O2 Sensor sockets: lets chat!

[Sdot]

Hey guys,

So..unfortunately was in a rushed position to pick up a 22mm o2 sensor socket, so hit the amazon and got an "ARES" o2 sensor socket 3/8th...

It got the job done - but didn't feel up to snuff. And I hate rushed/forced purchases. So, curious what you guys consider the best o2 sensor socket for 22mm.

Ill drop the coin on the Snap on offerings (if worth)...

also saw a LISLE that looked better then the ARES one I got. But that's always a given, right? LISLE>ARES?

Thanks guys!

 

[MrPink]

I have an OEM 25001 7/8's O2 sensor socket. I've had it for years. And at the price point($8.99) it does the job very well.

 

[Wrench97]

I picked up a Matco set of 3 off Ebay quite a few years ago I'm sure they are rebranded.
They get abused once you start heating the pipe for the really stuck ones, however my go to for whatever it will reach is a 22mm open end and if I know the sensor is bad cut the wires off and use the box end or a deep socket.

 

[unslow1]

My go to is a pipe wrench and torch. Unless it's pretty new I don't have much luck with any sockets.

 

[signcrafter]

I have the snap on o2 sensor wrench. It has a foot long or so angled handle and flex head. This is my go to and gets the job done most of the time. Usually have to put a pipe on it for leverage. There are some vehicles it doesnt work good on and I have a handful of other sockets for those situations. But the wrench is great and I think others make a copy of it also.

 

[Fedwrench]

I prefer an O2 sensor crowfoot.

88750B SPLINE DRIVE SHORT OXYGEN SENSOR SOCKET

To purchase this product, click here: www.schleytools.com -- • The ultimate tool that includes a 12 point and 6 point SP Spline Grip Drive™ wrench to remove oxygen sensors. • Less damage to sensors. The new Spline Grip Drive™ helps to reduce the possibility of damaging “frozen-in-place” oxygen...

sptool.com

Schley tools probably came out with first and have been copied by everyone. Above is their latest version, Spline.

Not a socket but, this model got a lot of You Tube exposure recently:

7/8 O2/NOX Sensor Wrench - Tribus Tools

Built to handle the toughest O2 and NOX sensors - 7/8, 22mm Save time with our patented ratcheting flare nut technology Stop rounding and ruining fasteners, and save money Flex-head design gets you into the tightest spots Lifetime Warranty - Buy it once, use it for a lifetime!

tribustools.com

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The schley tools spline drive are are a favorite of mine, although my immediate go-to is a Wright Grip 22mm open end. I have the one with a built on handle, 6 point, just don't use it a whole lot. I've tried it all - even got a 1/2 drive 22mm snap on crowsfoot, which was a failure of mine. LTI tools has the shockit kit, for oxygen sensors. Has a pretty nice male/female chaser, which is tough to find. I've only used it twice ,and it's okay. If they're seized just forget it. But for a normal rusty one that has limited access it works okay. Don't forget some AFR sensors have little shields around them, so you need to either destroy that and use a standard socket (if replacing), or buy a low-profile/thin wall style sensor socket. If you're replacing, chopping the wires and a 1/2 socket plus a breaker bar for wiggling is an option.

Wright grip and a good yank gets most of them. If they're SUPER stuck, the threads are likely galled up, and you need a torch, wax, skill, and bit of luck. Typically speaking, if they don't pop free and spin easily, you have thread issues you need to be ready for. Frankly I try not to remove or touch them unless I need to. IME, if the cheaper sockets are slipping, and one is setup to be pulling straight and not all sideways and off center, the sensor is going to need heat.


Always break them free with a quality open end wrench before estimating. If it doesn't come out, estimate it as a -possible- item to be replaced. That way if you get medieval, or the heater circuit dies while fighting the pipe out with an air hammer, you're covered.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have the SO oxygen sensor wrench, SRW1A. Did not work well to break them loose, needed deep socket and breaker bar with heat and penetrating oil. All 4 sensors were 15 years old.

 

[64merc]

I bought one of those Schley tools spline drive sockets for next time. I got away with a cheapy version last time but there was way too much play. The last O2 sensor I did involved removing from above using a couple of long extensions and swivels. I don't know how, but it broke free!

 

[Markoos]

Personally I use Bluepoint O2 sensor socket set for last 10 years and it never failed, I think its rebranded (not Snap-on) possibly sourced from Taiwan so there is plenty of clones on the market for cheap.
While on this subject, what do you use for PM (particulate matter) sensors that are 24mm?

 

[Sdot]

I have the snap on o2 sensor wrench. It has a foot long or so angled handle and flex head. This is my go to and gets the job done most of the time. Usually have to put a pipe on it for leverage. There are some vehicles it doesnt work good on and I have a handful of other sockets for those situations. But the wrench is great and I think others make a copy of it also.

Yeah have seen many copy of course - couldn't tell if it'd fit in tight area applications. Got lucky this time around - 15yr old car & was able to break o2's free with the Ares socket on a 3/8th extension.

My problem with it (guys chime in if normal or not) - my extension didn't properly engage in the ARES o2 socket. Is this with ALL o2 sockets? Not suppose to click / or really lock into place? or just bad design on this socket part? Felt like bad design, but glad it worked in a pinch.

I prefer an O2 sensor crowfoot.

88750B SPLINE DRIVE SHORT OXYGEN SENSOR SOCKET

To purchase this product, click here: www.schleytools.com -- • The ultimate tool that includes a 12 point and 6 point SP Spline Grip Drive™ wrench to remove oxygen sensors. • Less damage to sensors. The new Spline Grip Drive™ helps to reduce the possibility of damaging “frozen-in-place” oxygen...

sptool.com

Schley tools probably came out with first and have been copied by everyone. Above is their latest version, Spline.

Not a socket but, this model got a lot of You Tube exposure recently:

7/8 O2/NOX Sensor Wrench - Tribus Tools

Built to handle the toughest O2 and NOX sensors - 7/8, 22mm Save time with our patented ratcheting flare nut technology Stop rounding and ruining fasteners, and save money Flex-head design gets you into the tightest spots Lifetime Warranty - Buy it once, use it for a lifetime!

tribustools.com

These look interesting, thanks for posting them.
Hard to trust the tube..anymore. Damn shame.

I have the SO oxygen sensor wrench, SRW1A. Did not work well to break them loose, needed deep socket and breaker bar with heat and penetrating oil. All 4 sensors were 15 years old.

Was going to buy this one - couldn't judge how "bulky" it would be, or if able to fit in tight areas.

 

[engineer2]

I was working on a Euro car and the Lisle 12390 was handy.

 

[sparky 1971]

I bought both versions of the Tekton O2 socket to do my very first sensor change last Saturday on my 2000 Dakota with 165,000 rust belt miles. The short one worked but not without heat and penetrating oil.

 

[Handyandy23]

I had a cheap no name one similar to HF quality, and it was terrible, would strip everything. I also bought the two Tekton versions and haven't had issues with those, removed a couple so far. Had one I gave up on because it wasn't budging and was in a tight spot, and wasn't absolutely necessary. But I was able to reef on it pretty well without stripping, which is all you can ask.

 

[dnschmidt]

Here is what I use: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-325468/12PT-Flare-Nut-Wrench-METRIC-Satin-Chrome-Finished.html The AEEA2224 Works out here in the desert just fine.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I borrowed one from Autozone back when I was really cheap. Did the trick. Not a tool that I would use often.
With a C5 Corvette i have used flarenut wrench with total success.

 

[FMB4]

I've had a Lisle O socket since the '80s. Also have a no-name offset. These 2 and a 3/8" drv crows-foot flare nut wrench have never let me down. Note: I sometimes have had to run the eng. just a bit before removing the O sensor (but then again, I don't live in rust belt).

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Yeah have seen many copy of course - couldn't tell if it'd fit in tight area applications. Got lucky this time around - 15yr old car & was able to break o2's free with the Ares socket on a 3/8th extension.

My problem with it (guys chime in if normal or not) - my extension didn't properly engage in the ARES o2 socket. Is this with ALL o2 sockets? Not suppose to click / or really lock into place? or just bad design on this socket part? Felt like bad design, but glad it worked in a pinch.


These look interesting, thanks for posting them.
Hard to trust the tube..anymore. Damn shame.


Was going to buy this one - couldn't judge how "bulky" it would be, or if able to fit in tight areas.

Rust belt the tool fits very well tight tolerance, you will tear your arm off before rounding it. It worked on 1 of 4 o2 sensors I removed, others access angle issues. Getting old need all the leverage possible, cut the wires, socket, breaker bar, heat, oil.

 

[bwringer]

Salt belt denizen here. I've never, not once, had any luck with any of the many styles of "split" sockets. Yes, even the high dollar stuff.

My usual move, if I need to care about the sensor's feelings for some reason, is to unplug it and thread the connector through a 6 point closed end 22mm combination wrench. Then heat, panther piss, a firm boot, and maybe a few slugs with a good hammer, will get the job done if it can be done.

Finding a 6 point combo in 22mm was rather difficult back when I bought it. And it's still not easy. Mine is an older Craftsman.

 

[ZRX61]

I finally overcame my aversion* to GearWrench & bought a rather spiffy set of several. I think it's this set, but I paid closer to $60:

Amazon.com: 8 Piece Sensor Socket Set : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: 8 Piece Sensor Socket Set : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

*Prior warranty issue about 12 years ago that turned into a cascading ***********.

 

[ZRX61]

Salt belt denizen here. I've never, not once, had any luck with any of the many styles of "split" sockets. Yes, even the high dollar stuff.

My usual move, if I need to care about the sensor's feelings for some reason, is to unplug it and thread the connector through a 6 point closed end 22mm combination wrench. Then heat, panther piss, a firm boot, and maybe a few slugs with a good hammer, will get the job done if it can be done.

Finding a 6 point combo in 22mm was rather difficult back when I bought it. And it's still not easy. Mine is an older Craftsman.

Mojave Desert here, was expecting an ordeal with the sensor & was pleasantly surprised to discover it couldn't have been easier... The ordeal part was 30 ******** minutes trying to disco the electrical connector from the harness.

 

[unslow1]

Salt belt denizen here. I've never, not once, had any luck with any of the many styles of "split" sockets. Yes, even the high dollar stuff.

My usual move, if I need to care about the sensor's feelings for some reason, is to unplug it and thread the connector through a 6 point closed end 22mm combination wrench. Then heat, panther piss, a firm boot, and maybe a few slugs with a good hammer, will get the job done if it can be done.

Finding a 6 point combo in 22mm was rather difficult back when I bought it. And it's still not easy. Mine is an older Craftsman.

A lot of people that aren't in the rust belt really haven't experienced how bad they can get. A couple of months ago I had to do both on my grandparents 1998 Ram. Multiple times with a torch and Kroil got one out with a pipe wrench. The other never did come out and I drilled a new hole for another bung.

 

[MJK]

My Lisle 22 mm is plenty strong to snap off multiple O2 sensors.

 

[toolmutt]

I just bought the Tekton version to change the sensor on mom's Odyssey. Worked fine and the price can't be beat.

 

[bwringer]

If you pay attention to the locations, this thread is hilarious...

People from Texas, Arizona, and Southern California are the only ones reporting satisfaction with various O2 sensor tools.

Those of us in salt states have already learned the hard way that none of them actually work.

 

[mrvm]

It became a great day once I was able to clean up the remaining threads to get a new O2 sensor installed with some anti seize to make things easier the next time.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If you pay attention to the locations, this thread is hilarious...

People from Texas, Arizona, and Southern California are the only ones reporting satisfaction with various O2 sensor tools.

Those of us in salt states have already learned the hard way that none of them actually work.

Eh, they work, but they'll always meet their match. I fought one out last week with a 6 point 1/2 drive socket and my 30 inch SK breaker bar. Car is on a lift, and I'm using my shoulders to grunt it back and forth, torch on the bung, candle wax flowing. There is no single tool which will win against all oxygen sensors.

IMO people having major issues also run parallel with "over tightened drain plugs". Laying on your back, pulling crooked, it's a pita. Yeah, your gonna have massive issues using wrist strength on a drain plug I torqued to 30 ft/lbs.

 

[MJK]

If you pay attention to the locations, this thread is hilarious...

People from Texas, Arizona, and Southern California are the only ones reporting satisfaction with various O2 sensor tools.

Those of us in salt states have already learned the hard way that none of them actually work.

Since I am the only one from Arizona, I'll assume this was directed at least in part at me.

• I've lived all over, including several rust belt states like MI and OH. Which is why I don't any more now.
• I said my socket is plenty strong to snap off multiple o2 sensors, not works well enough to always remove them.

Meaning, my Lisle o2 sensor socket isn't weak link. How lucky you get beyond that I presume is down to the quality of the Fire and Oil ritual offered to the sensor.

 

[setfocus]

Just bought a whole set of Mac O2 sockets, haven't used them yet

I once replace an O2 sensor on v6 escape, easy access so I used a wrench and map gas torch. It left all its threads in the pipe. Had to pull the whole cross over pipe so I could run a tap through it. Now I heat the **** out of them and if it has to come out, it's being replaced

 

[bwringer]

...if it has to come out, it's being replaced

Yes, this is the way.

And I know the things are all using the exact same electrochemical reaction, but somehow... the output is different and the computers don't like it.

I've given up on using anything but OEM sensors in newer cars.

 

[FMB4]

The ordeal part was 30 ******** minutes trying to disco the electrical connector from the harness.

Crazy isn't it? Some Nissan connectors can be total super pain as well.

 

[joecon]

I live in NY and the one I use when they are stuck, is this one made by Lisle, #43900.

 

[PatJ800]

All I have to contribute is the one sold at Autozone (mastercraft or whatever it's called) does not work well. I got the sensor out (barely) but the socket opened up in the process and I'll never trust it again. I live in the desert so minimal to no salt. Next time I'll either go pipe wrench, the Lisle tool, or cut the wiring off and use a real American 6pt socket.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I tried a 22mm wrench on the wife’s traverse today and the wire end wouldn’t fit so i went to oriley and looked on the shelf and at there rental tool and they were all 22mm/ 7/8s and I didn’t like that so I ran to hf and got there set. Its the same stuff just a bigger set and 10% off I paid $38 and change. Worked fine for here in Michigan on a 10 yr old car

 

[Lucid Moments]

If you pay attention to the locations, this thread is hilarious...

People from Texas, Arizona, and Southern California are the only ones reporting satisfaction with various O2 sensor tools.

Those of us in salt states have already learned the hard way that none of them actually work.

I don't know what you are talking about. I don't even need to use a special tool, just an open end wrench. And I live in Georgia where the salt and rust is.........

Nonexistent.

 

[Monte]

this one works for me:

 

[qqzj]

A GearWrench set is only $35 at Amazon right now.

 

[bubinga]

A GearWrench set is only $35 at Amazon right now.

Yes,
GEARWRENCH 8 Pc. Sensor and Sending Socket Set - 41720 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012SCXHW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I bought a cheap set off eBay works just fine for me. Really not that often you replace an oxygen sensor at least not in my shop. I remember once I got in trouble for cutting the wires on one because the customer wanted the part back well I gave it back with the wires cut and included the other part too the connector. The shop paid for the new one I installed and a new one for the customer to have because the customer didn’t want to leave until he had a complete one in his hand and they told me never cut wires on a part the customer wants back lol. It was not wanting to come out so I did that to get on it better. Maybe that’s why they don’t give me the oxygen sensor jobs anymore . This was and still is a regular customer who request everything back doesn’t matter if it’s old brake pads, spark plugs whatever he wants it back. Maybe he scraps them i don’t know. I just know don’t damage any of his old parts.

 

[qqzj]

It is important to note that people intuitive like to use this kind of socket



But the fact is that as long as you can access it, this type should be preferred



You want to twist the sensor as close to the flats as possible. So you don't create sideways force and damage the tool or sensor. Try that maybe life will be easier.