Whats everyones fav spark plug socket brand?

[subzero32]

Getting ready to change some spark plugs on a BMW M62 engine. Just wondering whats everyones favorite spark plug socket brand. I just have a random assortment of SK, Craftsman and no name ones with rubber inserts. Wondering if Hazet is worth the price.

 

[visionguru]

Getting ready to change some spark plugs on a BMW M62 engine. Just wondering whats everyones favorite spark plug socket brand. I just have a random assortment of SK, Craftsman and no name ones with rubber inserts. Wondering if Hazet is worth the price.

Gearwrench magnetic with swivel head.

For occasional DIY, you don't really need a spark plug socket. Before the Gearwrench socket, I had always used a regular deep socket (Craftsman 12pt) to loose or tight the spark plugs, a piece of rubber hose to fish out/thread in the spark plugs. Worked perfectly, but not as efficient as sparkplug socket, of course.

Spark plugs don't take a lot of torque. I think anything (including noname ones) would work just fine.

 

[ryan20021982]

Gearwrench magnetic with swivel head.

+1 for this

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Ko-ken Z-EAL. Then the others.

 

[subzero32]

+1 for this

I might have to pick one up, seems really nice and doesn't break the bank

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I also second the gearwrench spark plug sockets. I have a set of 3 with different sized extensions attached to them, magnetic with swivel head on them. I had a craftsman one with the rubber insert for years but having to always lubricate the rubber piece so that it wouldn't come off on the spark plugs after installed became a pain.

 

[KM223]

Snap On diamond wedge universal or SO magnetic universal

 

[fordnut85]

I second the gear wrench magnetic ones, best I have ever used and perfect for Ford Triton engines

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[zmotorsports]

I have the OTC set with the 3 sizes as well as the flex Snap-On ones and lastly the Snap-On extended reach sockets and don't really have one favorite. They each have their place and serve their purpose depending on vehicle.

 

[Buster21]

Another vote for the Gearwrench magnetics.

 

[mcmtech]

Gearwrench magnetic with the flex extensions

 

[finn]

I have several forty year old Craftsman and SK spark plug sockets that have served me well.

Realistically it doesn’t much matter, since the twice a year spark plug change ritual has disappeared.

The original plugs in my Ram truck are thirteen years old, and I changed plugs on my last car once in 12 years. They still looked fine, but since I had them out anyway, I replaced them.

My V10 truck required a special wrench, but they looked ok at 12 years.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Gear wrench magnetic

 

[Rarified27]

Another vote for the GearWrench.

I've only ever had one problem with them and it was when they, for some reason, couldn't get low enough to seat the threads in a Honda Element motor. I had to use a Kobalt wth the rubber insert to install those new ones.

And yes, the flex one- pretty nice.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I've used CM for years with no problems. Any goos socket should do the job for you.

 

[kwschumm]

Gearwrench Magnetic here.

 

[M6erfan]

Ko-Ken, I like their clip retention. I had Gearwrench in the past but their socket was too thick in some instances...

 

[ttpete]

Depends on the vehicle and engine. Some require a special socket, especially if the plugs are down in a tube. Some of the later BMW's use a 10 mm plug with a 14 mm hex, and there's so little clearance that the socket has to have an extremely thin wall to fit. BMW and Ducati motorcycles also require this. I also have an extra long 5/8" socket for certain Ford engines.

I don't like sockets that use a rubber insert. Magnetic or a spring clip is OK.

 

[General Geoff]

Ko-ken Z-EAL. Then the others.

Ko-Ken, I like their clip retention. I had Gearwrench in the past but their socket was too thick in some instances...

Agreed, Ko-ken makes the best.

 

[Reno4u2]

Depends on the vehicle and engine.

I agree. On my MB 560SL some sort of swivel is needed. I use one by KD tools. A (very strong) magnet holds the plug in and are available in 5/8' and 13/16" versions.

https://mercedessource.com/store/ultimate-1316-spark-plug-installation-kit

 

[CoogarXR]

Just when I think you guys can't influence me to buy anything else...

All I have ever used is the rubber-insert type. Half the time, the rubber holds stronger than my socket extension, and the socket stays on the plug when I'm done, lol.

I'll have to try some of these magnetic or clip-based sockets!

 

[Dentaltec]

Proto, I bought this set and its awesome

 

[Jimithing616]

I prefer the rubber inside as opposed to the magnetic.... the magnetic ones seem to break plugs for me... YMMV...

I own a MAC one in my most used size of 13/16 but honestly my 30+ year old craftsman ones are just as good.

I’ve also seen some really nice sets from SO, Mac, etc that have swivel and double swivel spark plug sockets that would be great for working on cars with hard to reach spark plugs... for me though, in my MC world, it’s not typically needed.

 

[dogdog]

just about any decent brand would do I think, the ones I used is mostly craftsman and Stanely , koblat ones.. all rubber not magnetic... OP should have asked what's your fav torque wrench for this job, if you are serious about your engine

 

[Parrothead]

Half the time, the rubber holds stronger than my socket extension, and the socket stays on the plug when I'm done, lol.

Locking extensions solves that problem.

 

[IMStuner]

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[ihateminimumwage]

Just when I think you guys can't influence me to buy anything else...

All I have ever used is the rubber-insert type. Half the time, the rubber holds stronger than my socket extension, and the socket stays on the plug when I'm done, lol.

Locking extensions solves that problem.

Just what I was going to recommend. I use a QR ratchet, 3" & 6" locking extensions and the rubber insert sockets. No more sticking sockets when I can fit them!

 

[AZ Pete]

I thought a Craftman spark plug socket with a rubber imsert was all I needed....until I got a BMW R1100S. The BMW takes a thin wall socket....no worries, I had a belt sander and an odd ball Taiwan spark plug socket. It didn't have rubber in it, so I dropped a small round magnet into it....works for me.


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[Dud]

Realistically it doesn’t much matter, since the twice a year spark plug change ritual has disappeared.

The original plugs in my Ram truck are thirteen years old, and I changed plugs on my last car once in 12 years. They still looked fine, but since I had them out anyway, I replaced them.

This. I haven't changed out plugs in over 20 years. I'm going to take a look at the Gearwrench set just in case I ever need a set.

 

[PJNJ]

Gearwrench 3 piece set -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIEECO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Plus an Autozone Duralast magnetic socket without a built in extension -
https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...-in-drive-5-8-in-spark-plug-socket/482599_0_0

 

[MN_Runner]

I have a set from Mac Tools.

 

[2001ZR2]

I have a 2001 Blazer ZR2 with the 4.3 engine but Pacesetter headers have been added by a previous owner. I couldn't anything on the socket. Tried every wrench and spark plug socket I had. Removed it with an offset DBE end wrench I got from my Dad. 3/4" on one side and 5/8" one the other. Now all the spark plugs are the same age and brand.

 

[Odes]

Proto, I bought this set and its awesome

I've seen that set but I haven't bought it yet but all I have ever used has been the Canadian mastercraft and they've done me fine

 

[Mr. Tool]

Yea, I know extremely late to the party but better late than never.....

As a few others have already stated.....KOKEN .... first and foremost, and all others come in second.

I've got several types in length and size in two specific types of Koken spark plug sockets, spring clip and magnetic retention and they are definitely the best to use, IMHO.

The Koken website even list one specifically for BMW!

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/148

 

[bwringer]

I have a set of "Bikemaster" magnetic spark plug sockets I got in a motorcycle shoppe a while back.

They seem to be pretty much identical to the Gearwrench magnetic sockets.

Seriously, magnetic spark plug sockets and some locking extensions will change your life. A little, anyway.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

For removing a plug in a deep tunnel I use a Craftsman with rubber boot.

For installing in a tunnel, I use a piece of vacuum line to start the plug, turn it until i feel line spinning, then pull the vacuum line out of the tunnel, and torque with a normal socket. I don't trust that the rubber boot will pull off the socket when I remove.

 

[jshillin]

I'm adding another vote for the Gearwrench magnetic with swivel head. Pick it up from Advance Auto with a coupon code

 

[unslow1]

I'm adding another vote for the Gearwrench magnetic with swivel head. Pick it up from Advance Auto with a coupon code

I did about a month ago. I like it but even though I have several brands including Snapon and Mac my favorites are my Duralast magnetic ones from Autozone. Usually I use them with a locking extension or a Snapon wobble plus.

 

[CR888]

A good thread idea would be to list the diameter measurements of different plug sockets from various brands. Tolerance is a non issue for most but those who have plugs in hard to get places size can be the difference between being able to use the socket or not. IME there is a big difference from great to average in the plug socket world. High torques are not really needed so thin walled ones should be available.

 

[Certified Drunk]

I got a question on the Gearwrench,
Is the extension locked on to the socket?