spark plug sockets

[smokey0066]

I'm thinking about picking up the snap on retention sockets. Are they good for the money or are there better working sockets. I'm trying to stay away from the rubber boot ones. I don't seem to have good luck with them.

Also looking for locking extensions. I'll probably grab some from harbor freight unless there is benefit to getting brand name ones.

 

[TDWendt]

The snap-on sparkplug sockets are the ****. Best design by far IMO.

Locking extentions? No experience i use regular extentions with little ball at the end to hold the socket.

 

[Seanbev24]

No help on those sockets, but have you tried magnetic plug sockets? I prefer them over the traditional style.

I have a couple HF 1/2" locking impact extensions that I have no complaints about. Most of my 1/4" and 3/8" locking extensions are Blue Point, which I really like. I get them in impact so I can use them on an impact or a ratchet. I tried the chrome Craftsman locking extensions and they are absolute garbage. I stopped using them the 2nd time that plastic lever broke off and I had to hammer the socket off the extension.

 

[shampoop]

I got some snapon locking impact extensions. In my mind, where they really shine is when using a spark plug socket, and swiven impact sockets on your impact gun (they will fly off if you free spin it without a locking extension)

 

[smokey0066]

yup I need to change some plugs out on 2 of my cars. Last year I borrowed some mac tools from my buddy and it was such a breeze with the retention socket + locking extension. No need to worry about losing anything in the hole. I know sometimes there are alternatives to tool truck items so I figured I'd ask before buying.

 

[Skin]

Dont know about any retension designs but i do like my magnetic sockets. Dont feel you have to get Snap-On, look for KD magnetic spark plug sets (tooltopia), not a lot of cash and very good quality.

I use to recommend this set too

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPK5/5-PIECE-SPARK-PLUG-SOCKET-SET/

but i think it went up $10. Its still not a terrible deal but you probably dont need all that either. Its basically the same sockets used in the KD sets i mentioned. All of those are magnetic.

 

[franzdom]

I have the magnetic snap-on ones and they are a joy to use. I am also curious about the retention ones but I think I would have a small preference for the magnetic.

 

[davesnothere]

I've got the s/o retention sockets, and they wrok great.

 

[e30bradley]

Snap on spark plugs are better than anything else I've used from craftsman, autozone, advanced auto, and a handful of chinese ones. Snap on ones don't drop the plug.. they actually hold it good and the rubber inside doesn't wear out. I've seen low quality ones have the rubber fall apart from harsh automotive chemicals. I need an 18mm spark plug socket..

 

[smokey0066]

wait maybe I'm misunderstanding something. I thought the retention sockets don't have rubber in them. The Mac socket I used didn't have any rubber inside. Strictly a friction fit on the hex of the plug.

 

[davesnothere]

retention sockets have no rubber insert, correct.

 

[bmxr4life87]

Magnet plug socket or your just wasting time. My gearwrench ones never let me down and one has a built in 3 inch extension with a nice ball and socket wobble thats tight not floppy. I have hf chrome locking extensions and they are a true gem from hf they dont flex and the lock ring is metal not plastic like craftsmans piss poor design. Only problem is hf doesnt have a 1/4 set but dont let that stop ya from buying the 3/8 and 1/2

 

[Seanbev24]

I use to recommend this set too

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPK5/5-PIECE-SPARK-PLUG-SOCKET-SET/

but i think it went up $10. Its still not a terrible deal but you probably dont need all that either. Its basically the same sockets used in the KD sets i mentioned. All of those are magnetic.

I have that set and love it. The 3 different length 5/8" sockets probably aren't necessary, but it's nice not having to stack extensions.

 

[bimmerZ5]

i also have the gearwrench magnetic spark plug sockets with built-in extension. used them just recently on a neighbor's car and they were a joy to use. got them essentially free with a recent purchase of some torque wrenches...