Spark Plug Sockets

[Rocket1]

I have several spark plug sockets and the one I use the most (Craftsman) has the rubber insert for retention. I find that the insert holds the plug too tight and once I've tightened the plough I can't get the socket off. When I use an extension it will separate from the socket before it comes off the plug. Is there a trick that I just can't figure out?

I've modified one of the other sockets to allow the plug to remove easily but it doesn't hold it well enough if I have to move around to reach the location and thread it in like the back passenger side on my TA

 

[mayhemman]

i use a standard non-plug socket. if i need to thread it in i use a bit of hose that fits the plug so i can start it.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Locking extensions work awesome for spark plugs. Also check out magnetic sockets.

 

[dankicksass]

Gearwrench (NAPA, Matco, etc) magnetic swivel spark plug sockets are the greatest.

 

[Rocket1]

I was looking at the magnetic ones the other day. I may need to pick one up and a set of locking extensions.

 

[royesses]

Try using some dielectric grease on the inside of the rubber insert. It won't harm anything and makes the socket come off easily.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Magnetic spark plug socket for me.

 

[V70R]

Dielectric Grease is a great way to do it, Volkswagen/Audi service manuals state using a small amount on newer COP ignitions, however works great on all ignitions. Snap-on has the patented taper retention plug sockets that do not feature a rubber insert, personal favorite.

Link: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=681846&store=snapon-store

 

[Altec]

I would always just fit the plug in the socket about half way, so it isn't fully seated. Then when I pull the socket/extension out I'd pull slowly at a angle.

Now I use magnetic sockets, and locking extensions. I won't go back...

Even HF sells some locking extensions!

 

[Rocket1]

Dielectric grease is a great idea. Wish I would have thought of it. I'll try it out on my TA this weekend when I give it the spring tune up.

 

[e30bradley]

I have 5 spark plug sockets but I always use my snap on socket.. Holds the plug nicely but lets go when I want it to.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

My personal favorites as far as locking extensions go are the locking wobbles like these.
203FXWKL

 

[Gary S]

Just keep using your socket with the rubber insert. It needs to be broken in. My Craftsman spark plug socket is 40 years old, and it no longer holds the spark plugs too tightly. It takes time to break in a good tool.

 

[toolmaker1]

Gearwrench (NAPA, Matco, etc) magnetic swivel spark plug sockets are the greatest.

+1

 

[Rocket1]

My personal favorites as far as locking extensions go are the locking wobbles like these.
203FXWKL

Those look nice.… I don't think I've noticed the locking wobble before

Just keep using your socket with the rubber insert. It needs to be broken in. My Craftsman spark plug socket is 40 years old, and it no longer holds the spark plugs too tightly. It takes time to break in a good tool.

I've been using this one for about 10 years. Just not often enough to break in I guess

 

[fivespdcat]

i use a standard non-plug socket. if i need to thread it in i use a bit of hose that fits the plug so i can start it.

This is beyond bad for spark plugs, you can cause a lot of damage to the plug and your car installing plugs with a regular socket. Pay the $3 and get the right tool for the job.

 

[Altec]

This is beyond bad for spark plugs, you can cause a lot of damage to the plug and your car installing plugs with a regular socket. Pay the $3 and get the right tool for the job.

I'll bite. Why?

 

[wreckerman5357]

I just use a pair of needle-nose to retreive the socket of it stays on the plug.

 

[fivespdcat]

The clearances on the inside of a standard socket are not large enough causing side loading on the ceramic of the spark plug. This can cause an outright break or micro-cracks in the ceramic. The cracks cause voltage leaking which lead to misfire which lead to bad things...

 

[otis66]

This is how I fixed the problem.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675513&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[otis66]

Or somthing like this may work better for your situation.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675517&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[dankicksass]

I'll bite. Why?

Because you don't get paid twice to do the job twice when you break it.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Yep I learned that lesson long before I started wrenching and even before I enrolled in school. Use the correct tool for SP's. They are fussy little critters.

 

[plung]

I ran into the same problem. I had 2 old 5/8" spark plug sockets with rubber inserts. They always got stuck. I took one rubber insert out.

I use the one with the rubber insert to remove the spark plugs. To insert new plugs, I use a small section of fuel line to start the threads. I then finished it off with the 5/8" plug socket with no boot.

 

[BigAl62]

Autozone Duralast tools has magnetic spark plug sockets, they're nice and cheap (a good combination).

 

[Skin]

To insert new plugs, I use a small section of fuel line to start the threads.

For what its worth Champion sells a purpose made piece of rubber to do just this. Costs $3.00 and works very well.

http://www.championsparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=&pid=46402

 

[osu69]

When changing the deep-set plugs on my Hemi engines, I use electrical tape to secure the socket to the extension. I usually change the tape after eight plugs. A simple, effective solution.

 

[Rocket1]

Has anyone tried the Snap On Retention Spark Plug Sockets? Seems interesting instead of a rubber boot it's tapered inside to hold the plug. I guess it wedges it in the socket and it says gentile side pressure releases the plug from the socket

 

[alvoski]

The snap on retention socket works well. The rubber boots always slip out on my other spark plug sockets. The snap on socket also has an deep hole for the ball on the extension to fit in. Goto doesn't slip off as easily. There is a difference.

 

[ajchien]

I use the locking extension method

 

[Bart Simpson]

Has anyone tried the Snap On Retention Spark Plug Sockets? Seems interesting instead of a rubber boot it's tapered inside to hold the plug. I guess it wedges it in the socket and it says gentile side pressure releases the plug from the socket

Yes , and it works exactly as you described.

 

[Rocket1]

Yes , and it works exactly as you described.

I was worried that the force might crack the plug. Have you had any issues with it?

 

[moronmountain]

Locking extensions work awesome for spark plugs. Also check out magnetic sockets.

This is the best answer.

 

[moronmountain]

I have 5 spark plug sockets but I always use my snap on socket.. Holds the plug nicely but lets go when I want it to.

which one do you have?

 

[Bart Simpson]

I was worried that the force might crack the plug. Have you had any issues with it?

No issues at all , the way it is designed it doesn't take much force at all to lock the plug in the socket.

 

[Rocket1]

I was looking around online and came across the lockitsocket. Looking interesting and is made in USA

www.lockitsocket.com

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I was looking around online and came across the lockitsocket. Looking interesting and is made in USA

www.lockitsocket.com

MATCO used to sell those back in the days.

 

[Rocket1]

MATCO used to sell those back in the days.

You are correct. I knew I had seen it somewhere but I couldn't remember

 

[mayhemman]

fivespdcat.

i see your explaination and also understand. i just have to say that ive known many mechanics who do this on a regular basis that havn't had any issues. i know i broke one plug because of what you have explained. to be honest your the first person who has ever brought this up to me, no one i ive encountered has so much as mentioned it. i guess its something that no one thinks much maybe?

its not a matter of not having the proper tool, as i do have a plug socket and generally use it on small stuff that i can get to easy.

thanks for the info i do appreciate it.

 

[gabeancounter]

fivespdcat.

i see your explaination and also understand. i just have to say that ive known many mechanics who do this on a regular basis that havn't had any issues. i know i broke one plug because of what you have explained. to be honest your the first person who has ever brought this up to me, no one i ive encountered has so much as mentioned it. i guess its something that no one thinks much maybe?

its not a matter of not having the proper tool, as i do have a plug socket and generally use it on small stuff that i can get to easy.

thanks for the info i do appreciate it.

Agree 110%! I always use the rubber sockets but would not have thought twice about using a standard socket. Glad I learned something today.