpo]

What type of special socket for BMWs? I have 2 plug sockets from a big socket set and have never had a problem on any of my BMWs.

As Drtyler points out, a 14mm 12 point socket, but often a traditional socket is thick, you need a special thin walled 14mm 12point. I remember being pissed when I ran into my first one. Had all the tools I thought I needed, even had a 14mm 12point, but that failed too so I then had to borrow my bosses for a week before I was able to get one.

Like here

 

[dacan23]

Thanks guys, will pick one up as eventually I will need it. Yeah the holes on my S85 engine are pretty tight for the socket I use on that, so will make sure to get a thin one. Excuse now to get a nice complete set.

Some require 14mm 12-point sockets.

As Drtyler points out, a 14mm 12 point socket, but often a traditional socket is thick, you need a special thin walled 14mm 12point. I remember being pissed when I ran into my first one. Had all the tools I thought I needed, even had a 14mm 12point, but that failed too so I then had to borrow my bosses for a week before I was able to get one.

Like here

 

[m6z]

12 point spark plugs? I had no idea those even existed.

 

[nbpt100]

12 point spark plugs? I had no idea those even existed.

If you can not imagine it, the Germans will. Creates more work for their dealers shops.

 

[metalhead212121]

12 point spark plugs? I had no idea those even existed.

If you can not imagine it, the Germans will. Creates more work for their dealers shops.

Pretty sure SOME newer Honda's are using 12 point spark plug sockets as well.....

 

[GophersGarage]

For me I decided to get these guys they look better then the gear wrench

As to 12 point sockets I will order those on their own since they don’t come in many kits

In the kit I posted above it does come with a 12 point but not sure how thin it is till I get it.





Plus I think this kit will make for a nice setup




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[tez929rr]

I just made sure I had sockets that fit the cars I own and put them in the “road bag” tool kit I can transfer from car to car.

I think I have one in the truck tool roll that came with the original set. I don’t remember ever having to pull a spark plug on a trip or on the side of the road.