Spark plug socket with swivel on it.

[PoorOwner]

I was working on inline engine but this time the plug threads is the long reach type and deep in the well.

For some reason my extension fit loosely in a 5/8 spark socket. Just in case I didn't want things to go bad and need to fish out the socket with pliers. I look around and started using the gearswrech kit. It's got a magnet and the extension is built in but I can't figure out why it needed to swivel. I think it's made to work on Subaru or some painful job like that.

I thought I might damage the threads because the swivel is hard to keep straight, when you apply some torque it crooks a bit. But it came out with some squeaking, change plugs before 100k miles is a good idea

Anyway I was wonder why swivel, and can you mess up the threads with it?

 

[Gmonkee]

The swivel gets it around stuff and makes life easier on tight places.

Mine has never damaged anything at all. Even when used with wobble extensions. You'll be ok using it.

 

[MattPersman]

Lots of spark plugs are not just laying in the open 4 across. You need some flexibility to get them if you want to make a living doing this.

 

[gdocktor3]

If anything, you need to be careful not to cross thread when reinstalling them with a swivel socket. It is generally best to start the spark plugs, or any threaded part for that matter, by hand, but if a swivel socket is needed that may not always be possible. Just be careful and take your time.

 

[gungatim]

If anything, you need to be careful not to cross thread when reinstalling them with a swivel socket. It is generally best to start the spark plugs, or any threaded part for that matter, by hand, but if a swivel socket is needed that may not always be possible. Just be careful and take your time.

yep, one trick is to use a pice of rubber fuel line on the spark plug to get it started by hand. then pull the hose off and use the socket...

 

[Hawk]

Another trick is to wrap the swivel with some electrical tape if the swivel is a little too loose to suit you.

 

[Wakefield]

Is best to hand start turning threaded in the plug even if you have to use a long socket and then switch to the swivel (or double swivel Snap On) socket to tighten/torque it.

 

[PoorOwner]

The trick I used get it started is to turn it counter clockwise until I hear a click and then immediately turn it clockwise. The click is where the thread catches.

 

[66354dream]

The trick I used get it started is to turn it counter clockwise until I hear a click and then immediately turn it clockwise. The click is where the thread catches.

This was my preferred way of starting plugs, you can also use a piece of 3/8 hose on the plug to get it started, the hose will start spinning on the plug before you start damaging the threads.

 

[n8n]

The trick I used get it started is to turn it counter clockwise until I hear a click and then immediately turn it clockwise. The click is where the thread catches.

Not just spark plugs anything threaded and difficult.

e.g. those @#$%@#$%! cheap floor lamps you buy at Target. They're not inexpensive, but they're cheap if you follow me. Guess what I was cussing at the other night... (this is why I look at antique stores for stuff like that usually)

 

[JJThrasher]

I have set that have double swivels. Sometimes its the best way to get at them. The single swivels are nice in vans when you're reaching 1&2 from inside on the floor.

 

[kblee27]

To start the thread, I would use the same tool, but using my thumb and index fingers to turn the shaft of the tool instead. This applies very little torque, and I'll back up if it meets resistance and retry. This prevents cross-threading.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

^^^That is how I do it as well. Never had a problem.