What is your view on Magnetic Spark Plug Sockets

[Rico.]

Hey Chaps,

I was giving my ancient BMW 535 a service today, which of course involved changing the
spark plugs. Unfortnately this old Jelopy uses HT leads that require the removal of the thick
cap on top of the plugs so they will fit on the thin threaded part.

It's not a massive problem, but my spark plug sockets uses the traditional rubber holder
inside which means they do not hold the plug when you unscrew the thick cap. Trying to
fit the new plugs is a bit of untidy affair and I need to be very careful not to cross thread them.

I have been thinking about getting magnetic spark plug sockets to solve my problem, but
I was wondering for those of you that have used them, do they work well and do they pose
any kind of problems, or are they just a waste of money..?

Thanks in advance.... Cheers.

 

[87Pomona]

I havent used my new Gearwrench magnetic spark plug socket but I can tell you that I'm going to love it....unless the magnet fails/falls off lol

Last time I changed/checked plugs I used a brand new Craftsman spark plug socket with the rubber insert. The spark plugs were a pain to remove from the socket, it didnt help that my had were a little dirty with oil. That last experience with the rubber sockets got me to order a magnetic socket.

 

[young_buck]

the few that I have bought have had the magnet fall out, but mine were low end ones

 

[87FoRunner]

That's what I kinda like about having Snap-on and Blue Point sockets. Blue points are rubber, which are good for putting some of them in, while the magnetic Snap ons are good for getting them out!

 

[GeneralDisorder]

If you spray a bit of wd-40 on the rubber insert things go much smoother.

Magnets collect bits of shavings and debris from shop environments and when they are down in a really deep socket.... Lubed rubber insert style sockets have never bothered me a bit.

GD

 

[tjmonsen5]

I have the Snap-on spark plug socket that has no rubber inside and it not magnetic. The inside walls are tapered to hold the spark plug in place. It works pretty well, you should give it a shot. I change the plugs on my BMW E30 325is with it, no problems.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I have the Snap-on spark plug socket that has no rubber inside and it not magnetic.

I have that, but plug fit super tight. sometimes it's difficult to remove from the socket.

Now all I use is snap-on magnetic spark plug socket.

 

[fivespdcat]

I use the snap on magnetic sockets and there rally is nothing better. I've it had any issues and they are thin wall also. If you want to buy one spark plug socket for the rest if your life and never have to deal with trying to get the rubber piece off the plug, buy these! Not to mention that they work great for starting plugs when hand starting.

 

[acdc73]

I have both types, but I use the magnetic snap-ons almost always, can't remember the last time I reached for a rubber-insert socket.

 

[MartinTech]

Hazet magnetic sparkplug sockets are the bee's knees.

That being said, I use a Koken u-joint plug socket that has a spring retainer when I am servicing an M10/20/30.

Don't use Bosch Platinums in that motor. Bosch WR9LS ...i think

I have a newer Hazet plug socket to fit N54/55, etc, that has a spring retainer rather than a magnet.

 

[acdc73]

Hazet magnetic sparkplug sockets are the bee's knees.

That being said, I use a Koken u-joint plug socket that has a spring retainer when I am servicing an M10/20/30.

Don't use Bosch Platinums in that motor. Bosch WR9LS ...i think

I got a couple of the Hazets too, and you're right, they are the bee's knees!

like my Stahlwille magnetic sockets too!

 

[MattPersman]

Not working on BMWs but I have the Matco set and use them frequently

 

[skulldrinker]

I bought the 2 different sizes of Gear Wrench 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Sockets at Advanced Auto parts for like $10 each. Haven't used them yet. I also have my 35 year old Craftsman rubber ones. For installing I always used a section of vacuum hose but that was always on external plugs like on small block chevys.

 

[stricht8]

I love the magnetic ones. Never going back to rubber!

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

This
I use this style, and love them. I just wish they made a 7/8 inch spark plug socket lol

 

[APEowner]

I only use the socket to break them loose or snug them up. I use a rubber hose to install and remove.

 

[Alchymist]

My Ford don't got none of dem dere magnetic sparkplugs.

 

[ra42mario]

I have been using a magnetic spark plug socket from Duralast (Autozone) for about a year now. No problems with the magnet. I also have a long spark plug socket from snap on that I use sometimes. The duralast socket was $6 or so, no waiting on the truck.

 

[stricht8]

I have been using a magnetic spark plug socket from Duralast (Autozone) for about a year now. No problems with the magnet. I also have a long spark plug socket from snap on that I use sometimes. The duralast socket was $6 or so, no waiting on the truck.

I have a Duralast and a SO. The magnet fell out of the Duralast on first use. I shoved it back in and its been fine ever since. The SO has been trouble free.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

Another vote for the Gearwrench magnetic socket. Try magnetic, you won't look back.

 

[greasemonkey44]

My Ford don't got none of dem dere magnetic sparkplugs.

my chevy either.....its the damnedest thing ive ever heard of


















in all seriousness i have been using a kastar magnetic sparkplug socket professionally for years and its been great/ saved me a ton of time

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

Another vote for the Gearwrench magnetic socket. Try magnetic, you won't look back.

The only problem I have with magnetic anything is that they seem to find all the metal in my service van, and on the equipment I work on. Just my experience.

 

[Rico.]

Thanks for the feedback chaps.... Seems like a pretty much universal thumbs up for the
magnetic socket. To be perfectly honest I never had a problem with the rubber insert
sockets until I started to work on the M30 engine. I blame BMW for using those stupid
thin cap HT leads.

Cheers.

 

[NissanTechWill]

I have the Snap-on spark plug socket that has no rubber inside and it not magnetic. The inside walls are tapered to hold the spark plug in place. It works pretty well, you should give it a shot. I change the plugs on my BMW E30 325is with it, no problems.

I use the type you are describing at the Nissan dealership where I work all the time.

-Will

 

[440D150]

I have the KD Tools magnetic set and they work awesome. I'll never use anything else.

 

[expatriated]

I just used my Snap-on magnetic socket yesterday for plugs on the wife's van. I'm reminded how awesome it is each time I used it. Invariably, the rubber ones I used before would eventually not hold the plug.

I didn't realize that Hazet made some--now I'll have to get one of those!!

 

[Outline]

In short:

-Most important: NEVER use magnetic sockets when the ignition coils are mounted directly on the spark plug! They will magnatize your spark plug which in turn can damage your ignition coil!

Renault (in Europe) uses that system and they have had several problems due to magnitized spark plugs. They have memo now stating that it's not allowed to use magnetic socket for those types of engines.

So be aware of that!

-Magnets collect all the shavings they can find. Not something you want dangling on your socket when changing plugs...

-Best way to screw in a spark plug without getting threads crossed is using a piece of (garden) hose. Gives you the best feel when screwing spark plug in.

 

[NC-Shaun]

In short:

-Most important: NEVER use magnetic sockets when the ignition coils are mounted directly on the spark plug! They will magnatize your spark plug which in turn can damage your ignition coil!

Renault (in Europe) uses that system and they have had several problems due to magnitized spark plugs. They have memo now stating that it's not allowed to use magnetic socket for those types of engines.

So be aware of that!

-Magnets collect all the shavings they can find. Not something you want dangling on your socket when changing plugs...

-Best way to screw in a spark plug without getting threads crossed is using a piece of (garden) hose. Gives you the best feel when screwing spark plug in.

This is exactly what I was concerned about. My truck has coil on plug design, and was wondering if the magnetism that the spark plug gets subjected to would cause issues with the coil pack...Thank You

 

[bwringer]

In short:

-Most important: NEVER use magnetic sockets when the ignition coils are mounted directly on the spark plug! They will magnatize your spark plug which in turn can damage your ignition coil!

Renault (in Europe) uses that system and they have had several problems due to magnitized spark plugs. They have memo now stating that it's not allowed to use magnetic socket for those types of engines.

So be aware of that!

-Magnets collect all the shavings they can find. Not something you want dangling on your socket when changing plugs...

-Best way to screw in a spark plug without getting threads crossed is using a piece of (garden) hose. Gives you the best feel when screwing spark plug in.

Can you give a link? What on earth is the reasoning that a device capable of producing thousands of 30,000+ volt sparks per minute for many years is somehow not able to cope with a tiny amount of residual magnetism?

The only way this directive from Renault might make sense is if it's related to metal shavings sticking to the plug and/or socket.

Perhaps that's all it is, really; maybe Renault is sick of dealing with the issues caused by mechanics who won't bother to glance inside their magnetic sockets and clean them out before using them.


I got this "Bikemaster" set at a motorcycle shop a while back, and they're fantastic. Nice quality, made in Taiwan, thin walls (some engines don't give you much room), and so far the magnets have stayed put:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP5RTEE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Cope]

I have a Snap on magnetic. Only used it once, but it worked fine.

 

[MemphisR32]

I use a KD socket with the rubber insert. A little dielectric grease on the rubber and things are all good. I do also use a locking extension when doing sparkplugs and have not had any issues.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I use a KD socket with the rubber insert. A little dielectric grease on the rubber and things are all good. I do also use a locking extension when doing sparkplugs and have not had any issues.

Thats my plan as well, I am gonna pick up some locking extensions sometime soon.

 

[wild cowboy]

I have the gearwrench flex-head magnetic spark plug socket with built in extension, and you guys know I am no gearwrench fan boy, but this is one tool I love!

here is the one I have: www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80546-8-Inch-6-Inch-Swivel/dp/B0014ZVSVK

 

[PJNJ]

Bought this 3 piece set a couple of years ago and I wish I had them years ago. They didn't cause any problems with the coil packs on my wife's 2004 Dodge either.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIEECO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Strouty]

I bought this new old stock snap on set, I guess they do not make them anymore. It looks like gearwrench has copied it.

 

[dpaton]

Can you give a link? What on earth is the reasoning that a device capable of producing thousands of 30,000+ volt sparks per minute for many years is somehow not able to cope with a tiny amount of residual magnetism?

The coil that generates that 30kv is wrapped around the top of the plug, and if there exists a magnetic gradient there already, it skews the flux in the coil and the ignition system gets either backfed voltage or it won't develop enough voltage to kick off the fuel charge in the cylinder.

 

[Mastermind]

I have the Matco branded set, same as kd and gearwrench, use them daily on coil on plug Hondas. Never had a problem in three years. Last time I touched a rubber socket was to cut it down pull the rubber out to get plugs in under headers and tighten with a wrench.