Spark Plug Socket Insert

[Xoloski]

Spark Plug Socket Inserts

Most of my spark plug socket inserts, (the rubber piece that holds the plug in place / keeps the plug from falling out) are worn out or missing.
I searched online for "Spark Plug Socket Inserts" and only finding sites wanting to sell the whole socket.
Rubber hose is too stiff, silicone hose swells from fuel & oils, and the few examples I can find are out of stock or $32 for a 1" piece of rubber +tax & sghipping.

What is a guy to do?

Thanks in advance for direction, suggestion, and help.

Xoloski at 85616

 

[Levaughn]

Spark Plug Socket Inserts

Most of my spark plug socket inserts, (the rubber piece that holds the plug in place / keeps the plug from falling out) are worn out or missing.
I searched online for "Spark Plug Socket Inserts" and only finding sites wanting to sell the whole socket.
Rubber hose is too stiff, silicone hose swells from fuel & oils, and the few examples I can find are out of stock or $32 for a 1" piece of rubber +tax & sghipping.

What is a guy to do?

Thanks in advance for direction, suggestion, and help.

Xoloski at 85616

 

[Levaughn]

VIM Tools sell rubber boot inserts.

 

[jayemm]

Maybe just buy new sockets with a spring clip or magnet to retain the plug which alleviates rubber disintegration problem.

 

[Ramblin Man]

I have used an old boot from a spark plug wire. Just looked through some old wires I had taken off.

 

[merkyworks]

Koken Spark Plug Sockets are what you want instead.

https://kokenusa.com/pages/spark-pl...hssc=753710.4.1701267529839&__hsfp=1999393944

 

[Xoloski]

VIM Tools sell rubber boot inserts.

$3 for tool, $9 to ship.
That doesn't work for me.
Also, looking at the cost of their tools, I can only think you are a salesperson there.
The prices are outrageous!

 

[Xoloski]

Maybe just buy new sockets with a spring clip or magnet to retain the plug which alleviates rubber disintegration problem.

I already have 15 sockets, I just need the insert.

 

[Xoloski]

Koken Spark Plug Sockets are what you want instead.

https://kokenusa.com/pages/spark-pl...hssc=753710.4.1701267529839&__hsfp=1999393944

Although they are nice, they are too expensive for this mechanic, I already have many sockets, just need the rubber.

 

[merkyworks]

Spending the least amount on money on this seem like a prioity, which is perfectly fine. If that is the case then why even mess with dedicated spark plug sockets? Why not just buy a foot of heater hose and use that to hand thread the spark plug into the head. Then come back and tighten with a standard 5/8 or whatever size socket.

 

[bwringer]

I'll agree that spring clip or magnetic sockets are the real answer here. Far FAR less frustrating than the rubber inserts, and immune to oil and such. You do have to peek into the magnetic sockets before use to ensure they haven't attracted any problematic swarf. There are several good brands of magnetic sockets, but AFAIK, very few or maybe only one (Koken) making the metal clip type.

I don't think there's any such thing as a more or less universal replacement for the rubber inserts, since every socket brand and model is different inside.

That said, if they're Snap-On sockets with a current or recent part number, they do sell replacement inserts. A random example:

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

If you are truly determined, you might experiment with molding your own inserts using RTV. Clean the inside of the socket. Stick an extension in the end to plug the square (maybe cover it with a bit of thin plastic or similar to deter leaks), squirt some RTV in the business end (use a leftover tube for maximum frugality), then insert an old leftover spark plug. Let it cure, then yoink the plug out. Trim the RTV if needed. It might take some experimentation to get the quantity of RTV correct.

Since commercial release agents involve money, and are thus off the table, teh intarwebnetz says that a 50/50 solution of dish soap and water makes a decent release agent for RTV. Paint this on the plug before squishing it into the RTV. Other possibilities from under the kitchen sink include furniture polish and other waxish substances.

 

[charbar]

Contact the maker of the socket. They probably have inserts for sale or might consider it warranty and send you a new insert free of charge.

My Snap On guy just gives me a new insert when mine start getting worn....

 

[WWheeler]

Find a fuel line that fits snug on the spark plug's insulator, cut off 1" and glue it in your socket.

Edit: Or go to most any pawn shop and pick up a spark plug socket with a good boot for ~$2-3

 

[Professor Gascan]

You could try soaking the inserts you have left in wintergreen oil. It softens and rejuvenates old dried out rubber.

 

[bonneyman]

$3 for tool, $9 to ship.
That doesn't work for me.
Also, looking at the cost of their tools, I can only think you are a salesperson there.
The prices are outrageous!

Ain't that the truth. Shipping these days has killed so many deals for me.