Spark plug socket opinions

[MattT]

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.

Interesting. I know some Craftsman deeps are full broach but I'd never paid attention to the plug sockets.

The Allen version looks like it's using 1/2" drive for porcelain clearance. Making that might be an easy angle grinder project for those of us who don't have machine tools.........................

 

[JRC3]

So anybody know what to do about missing rubber inserts? Different sizes and different manufacturers. It would be nice to find an assortment pack of some sort.

I wonder if one could be made by forming/molding RTV or something.

 

[Wamsutta]

I prefer the rubber grip. How is a magnet going to keep the ceramic insulator centered (to prevent breakage) like a rubber grip does?

I got a real good socket off eBay for $6.00. It was a Williams Taiwan. It literally cost less than a single spark plug. Mind boggling.

 

[unslow1]

So anybody know what to do about missing rubber inserts? Different sizes and different manufacturers. It would be nice to find an assortment pack of some sort.

I wonder if one could be made by forming/molding RTV or something.

I buy one of those $1 cheapies from the parts store and take out the insert from that one. I've also put a piece of rubber hose in them in the past.

 

[icthruu74]

I’ve never liked the rubber insert type. Seems like I could never get the plug out, or the socket would stay on the plug when reinserting. I used to knock the rubber insert out of them and basically have just a deep socket (and I’ve used plain deep sockets plenty too). Seems like sears used to have replacement rubber inserts.

I really like the magnetic type, especially the ones with the built in wobble/universal and extension.

 

[Ramblin Man]

So anybody know what to do about missing rubber inserts? Different sizes and different manufacturers. It would be nice to find an assortment pack of some sort.

I wonder if one could be made by forming/molding RTV or something.

I have cut the ends off of old spark plug wires for insert replacements. Different wires are different sizes, and always seem to get back in business.

 

[sberry]

More than real quality is a little variety inclining some wobble extensions. It's a place a bent handle flex head ratchet can find some use. Last set of plugs I put in was a customer car, before that can't even remember other that cleaning a set in an old straight 6. Different for a home gamer than a shop selling tune ups. Most of it is so rare I can make do if something fussy comes up.

 

[JRC3]

I have cut the ends off of old spark plug wires for insert replacements. Different wires are different sizes, and always seem to get back in business.

Ahh, that's an idea. And then maybe a dabof RTV or epoxy to krrp in place.

 

[ttpete]

I believe Snap-On has replacement rubbers.

 

[Wrench97]

I believe Snap-On has replacement rubbers.

Yep I hand the rep the socket and he either puts a new one in or hands me a new socket. Same with the Matco rep when I can find one...............

 

[setfocus]

I believe Snap-On has replacement rubbers.

yep, I've got the snap-on 5/8 tapered grip socket and had the snap-on guy also stick a rubber insert in it.

 

[BSK]

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

Reviewing this 4 year old thread:

Are these sold as a set somewhere? Just poked online and was only able to find the 16mm version for sale and not the assortment shown above. Actually have been searching for replacement rubber inserts for my mixed sockets, was going to go with a magnetic set but then read some stories about the magnetic ring breaking and falling down into the combustion chamber. That killed the magnetic socket set for me. Had used the vacuum hose method after my rubber inserts wore out but really love the clip idea since doing 10k spark plug changes on the turbo gets old after a while.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I have broken a magnetic plug socket but I believe I was using a cordless ratchet. Possibly even an impact on a chrome socket. I'm not for sure, but I know it wasn't a hand ratchet. The magnet did not fall out and I have not had issues with it since I only used a hand ratchet. Used rubber ones for years and the rubber comes out from time to time. Never heard of a tapered design

 

[BSK]

Using power tools for spark plugs takes this to a whole new level when doing sparkplugs for me..

The koken spark plug sockets have a "sping" on the bottom:


So instead of using rubber to hold the ceramic or a magnet to hold the top metal parts its holding it at the base to keep them inside the socket for deep wells. I love that design but would just buy a set that has most commonly used sizes. Otherwise they seem to be 20-40$ a size.

Unless someone has a vendor that sells a set of replacement rubber inserts for their plug sockets.

 

[dchawk81]

My dad when he had a shop would crack it loose with a regular socket then stick a piece of hose on it to spin and lift it out.

 

[vssjim]

I have every type from everybody and I use the Astro or GearWrench magnetic swivel sets a lot. Some of my favorite sockets are the Lock-It sockets that were made in the pacific north west but he lost his machining company he had contracted and stopped making them. They are the brass spring holding type. I saw them on a TV show in the nineties and tried some and have all sizes and they hold up super well and were super well made.

 

[BSK]

My dad when he had a shop would crack it loose with a regular socket then stick a piece of hose on it to spin and lift it out.

Thats what I was doing the other day since my rubbers had cracked but the koken plugs with the springs would be a neat additional splurge money on some japanese tools.

Temu (hate it or love it) has these red rubber sticks for the same purpose:

 

[AJHD]

Reviewing this 4 year old thread:

Are these sold as a set somewhere? Just poked online and was only able to find the 16mm version for sale and not the assortment shown above. Actually have been searching for replacement rubber inserts for my mixed sockets, was going to go with a magnetic set but then read some stories about the magnetic ring breaking and falling down into the combustion chamber. That killed the magnetic socket set for me. Had used the vacuum hose method after my rubber inserts wore out but really love the clip idea since doing 10k spark plug changes on the turbo gets old after a while.

No sets that I'm aware of, but DRPD has individual sockets...

Ratchets & Sockets - DRPD

Shop premium Ratchets & Sockets from top brands like PB Swiss and USAG.

drpd.cc

 

[jayemm]

This style with the spring clips is what I used to change plugs recently. Thin wall design. Amazon is full of them.

Amazon.com

 

[MoonRise]

Astro magnetic spark plug sockets.

I've had the rubber ring ones not grip (old rubber/plastic and/or some oil). I've had the rubber ring fall out of the socket and down into the engine nooks and crannies.

The Astro hasn't failed me yet.

 

[Ohio Andy]

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

Some taxing engines like Porsche might use them. Nothing I use... Or touch.

 

[AJHD]

Some taxing engines like Porsche might use them. Nothing I use... Or touch.

Euro trash like BMW...

 

[Ohio Andy]

Euro trash like BMW...

I was absolutely not expecting that answer, I am so glad I was not drinking or eating.... I still almost lost a long. I laughed so hard.

 

[JradM]

Magnetic always seemed like it made the most sense considering the mechanics involved. Nevertheless, I have a beautiful boxed set of Proto spark plug sockets with rubber inserts that work perfectly (JFP9SET) - that's what I always use.

Beautiful knurling and flawless chrome, but it's not cheap. The same set is sold with MAC branding. There's no reason for me to own a set this nice. I just always hated changing plugs on my 2003 F150 5.4L, spotted this set on sale once and thought maybe if it could make that just a little bit less of a pain... And it does. The extra deep socket was perfect (so I guess I really only "needed" that one).

It's still a pain to change those plugs, but it went from 8/10 pain to 7/10 pain with the right socket, so it was worth it to me.



I use the other sockets on other things. I think they're great too. It's only that one job that was "revolutionized" by a new socket though. Most of the time plugs aren't so difficult that Proto-grade sockets are necessary.

 

[tamaraw]

Reviewing this 4 year old thread:

Are these sold as a set somewhere? Just poked online and was only able to find the 16mm version for sale and not the assortment shown above. Actually have been searching for replacement rubber inserts for my mixed sockets, was going to go with a magnetic set but then read some stories about the magnetic ring breaking and falling down into the combustion chamber. That killed the magnetic socket set for me. Had used the vacuum hose method after my rubber inserts wore out but really love the clip idea since doing 10k spark plug changes on the turbo gets old after a while.

They have quite a few options, see catalog: https://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/product.html

 

[Wrench97]

Euro trash like BMW...

It's Mini's I usually find them in, but a while back I remember pulling a set out of a Nissan or some small asian motor the new ones were 6 point so they may or may not have been the wrong plugs in there.

 

[tamaraw]

It's Mini's I usually find them in...

Well, Mini is BMW

I also seem them at work in the current gen Toyota Supra (also a BMW)

I think some Mercedes models use 12 point as well?

 

[BSK]

This style with the spring clips is what I used to change plugs recently. Thin wall design. Amazon is full of them.

Amazon.com

I only see the 14mm for AKIRO. Did a search and not a single Akiro item was returned.

Euro trash like BMW...

I love my Euro trash =)

They have quite a few options, see catalog: https://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/product.html







Saw the catalog entries but am just after a set that comes at a reasonable price instead of buying piece by piece. Thats my issue now; piece by piece purchased sockets, overpaid and non matching. Trying to avoid the overpayment part.

 

[mattstevens]

Ko-ken USA does offer a set on a rail:

Z-Series 6-Point Clip-Type Spark Plug Socket Set

Thin Wall Z-Series Clip Type Spark Plug Socket – the epitome of precision and protection for your spark plug maintenance needs. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this specialized socket is designed to facilitate seamless and damage-free spark plug installations. The thin wall design...

kokenusa.com

Outside of a sale you can get them for a bit less individually from Zoro with a 20% off code.

 

[BSK]

Thanks Matt

 

[Wrench97]

Well, Mini is BMW

I also seem them at work in the current gen Toyota Supra (also a BMW)

I think some Mercedes models use 12 point as well?

I knew Mini is a BMW brand, don't see a lot of newer MB's or Supras but, Jukes, Rogues, Muranos, Rav4's, Camerys, Hondas, Kia's, Hyundia's etc. along with a fine domestic selection... I'm thinking it was a Rouge or a Versa I saw them in.

 

[WWheeler]

Gearwrench magnetic swivels have saved my bacon so many times where the plugs are recessed in really tight spots where you have to have a swivel to reach them and can't take the chance on a socket coming off the extension. These are by FAR my favorite spark plug sockets.

 

[BSK]

I love the idea of the magnetic sockets and was originally going to grab them to replace but some posts about the magnets breaking and then falling into the combustion chamber is something that I am not willing to risk.

 

[AJHD]

I love my Euro trash =)

To be fair, I hate all makes and models. They all ****. They all piss me off. They all **** to work on, and are only getting worse (some more than others).

I may have been an automotive mechanic, but I'm 100% not a "car guy". I honestly don't care. I only enjoyed turning wrenches.

 

[BSK]

Sounds like we need to get you exposed to aviation mechanics work then!

 

[AJHD]

Sounds like we need to get you exposed to aviation mechanics work then!

Already there bud. I work for an aviation company these days, although I don't touch the aircraft. I have no interest in it. Too much paperwork and too much on the line.

 

[jayemm]

I only see the 14mm for AKIRO. Did a search and not a single Akiro item was returned.

I love my Euro trash =)

I posted that as the STYLE of socket I used though the Akiro was the brand I bought. I only have one vehicle to maintain, changed the plugs and may never use that socket again. I'm guessing that Akiro is just one of many of the weird named items that come out of the same factory and doesn't offer a product line. The socket was cheap and worked great. The spring clips were nicer than the rubber insert that dried up and fell out of one of my old sockets.

 

[tamaraw]

Saw the catalog entries but am just after a set that comes at a reasonable price instead of buying piece by piece. Thats my issue now; piece by piece purchased sockets, overpaid and non matching. Trying to avoid the overpayment part.

You don't see a set because Koken doesn't offer one. In my experience, there isn't much price difference between sets vs individual when it comes to Japanese tools but you can do the math to double check. I think sets just aren't as big of a deal there because even the ones Koken does offer are not always "complete" compared to their individual assortments. Sometimes Japanese sets even cost slightly more because they charge you for the rail or box or whatever.

The set that was linked earlier is just something Koken USA (independent reseller, not to be confused with the manufacturer) puts together in-house. It looks like that saves you around 7 bucks compared to individually from them, but their prices are already jacked up to get you that free shipping on any item gimmick.

DRPD has the best US pricing on those sockets as far as I am aware and they are active on the forums.

Other options would be Zoro with a 20% off coupon or Palmac (same company as Koken USA, different face) and their 10% off for new subscribers.

 

[esben57]

Socket with rubber insert Gaffer taped to a spare extension. Had a Mazda 2 with MZR - Duratech? - socket liked holding on the plug and letting go of the extension. Tape sorted it.
Cheap and from the parts bin, the British way.

 

[esben57]

As above. #79




10mm hexagon with blue rubber insert. Socket 1/2" drive made in England no makers mark.
Been as such for years. Don't have the car now.