Spark Plug Sockets: Snap-On Retention, Ko-Ken 180mm, Lockit Socket

[redge]

Hi,

I need to choose a spark plug socket (16mm-5/8"-3/8" drive) for a motorcycle.

Not exactly a momentous question, but I thought I'd see if anyone has comments...

I have a Lockit Socket, which uses a spring clip. It's 60mm-2 3/8" tall. Using this, I'd be able to thread and tighten a spark plug a bit by hand, but I'd have to use about a 75mm-3" extension to use a torque wrench on it. Info here, model LS203: http://lockitsocket.com

I'm considering two alternatives.

Ko-Ken makes a 180mm-7" spark plug socket, also using a spring clip, which would make an extension unnecessary. Does anyone have experience with these? Does using a socket this long make one less sensitive to avoiding cross-threading? Info here, model 3300C-180: http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/930

Snap-On makes what it calls a "retention" socket that uses an internal design to hold the spark plug rather than rubber, a magnet or a spring clip. It is 73mm-2 7/8", which would make hand threading and tightening a bit easier, although I'd still need an extension. There have been a few comments on it on this forum in the past, with one person suggesting that the design is a bit finicky. Any comments? Info here, model S9706KRA: https://store.snapon.com/Retention-Socket-Spark-Plug-Standard-Retention-5-8-6-Point-P644224.aspx

Finally, I know that Snap-On makes a 150mm-6" spark plug socket, but it's very expensive (US$67.25) and uses a rubber insert, which I'm inclined to avoid. Info here: https://store.snapon.com/Extra-Deep-Socket-Spark-Plug-Deep-5-8-6-Point-P631746.aspx

Are there any other sockets out there - longer than the Lockit Socket and spring clip or magnetic - that I should be considering?

Thanks for any comments.

 

[M6erfan]

I can't comment on the SO sockets but I have the Koken 180mm 16mm SP socket with retention clip and absolutely love it. I've found no disadvantage as to "sensitivity". An advantage, for me, is that with the one piece design I don't need a locking extension for those recessed plugs. Also, the Koken knurling is great.

Highly recommended

PS: No, I'm not a shill for Ko-Ken...

 

[redge]

...I have the Koken 180mm 16mm SP socket with retention clip and absolutely love it. I've found no disadvantage as to "sensitivity". An advantage, for me, is that with the one piece design I don't need a locking extension for those recessed plugs. Also, the Koken knurling is great.

Highly recommended

Thanks, very tempting.

 

[shockwave]

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPS206P/5-8-SPARK-PLUG-SOCKET/#to-detailsYou might look at this one from Matco it's more of a semi deep spark plug socket vs the deep from snap on

And keep in mind some of these will require a break since they are tighter tolerances compared to cheaper sockets

And the retention and magnetic are not the best I prefer the rubber inserts myself

 

[redge]

You might look at this one from Matco it's more of a semi deep spark plug socket vs the deep from snap on
...
I prefer the rubber inserts myself

Thanks very much.

The link doesn't give the socket height. Do you happen to know what it is?

There's lots of dissing about the rubber inserts. Why do you prefer them?

 

[shockwave]

I prefer the rubber insert since it holds in place just enough and retention and magnetic can sometimes take extension or hold sockets in place more so than rubber insert

I will have to look inmy catalog at work for specs since there website is not showing up

 

[redge]

I will have to look in my catalog at work for specs since there website is not showing up

Please don't. You've been very helpful and I'll track it down.

 

[Monkey Milk]

I like the snap on magnet one, no experience with the ko ken brand.

 

[Dave455]

I have KoKen spark plug sockets in regular, extended and universal! I have to say that they are by far my favourites. They are far more than just a socket with a spring clip, and are always my first choice if I'm pulling plugs out.

I have British Britool, Stahlwille and Snap On too, but always choose the KoKen!

 

[md21722]

I had rubber in my Craftsman ones. I don't have locking extensions and the socket would usually come off and I'd have to dig it out.

So, I tried a Snap On retention one and was never happy with it. Seemed like it works "sometimes" but not always.

Then I picked up a magnetic one at Auto Zone for $5. It worked great until I ran into plugs that were too long for it so I had to use my rubber one again.

Finally, I bought a Snap On magnetic one and am pleased.

 

[redge]

Thanks all,

I've ordered the KoKen. Sounds like a good spark plug socket and I'm curious about it.

 

[rice rocket]

Damn, banned already!

 

[M6erfan]

Not surprised