I recently had the enjoyment of changing the plugs on a dodge hemi, and was surprised to find that most of my 5/8" sockets didn't fit down into the spark plug well, I eventually was able to get a 12 point socket to work. I know I read a lot of good things about the snap on sockets that use friction to lock onto the hex of the plug, but on that hemi there is no way I would have had the room to wiggle that style of socket off the plug. The rubber insert style would have held onto the plugs too good and would have only added to the frustration of the job. I never used the magnetic style before. I find myself using 5/8" more than any other size around the house, so I suppose I need to get a better socket in that size. What works best for you guys for general use?
what spark plug sockets actually work???
- Thread starter mech-tech
- Start date
toolaholic
Well-known member
the only trouble I've ever had are the 18mm plugs on some motorcycles (BMW/Yamaha), where some sockets are too thick. never had trouble on a car but haven't done a hemi. my Jeep has the deep plugs in the head that need a 12" extention, but my good old standard craftsman sockets worked just fine. only advice I can give is to use a sparkplug socket to remove, and use a regular socket to install if you have trouble pulling the socket off with the rubber insert (a little grease or anti-seize will hold the plug in while initially installing, or some oil on the rubber insert helps as well).
Kamanhart
Well-known member
I just bought a Koken 3340C specifically for doing plugs on my hemi. It took the all the frustration out of changing those 16 bastards lol. The built in swivel is extremely nice for the back plugs next to the brake booster that make it a pain to use extensions. It uses a super cool spring type retention that puts just enough force to hold it but not enough to make it annoying. It also has a brass insert built in to protect the insulator.
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/1153
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/1153
toolaholic
Well-known member
toolaholic
Well-known member
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063K8YO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Here it is in all its thin long glory!
I got some old KD Tool spark plug sockets that are magnetic and with a built in swivel/extension, they work great. Gearwrench bought them out and are making their version of it like the 80546, don't know how good those are. Duralast (Autozone) has their version as well, never used those either.
I prefer the magnet over the friction kind.
I prefer the magnet over the friction kind.
[/URL][/IMG] here's a really long SK no extensions needed
I don't know WTH I'd use it for (I'm not likely to ever own a hemi unless they put one in a Jeep) but I think I might need to buy one of those....
Thanks again, GJ! LOL
The socket you linked is not the one in the picture, the socket linked is only 4" long. (Sk 4421)
The one pictures is this one, it is 10" long (SK 4422). I'm not sure if it is made anymore or not as I don't see it in the SK catalog.
https://www.jbtoolsales.com/sk-hand-tools-4422-10-extra-long-3-8-drive-5-8-spark-plug-socket/
If you need thin, I believe thats what the Koken Zeal advertise theirs being. They use a clip instead of a magnetic or spring and are well regarded.
http://www.frankstools.com/kozspplso18m.html
http://www.frankstools.com/kozspplso18m.html
toolaholic
Well-known member
thanks! Maybe I need a 4 to go with my 10!
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toolaholic
Well-known member
Couldn't find Amazons sk4422. So here is a 10 inch cta http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Z59AMI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Gearwrench magnetic sockets with attached swivel extensions. The three piece set comes in 4, 6, and 11 inch lengths. I have them and they work very well.
Link -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIEECO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Link -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIEECO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I'm assuming a modern Hemi? I suggest just a rubber lined socket and yes the thinner the better. But the best set up is a standard depth socket, 3" extension, 3/8" swivel and long extension. Reason being is cylinder #2 and the power distribution center, that combo allows you to assemble n disassemble when doing those two plugs. Everything else is cake walk.
Just my $0.02 I'll add here....I highly recommend Koken spark plug sockets. 
Top notch quality (right up there with Snap On) and durable. I have several in different mm, both with clip or magnetic style and they are awesome to use!
Forget using that spark plug socket with that old rubber boot insert, that's so yesterday.
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/148
Don't feel like sending off for Koken spark plug socket(s)?...... Then run down to your local Autozone and pick one of these up.....http://www.autozone.com/1/products/...-plug-socket-extension-75-499-oem-75-499.html
Top notch quality (right up there with Snap On) and durable. I have several in different mm, both with clip or magnetic style and they are awesome to use!
Forget using that spark plug socket with that old rubber boot insert, that's so yesterday.
http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/148
Don't feel like sending off for Koken spark plug socket(s)?...... Then run down to your local Autozone and pick one of these up.....http://www.autozone.com/1/products/...-plug-socket-extension-75-499-oem-75-499.html
Just an FYI. Granted there are better sockets then the ole school rubber lined one. But I've been dicking with the modern Hemi for the last 11 years having done maybe a hundred motor combos. That set up mr tool suggested wouldn't work in the engine bay of a lx or lc body. Your total length of socket and extension can't be longer then 5" (this allows the swivel end to just get into the cavity btw) or you'll battle it getting in and out of the hole.
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bczygan
Well-known member
Perfect thread.
Just finished plugs and wires on a Pontiac 6000.
Rear ones were a pain.
Needed different combinations of extensions. Locking ones and wobble too. Short and long.
Lost the rubber piece and was a pain to retrieve.
Bill
Just finished plugs and wires on a Pontiac 6000.
Rear ones were a pain.
Needed different combinations of extensions. Locking ones and wobble too. Short and long.
Lost the rubber piece and was a pain to retrieve.
Bill
mjoekingz28
Well-known member
For extensions on DOHC plugs, I just use electrical tape to mate the extension to the spark plug socket.
I usually only have a vehicle or two, and they call for plugs every hundred thousand, so its not much trouble and Im not going through rolls of tape every week.
Just remember to thread them in by hand, not under torque.
What was the reason for the old timers using heather hose on spark plugs? I never understood why, when you can thread them in by hand with an extension..
I usually only have a vehicle or two, and they call for plugs every hundred thousand, so its not much trouble and Im not going through rolls of tape every week.
Just remember to thread them in by hand, not under torque.
What was the reason for the old timers using heather hose on spark plugs? I never understood why, when you can thread them in by hand with an extension..
mjoekingz28
Well-known member
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
Part number?
toolaholic
Well-known member
4422. I think it's not made anymore. http://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-Tool-SKT4422-Socket/product-reviews/B002BHU9DS
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I have a Hazet one, with the swivel extension, and the metal spring inside never worked for me. Never held a plug properly. I ordered a rubber insert from Snap-on, stuck it inside the Hazet socket and now it works perfectly!
As for other situations, all my other spark plug sockets are Snap-on, and i've never had an issue with them. All except the 14mm have rubber inserts, they all work perfectly for me, from little Euro cars up to Hemi engines and everything in between. Sometimes a locking extension is useful, but rarely needed.
whateg01
Well-known member
Guess I'm going to have to up my game on spark plug sockets. I pulled the rubber insert out of all of mine long ago and use a piece of fuel line to start the spark plug and to remove it the last couple threads. Only use the socket for loosening and tightening. I like the idea of a built in swivel or a long socket, though. You don't have to own a hemi to take advantage of the long sockets. Seems like most OHC motors have the plug way down in a well that is hard to get into.
Dave
Dave
Schurkey
Well-known member
Many of those "wells" are so constricted that the single-item spark plug socket/swivel/extension deals won't work--the steel ring surrounding the joint won't fit into the well.
In my case, the black ring won't fit into the "well" of the GM 3.4L DOHC "W" body engine.
In my case, the black ring won't fit into the "well" of the GM 3.4L DOHC "W" body engine.
Schurkey
Well-known member
Be careful. I just saw an eBay auction for an SK 4422, the tape measure shows about 2 1/4" long, and the seller is claiming that it's 11/16 hex size.
I think SK recycled a tool number--one version is the 10" long, 5/8 hex, and the other is an ordinary short length, and 11/16 hex.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Tools-6p...709107?hash=item233f1cd373:g:xJ0AAOSwGvhT7NWg
Dave455
Well-known member
Another vote for KoKen.
The basic design is superb. A brass insert protects the insulator and spring clips hold the plug just perfectly.
They make them in all the sizes, together with 'extended sockets' and universal.
Quality is top end too!
The basic design is superb. A brass insert protects the insulator and spring clips hold the plug just perfectly.
They make them in all the sizes, together with 'extended sockets' and universal.
Quality is top end too!
wafrederick
Well-known member
Gearwrench magnetic sockets with attached swivel extensions. The three piece set comes in 4, 6, and 11 inch lengths. I have them and they work very well.
Link -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIEECO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Same as the Matco set which is a 5 piece set.The Gearwrench set does not have the magnetic 9/16 spark plug socket for the 3 valve 5.4 Ford engines which the Matco does.I have the Matco set of this set and my go to spark plug socket set now.
goodysgotacuda
Well-known member
My magnetic SnapOn spark plug socket works very well!
shockwave
Well-known member
I have the full range of snap on spark plug sockets the only issue I have Encountered is with the newer 3v ford engine where the standard 9/16 is not deep enough but my universal was saw I did not invest in the ungraded magnetic socket
Now be careful the newer amg motors with 12 point 14mm are very precise and are clocked and torque to bake sure electrode is facing one way or the other
Other than these no issue with Matco or snap on in a pinch I have used magnet and 16mm deep socket because rubber insulting was gone
Now be careful the newer amg motors with 12 point 14mm are very precise and are clocked and torque to bake sure electrode is facing one way or the other
Other than these no issue with Matco or snap on in a pinch I have used magnet and 16mm deep socket because rubber insulting was gone
bmwpowere36m3
Well-known member
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- Nov 8, 2012
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Same here… I just use swivel spark plug sockets and the appropriate length extension. My Snap-On swivel sockets have a rubber insert… which I've never had a problem with.
Start by hand, finish with ratchet. Then again, I don't do any work on "tight" FWD cars… the joys of working on older europeans ones
MementoMori99
Active member
Provided that they can be used, my two favorite 16mm(5/8") spark plug sockets are from Koken. The top one measures nearly 10" in length and bottom one is approximately 7".
http://www.levelchrome.com/Koken-33...T-WITH-CLIP-38SQDR-16MM-LENGTH-250_p_422.html
http://www.levelchrome.com/Koken-33...T-WITH-CLIP-38SQDR-16MM-LENGTH-180_p_423.html
http://www.levelchrome.com/Koken-33...T-WITH-CLIP-38SQDR-16MM-LENGTH-250_p_422.html
http://www.levelchrome.com/Koken-33...T-WITH-CLIP-38SQDR-16MM-LENGTH-180_p_423.html
Attachments
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jgschroeder99
Well-known member
Another vote here for the Gearwrench magnetic swiveling sockets. I have the 5/8" x 6" version and it works great.
http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80546-8-Inch-6-Inch-Swivel/dp/B0014ZVSVK?ie=UTF8&keywords=gearwrench%205%2F8%20spark%20plug%20socket&qid=1461126151&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80546-8-Inch-6-Inch-Swivel/dp/B0014ZVSVK?ie=UTF8&keywords=gearwrench%205%2F8%20spark%20plug%20socket&qid=1461126151&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I suppose it just wouldn't be garage journal if I didn't post some kind of unusualness somewhere along the way. The spark plug sockets I use at work are a breed of their own. They are made for large oilfield gas compressor engines that use spark plugs with either a 7/8" hex, 15/16" hex, or 1" hex. What makes them so different is the center electrode on these plugs are typically extended, which is longer than the length of a typical deep well socket...so what spark plug companies do is custom make spark plug sockets in these sizes. The one I use was apparently made with a snap on socket, which was cut in half and had a pipe the same size welded in the middle, making the over all length just shy of 2 feet long in order to be able to reach the plug down into the rocker cover, they then machined out a groove for an o-ring, which is their version of a retention system to hold the plug in the socket. These spark plug sockets sell for a cool $300 a piece. They are always 1/2" drive cause when these plugs get stuck, they get stuck BAD.
This is the only pic I could find online of the kind I've used
http://www.globalauctionguide.com/image-viewer/15569607
This is the only pic I could find online of the kind I've used
http://www.globalauctionguide.com/image-viewer/15569607
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Backpack Hunter
Well-known member
I have a 6" Gearwrench, and an 11" Duralast, both magnets, both work well.
mjoekingz28
Well-known member
Same here… I just use swivel spark plug sockets and the appropriate length extension. My Snap-On swivel sockets have a rubber insert… which I've never had a problem with.
Start by hand, finish with ratchet. Then again, I don't do any work on "tight" FWD cars… the joys of working on older europeans ones
I tried a plug change with a parts house $1 socket. The frustration of losing the rubber insert was not worth the $4 less than a Craftsman-which has been great.
I tried gorilla glue and other forms, but bonding rubber to a chrome socket isnt so simple. The Craftsman rubber insert must be wedged better, because it works as good as I could imagine it doing.
My craftsman began losing the rubber insert, so I tried the sunex version and it worked well, but that was for 13/16" plugs. It seems every time I think I am well prepared I run into some new problem. Surprisingly one of the best investments I have made in plug sockets was the cheap briggs and stratton socket at wal-mart for $4. It is a cheap stamped socket but is long and thin. I am amazed how many small engines simply don't have enough room for any of my plug sockets, except this one. I am definitely enjoying what you guys have to say from actual experiences with what works and what doesn't.
TK-421
Well-known member
I've got magnetic Gearwrench sockets and love them. Never used them on a hemi so I don't know how they work on that, but they work great on my Mazda. I like the magnetic because it has enough hold to hold onto the plug, but not so much that it's a pain to get it off the plug, and there's no risk of the rubber boot staying on the plug when you pull the socket off.