Snap On Spark Plug Socket stinks?

[silver2000]

So I get around to using my new Snap On spark plug socket. Thinking is that when the plugs see this socket they will literally unscrew themselves due to the Snap On Name I just dry fit the plug and notice that the socket (which is is a spark plug socket" but has no rubber ring but does seem to tightly fit and hold the pug by friction. But to my surprise worse is that it does not even completely go over the bolt portion.

Then I take my bougious Craftsman sparkplug socket that couldn't possibly be up this task (used it probably 20 times) and it completely fits over the bolt on the sparkplug.

So I am only joking here but I had hoped the SO would be better but I am nervous to even try since it has so lit wont even go over the plug completely.

I am sorry I should have snapped some pics, and will try to later, but my Craftsman is definitely better fitting to my eyes here.

Should have ordered that facom one instead!

 

[signcrafter]

Some pictures would really help. Is it the snap on magnet type spark plugs or is it just missing the rubber insert? I have a few different snap on plug sockets and also many craftsman plug sockets and they both work good.

 

[bob15]

What is the "bolt portion" of a spark plug? The flats?

pictures would definitely help!!

bob

 

[jrj3rd]

This style of SO spark plug socket has tapered sides to hold the plug. I have a couple and really like them. Actually prefer them t0 the rubber lined ones.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm guessing that you're talking about the snap on wedge type spark plug socket. It doesn't use a magnet or a rubber insert to retain the spark plug but, relies on holding the plug centered. Once the plug is fully tightened, jiggling the socket releases it from the plug. Because you need this wiggle action, the socket doesn't fully cover the plug hex. It will work just fine removing and installing your plugs though. I have had to fight more than a couple of times to get the socket to let go of the plug once installed.
They're not my favorite plug socket.

 

[t100]

I've never felt the needs for a "spark plug socket" for my whole life. regular socket and rubber hose are all you need.

 

[redwrench60]

That's Snap On's "diamond wedge" spark plug socket. Like fedwrench said above they use a diamond wedge hex profile to grasp and center the plug and don't use a rubber insert. They are an ingenious solution to a non existant problem. Snap On still carries their standard SP sockets which is what I use.

 

[silver2000]

Thanks guys! I just changed them and agree with the comments about it not being the favorite. I am going to look for their regular style, I am not into this one at all.

 

[padronanniversary]

I prefer this style ill trade you my craftsman set

 

[bmxr4life87]

Ill stick with my magnetic spark plug socket

 

[fivespdcat]

The magnetic sockets are the way to go. Definitely my favorite. It also can be used to hand thread the spark if when you take it off the ratchet.

As for spark plugs being required, they most definitely are. Regular sockets do not have the internal clearance to keep side load off of the insulator. Use standard sockets at your own risk. There is a reason they make spark plug sockets, and they are not expensive. I see more than my fair share of people that break spark plugs using an impact gun or a standard socket then go on to complain about "POS plug" they just installed not working.

 

[sberry]

The spark plug socket is a gizmo that every inventor and his brother have worked on, dozens and dozens of versions with own handles even,most caan be bought reasonable in the junk isles and even sockets out of those olf Jap 40 piece socket sets you could get for 5$ work about as good as any. Every jewlery box at auction is got a couple new tries at this old problem.

If I was a dealer tune up guy might look into some special scheme but for the rest of us general types would use what I could find in my box without second thought that I needed something new. Got to buy a different socket every time you do a job pretty soon it defeats the point of having a few tools.

 

[sberry]

Went out of your way to get a 50$ socket and not happy and start to worry aboiut it,,, the rest of us use a free or 5$ one and do not have problem,,,,, whats all that say?

 

[Steinmetz]

Went out of your way to get a 50$ socket and not happy and start to worry aboiut it,,, the rest of us use a free or 5$ one and do not have problem,,,,, whats all that say?

Five dollars? You overpaid, man. Top price: $0.50 out of the used socket pail.

 

[fivespdcat]

Your right, most spark plug sockets do the job. However n this case the SnapOn sockets did at one point have a pretty big advantage. They were thin wall and had the magnetic ring. Since then, many competitors have also used the magnet design and they can be had quite cheap. If you change a lot of plugs, the rubber insert ones will drive you (or at least me) nuts. I don't remember what I paid for that socket, but every time a guy grabs his needle nose pliers to dig out the rubber boot, I hand him my socket to try out.

 

[sberry]

I said 5 for the heck of it but you are about right at 50 cents or free, I bet I got 20 of them, several that people give away after a while in ****.