Spark plug socket opinions

[Xcursion88]

Let's hear some opinions on the subject of spark plug sockets

Tapered grip?

Magnetic grip?

Traditional internal rubber grip?

Please chime in if there is a design I missed and your thoughts of it as well.



Ready, set, go!!!

 

[bob15]

Rubber grip has always worked for me.

I do like the built-in universal and extension type sockets.

Like this:

 

[rlitman]

Rubber grip for me. I've heard horror stories about the magnetic inserts breaking and falling into cylinders.

 

[Wrench97]

There is not one good answer, while some are more popular then others and I find myself using the extra deep one more and more now I also use the short rubber and magnetic depending on what vehicle and the location of the plugs.
And thanks to the engineers for designing 14mm plugs, 14mm 12 point plugs and 18mm plugs because we really needed more size plugs..........................

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a wide variety of all of the above.

I haven't had a magnetic plug socket shatter on me yet but, i avoid using that type with a cordless impact.

i also like the one piece swivel style with an integral extension in various lengths.

I also like the extra long plug sockets for recessed plugs.

I'm not a fan of the tapered type retention sockets because, when I want the damn thing to let go it won't, and I've had it let go when i wanted to hold the plug.

The tried and true rubber insert is probably the simpilest and best design in the end. Although the insert doesn't last as long as the socket

I have a 12 point 14mm ball swivel plug socket from JTC that has little metal fingers to protect the plug.

Regardless of the plug socket type, the more knurling, the better

 

[Bogie1632]

Really can't beat the tried and true sockets with rubber inserts. I prefer just a plain old plug socket with a locking extension, sized to the job, so I can retrieve my socket and/or plug with ease. ***** trying to retrieve just the socket off a plug next to a warm exhaust.

V/R
Bogie

 

[dalehsc]

There is not one good answer, while some are more popular then others and I find myself using the extra deep one more and more now I also use the short rubber and magnetic depending on what vehicle and the location of the plugs.
And thanks to the engineers for designing 14mm plugs, 14mm 12 point plugs and 18mm plugs because we really needed more size plugs..........................

WHAT !!! What on earth do they put a 12pt 14mm plug in ??

 

[DFB]

Rubber insert has always worked well for me.

Had my very first issue ever on my last tuneup, 4 of the 8 Autolite plugs I had were slightly different out of the box this time that I ever had before (ceramic was just that much larger diameter) and they were so totally tight in the socket rubber sleeve I kept loosing my socket in the recess trying to remove it. Got thru it but was a bit frustrating. Eventually swapped in a more forgiving rubber sleeve insert from a different socket at the end made a big difference.

To me having a locking extension bar or just one piece swivel handle is more important

 

[2ndGearRubber]

WHAT !!! What on earth do they put a 12pt 14mm plug in ??

BMW and nissan.


I prefer koken with the little tabs that hold the plug. Rubber inserts **** because they get soaked in oil from bad tube seals. You either need to clean then before install or have a dedicated removal socket. You cant ever really get all the oil off of them, when you plunge the socket into a 6inch deep tube filled to the top with oil. The koken are all steel so you can easily blast them off to clean.

IMO koken, then magnetic, then rubber last. You can also use a regular socket and then grab them with a magnet on a stick tool.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

WHAT !!! What on earth do they put a 12pt 14mm plug in ??

BMW and nissan.


I prefer koken with the little tabs that hold the plug. Rubber inserts **** because they get soaked in oil from bad tube seals. You either need to clean then before install or have a dedicated removal socket. You cant ever really get all the oil off of them, when you plunge the socket into a 6inch deep tube filled to the top with oil. The koken are all steel so you can easily blast them off to clean.

IMO koken, then magnetic, then rubber last. You can also use a regular socket and then grab them with a magnet on a stick tool.

 

[dalehsc]

WHAT !!! What on earth do they put a 12pt 14mm plug in ??

If you're quiet, you can hear the engineers laughing as hard as they can!!!

 

[Xcursion88]

I've had some...no matter the brand...with rubber retention that won't let go of the plug and out comes the extension with no socket. That doesn't happen often but it does happen and a huge pain in the ***.

I own several types but for length purposes more than anything else.

I definitely use the good old regular plug socket from SK the most...by far.

 

[Dave455]

My favourites are Koken. They make a huge variety, but I have the ones with the brass sleeve to protect the insulator, and the metal spring clips.

Yes, they do grip the plug firmly, but to get around the problem of the extension separating from the plug, they offer ‘extended’ sockets with an integral extension!

 

[uncwstudent]

I've used the Gearwrench magnetic spark plug socket and LOVE IT. I also have a Craftsman with a rubber insert but I've certainly noticed the rubber inserts coming out far more often.

 

[bwringer]

Most of the spark plugs I deal with are on motorcycles. The magnetic sockets, hands down. The rubber inserts suuuuuuuuck.

And yeah, locking extensions can be a life-saver.

I also have a few different longer or thinner sockets for certain bikes with special situations. Oh yeah, let's design an engine with no space for a normal spark plug socket, then thoughtlessly stuff it into a frame such that you damn near have to remove the engine to get the plug...

 

[jimmyin3D]

Another vote for Koken Zeal w/ the brass clips.

After using this type it’s hard to use others. It grabs firmly without damaging the spark plugs and they also cost reasonably well ~$15. Koken make excellent sockets and their spark plug sockets are no different. I also like the Koken magnetic versions for really hard to reach areas.

 

[ttpete]

There is not one good answer, while some are more popular then others and I find myself using the extra deep one more and more now I also use the short rubber and magnetic depending on what vehicle and the location of the plugs.
And thanks to the engineers for designing 14mm plugs, 14mm 12 point plugs and 18mm plugs because we really needed more size plugs..........................

To begin with, spark plugs are identified by thread size and reach, not by their hex size.

The most common thing that requires small plugs is space problems in 4 valve engines. They're in the center of 4 valves and the only way to get enough coolant to the plug thread area is to make the plug smaller. 10 mm plugs are becoming common, and some racing engines use 8 mm plugs.

 

[Made in USA]

To begin with, spark plugs are identified by thread size and reach, not by their hex size.

For some bizarre reason, my spark plug sockets don't seem to be marked with thread size or reach.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I usually use regular deep sockets. I have some old sockets that used to have the rubber insert.

 

[M635_Guy]

The Hazet socket for my old BMW is great, though I do wish it had more of a ring to make a locking extension work better.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have had the rubber insert stay on the plug as I pulled out an empty socket, frustrating when you're plug is still deep in the head. I vote for either the clip or magnet

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have the rubber insert style, but I'd go magnetic if I were to buy them again. It's a pain in the *** when a plug drops out of the socket deep in the plug bore and you can't get the socket back on to grab it. I don't use a rattle gun, so I think the magnetic style would be perfect.

 

[Thumper.]

I'm a powersports (mostly motorcycle) tech and I use these Motion Pro "Pro Plug" sockets. These only work on plugs like NGK and denso with grooved insulators. The plug uses two balls held in tension under a band of spring steel around the socket. The balls lock into the groove on the plug and stay put.

Since most all of my plugs are down inside a recess, and with low overhead clearance, these plugs are a lifesaver with their small diameter sidewalls. The cut down sidewall allows you some angle when coming out the top of the hole.

I love these things.

*I can't post images yet, so google "Motion Pro Pro Plug Socket" * There's a good vid on Youtube too.

 

[Thumper.]

Most of the spark plugs I deal with are on motorcycles. The magnetic sockets, hands down. The rubber inserts suuuuuuuuck.

And yeah, locking extensions can be a life-saver.

I also have a few different longer or thinner sockets for certain bikes with special situations. Oh yeah, let's design an engine with no space for a normal spark plug socket, then thoughtlessly stuff it into a frame such that you damn near have to remove the engine to get the plug...

You ought to look into the Motion Pros I posted about. "Pro Plug Sockets" If you work at the dealer, you can get em around half price through the Parts Unlimited book

 

[unslow1]

I've used the Gearwrench magnetic spark plug socket and LOVE IT. I also have a Craftsman with a rubber insert but I've certainly noticed the rubber inserts coming out far more often.

I have several different types including Snapon and MAC. Those Gearwrench and the magnetic Duralast are my favorites. The only time I use an impact of any type on spark plugs are certain Fords.

 

[_brian_]

My favorite are:
1) Blue-Point rubber insert
2) Snap-On retention grip (I believe this is the "taper" you refer to)

I am usually not a Snap-On supporter, but those sockets have done me very well. I only have the 5/8 and 13/16 sizes in the taper grip due the high cost of them. I have the 16mm and 21mm sizes, along with the 5/8 and 13/16, in the Blue-Point.

I purchased the Snap_on retention sockets because I had all Craftsman USA sockets and the rubber insert was somewhat bothersome. I had issues with too much grip, not enough grip, etc. The Snap-On retention sockets were a perfect replacement. I was able to try out a Blue-Point, which uses a rubber insert, and had no problems at all with it, thus me adding them to my set.

There are some sockets out there from various brands, especially for the ones that are 12 point where they have an insert that is a prong style. Those are total junk, likely I never bought one, only tried one. My 12 point 14mm and 16mm sockets are magnetic. I use them so little I really cannot comment on them. They worked for what I needed.

 

[Skin]

I have Craftsman (USA) and a magnetic set from Matco plus a couple singles from Koken and Hazet. The Hazet is magnetic and I think the Koken has a couple spring clips. All are fine. I do prefer the magnetic or clip ones in general since you don't have to worry about losing your rubber. The only issue I've encountered is the Hazet is machined wider than the rest and doesn't fit into a number of spark plug tubes.

For the money the Matco set was a good deal once upon a time. The part number is SPK6 but im not sure they sell it anymore and even if they did truck price inflation probably makes it not such a good deal these days. You can still get the same sockets under the Gearwrench brand which is set 80601 or 41740 for just the 5/8".

 

[JRC3]

Yep. Originally bought mine to do a tune up on an Astro van. After that it's been the best thing for anything with a plug well.
------------------------------------------------------


And you gotta have a trusty scrench.

 

[richfinn]

WHAT !!! What on earth do they put a 12pt 14mm plug in ??

European cars, see it a lot nowadays

 

[TonyCH]

This is a lifesaver if you have headers and limited plug access: Snap On Low-Profile Spark Plug Socket S9724RHS

 

[demarpaint]

I have this set from GearWrench #80601. It's a nice set.

 

[jgromada]

i would like to get some magnetic spark plug sockets or at least get the magnets so i could retrofit my older sockets.

The rubber ones invariably wear out or get very oily. They do work in a pinch.

The locking extensions are very nice, i have a set.

 

[Mr. Tool]

As someone previously already pointed out, Koken does make some excellent spark plug sockets, with either clip retention or magnetic retention, can't go wrong with either.

I've got several variations (normal short or long extension) of Koken spark plug sockets for different applications, etc.

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/148

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/150

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/151

Also have a Hazet model with extension, works just as well too.

https://www.jensputzier.com/hazet-4766-1-spark-plug-wrench-4661.html

Even have a Duralast (which by the way was my very first long extension type) spark plug socket purchased years ago from AutoZone.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...k-plug-socket-with-10in-swivel-bar/914154_0_0

All the above are my go to spark plug sockets.

Still though, I have regular spark plug sockets with the dreaded rubber boot insert. Stopped using them many years ago. Would hate when you'd pull out the socket and no spark plug in it!....look down inside and there it was with the rubber boot stuck on it!

 

[oldwino]

This is a lifesaver if you have headers and limited plug access: Snap On Low-Profile Spark Plug Socket S9724RHS

I have a similar one made by TrickFlow for about $16. Not SnapOn, not shiny chrome but works well

 

[M6erfan]

Hazet and Ko-ken are my favorites. I do have a KTC Nepros plug socket that I use for some air cooled 2 strokes, as it's only 60mm in length and gets in tight spots (and it's cheaper than the Motion Pro equivalent which is weird)

 

[ChrisLS8]

I've been using the GW mag sockets with the swivel and I'm a fan. No real need for anything else personally

 

[M6erfan]

I've been using the GW mag sockets with the swivel and I'm a fan. No real need for anything else personally

Until they won't fit down a well. Ran in to that scenario with GW's several times. They're gone now.

 

[General Geoff]

Another fan of the Koken ZEAL sockets. They're superb and fit in even the tightest of plug wells.

 

[TonyCH]

I have a similar one made by TrickFlow for about $16. Not SnapOn, not shiny chrome but works well

There is couple of options in fleabay too, the SLP 30102 which seems to be made out of old Craftsman sockets and then there is somebody who seems to make them by himself out of old sockets. Both these options seem a bit longer than the SO version though.

No affiliation with either product or sellers.

 

[MarineScott]

Rubber insert. I had the Snap On magnetic socket and it would break the plug. Co-worker has the same problem. I traded that socket.