Magnetic spark plug sockets

[mreisner]

Okay I'm really late to the party and wish I had these back in the day of 30,000 mile plugs. I've had the Vim set for about a year and finally used it yesterday changing spark plugs on a 2019 silverado, including the dreaded number 8. I wish I would have had these years ago. Can't believe how smooth the job went. I used the one that has the magnet in it and a universal joint. The joint is not floppy and not too firm, and I used it with a wobble extension and it made the number eight a breeze. I did take out the fender liner which took all three minutes, but I can't get over how nice things work not having to mess around with that little rubber insert and have it stick on the plug half the time or making it a pain in the *** to get on it and index it in the first place. Usually I'm just changing plugs in my old dump trucks, this is the first pickup I've kept in a lot of years to need plugs changed or that wasn't a diesel. I can't say enough good things about that socket.

 

[Nomadmax]

I've always used a piece of rubber hose pushed on to the top of the plug. It allows me to feel the threads by hand. Then I put a socket on it. I also have a Chevy 1500 with V8.

 

[kbeefy]

I've had a gearwrench set for about 7 years, use them every chance I get.

 

[mreisner]

I've always used a piece of rubber hose pushed on to the top of the plug. It allows me to feel the threads by hand. Then I put a socket on it. I also have a Chevy 1500 with V8.

I've done that trick lots of times myself, I was really surprised how much feeling that I could get with this socket and the joint that has I'm assuming O-rings or something in it to make it a little tighter.

 

[bwringer]

Yup, I got a set of magnetic spark plug sockets a few years back at a motorcycle shoppe. The olde rubber insert types went right to the donate pile.

For cars with those super-deep spark plug wells, I combine a magnetic socket with a locking extension for a luxuriously posh and anxiety-free spark plug changing experience.

I have a set of spring-loaded U-joints that are also excellent for tight situations. I've also acquired a selection of Tekton's "mini" extension sets, which let you fine-tune the length of your extensions to fit in oddball places. Very handy.

1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive Mini Extension Set (3-Piece) | SHA99020 | TEKTON

Includes: 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive mini extensions. Create mid-length sockets by combining a standard socket with these extensions. SHA99020.

www.tekton.com

 

[swsman]

Always get the spark plug started by hand (extension and rubber grommet socket). Then connect ratchet and cinch it up.

I also use an extendable magnet tool to extract spark plug when initially loosened with deep socket.

Have a large assortment of rubber grommet sockets as well, cannot recall running into issues with them, spark plug jobs are not an everyday thing for me.

 

[GTO]

Anyone have the Astro 94404 set ?

 

[nbpt100]

Anyone have the Astro 94404 set ?

I looked at that set which is reasonably priced. But they skip the 3/4 which I do use. They also skip the 18mm which I have never had a need for but you never know what the future will bring. Substituting one of the 5/8 sockets for a 3/4 and I would likely pull the trigger. I do not mind the 9/16 and the 14 mm being used interchangeably. But not having the 3/4 is a deal breaker for me.

Anyone know of a reasonably priced set the has the 3/4? I looked at quite a few of the mid level tool companies such as ViM, K tool, Tekton and they are not there yet. I could buy individual sockets at Autozone, et al. But nice to have the tool box storage inserts and the compact swivel extensions.

 

[Roert42]

I have a 5/8 and 3/4 Lang ones. happy with them.

They don’t make 9/16 size with the magnet though.

They are not made in USA though.

 

[WWheeler]

I LUV my gearwrench magnetic swivel sockets.



I don't like to start plugs with them though. For that I like to use one of these. I used to just use some 3/8 fuel line but these were pretty cheap and work a lot better since they don't have that curve from being on a roll that I can never get out of it.