Your favorite spark plug socket(s)

[302]

What spark plug sockets do you grab more than others?


I see some with swivels and extensions attached and wonder how much those actually come in handy and if there are applications where something other than a regular socket/ratchet won't do the job?


I've used the same 3-4 sockets for as long as I can remember.

 

[ChevyEFI]

My super clearance 5/8" socket is a cheapie 1/2" drive 12pt socket. I ground flats at the square end so it can be turned with a 19mm or 3/4" wrench. And it's short and fits past headers.

The swivel / t-handle works on so many applications. But I mostly just grab my SK socket, extension and ratchet. Habit, I guess.

On the mower, I've been using the spark plug change set from the Kobalt set that was on sale last year.

 

[Skin]

Most recent is a Hatzet magnetic that I favor. The universal ones are a necessity for many V6 or V8 where cylinders are stuffed back under the windshield or under intakes.

 

[sselander]

I bought the "GearWrench 81229 3 Piece Spark Plug Ratchet Set" for a tough car I had.
The ratchet is swivel head with a bent handle and magnetic sockets.
It works well for those hard to reach spots.

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench-81229-3-pc-spark-plug-ratchet-set.html

 

[fivespdcat]

I really like the thin wall snap on magnetic sockets, make sure to have an assortment of wobble extensions and a nice bent handle flex ratchet. Surprising enough, I love my old bent handle full polished craftsman. It's served me well for years of spark plug changes. I really prefer the standard ratchet over a soft grip just for the way the smooth handle feels when using it as a speeder.

 

[94_C/1500]

Just a heads up last I checked Mac was having a special on a set with a handle. I think for $20 or so.
I have Stanely set, a Craftsman set, and a Napa set and the Craftsman and Stanely are good. The rubber always falls out of the napa one. The ones with built in extensions would be great at times. I've actually used duct tape, the real stuff to hold sockets to the extensions.

 

[imalexodell]

I have both 5/8 and 13/16 gearwrench magnetic swivel sockets and love them. Rarely do I grab the plain old sockets anymore. Although on some ohc inline engines you will need an additional extension to get down into the plug hole.

 

[MLB0611]

My favorite 5/8 socket is the extra long spark plug socke, from Snap On it fits most applications without an extensions, an AST 14 mm 12 point for minis, BMWs and nissan products, 9/16 ford plug is a standard lenth Snap on with wobble extensions

 

[302]

Extra long one that works without an extension, you say? That would be amazing for all of the overhead cam engines I work on (Toyota)....I don't know the last time I did plugs on something without an extension.

 

[wvrailroader]

5/8" Snap On double swivel plug socket. Best tool in the world for hard to reach plugs.

 

[Wakefield]

The Snap On with two swivel joints? S9721A

 

[302]

https://store.snapon.com/Extra-Deep-Socket-Spark-Plug-Deep-5-8-6-Point-P631746.aspx


Is it that one?

 

[redwrench60]

Yup, that's the one. The extra long versions are almost all I use anymore. I have one from Snap On and another from Cornwell. Both work very well. Firmly hold a plug and nice knurling for finger turning/plug starting by hand.

 

[wvrailroader]

The Snap On with two swivel joints? S9721A

That would be the one. Expensive but well worth it.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I use the Matco set with the Snappy bent plug ratchet.

 

[Vantastic]

I use these. KD tools I think the set is still available from gearwrench. It's around $30.

 

[Karl_B]

My absolute favorite was an old Snap-On socket that had a sprung tab to hold the plug in place and a hole for the detent ball, not just a divot. Since that was stolen and I couldn't find it in the Snap-On catalog anymore, I bought this Koken set. The also offer sockets in regular length and a longer one. Having the socket neck down like an extension works pretty well for me.

 

[tshetter]

Snap-On 14mm magnetic spark plug socket.

Works well and the magnet is strong.

 

[Coach James]

Great Neck 13/16 I bought ~25 years ago. It's not my best but it is my favorite.

Coach

 

[DirtyWeRX]

I love my Cornwell magnetic 5/8 socket. Pair it up with a swivel and a 1" extension or two and you may be lucky enough to get to DOHC Subaru plugs

 

[PJNJ]

I use these. KD tools I think the set is still available from gearwrench. It's around $30.

Have those along with a Duralast magnetic socket. I think the Gearwrenches I have were purchased as a KD brand service set. They have become my favorites. The magnets hold onto the socket very well and the built-in extensions on the Gearwrench sockets avoid the problem of extensions pulling off the socket at the wrong time.

 

[z28ke]

I use a standard craftsman spark plug socket and ground down the business end of it (to a point if you will) so it doesn't get stuck in the plug recess of sbc heads. Always works great with a ratchet or wrench depending on clearance.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Snap On magnetic.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[padroo]

To me the socket has been no big deal but flex head ratchets make the most difference. I can't remember the last time I pulled a spark plug. My Prius has 90000 miles on it and plan on changing them in the spring.

 

[AmishFury]

the one that i happen to have when i need to change a plug... so usually a craftsman or masterforce socket

 

[Ponchoguy]

My Craftsman "4 piece set" on the black display hanger. I bought a few sets when they were still USA made and they are a go to set. I also have a full set in every tool case (also Craftsman) so I can bring the case to the job and have what I need.

 

[mailpup]

I don't have a particular favorite since it depends on what I'm working on. Ages ago I only had to use a 13/16" spark plug socket. There are so many different spark plug hex sizes these days, you have to use what works best for the application. With so many spark plugs buried down tubes and with obstructions preventing a straight shot, I like swivel sockets used with locking extensions (locking extensions are a must for me). For example, I worked on a Dodge Ram hemi with two plugs per cylinder recently and the rear cylinders needed this kind of setup just to fit a socket down the tube. Another time I worked on a Toyota Matrix 4 cylinder and discovered that it doesn't take a 5/8" socket. It was 14mm although a 9/16" plug socket designed for a Ford Triton worked okay. I didn't have a 14mm then but I do now.

If you only work on a few cars, I can see where you might have a favorite but if you work on a variety of cars, they're all different so your setup is also different.

 

[Kensgarage]

I bought the "GearWrench 81229 3 Piece Spark Plug Ratchet Set" for a tough car I had.
The ratchet is swivel head with a bent handle and magnetic sockets.
It works well for those hard to reach spots.

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench-81229-3-pc-spark-plug-ratchet-set.html

This one. Good bang for the buck.

 

[Dave455]

Ko Ken are my favourites!

They make about superb quality 'retention' sockets with a brass insert to protect the insulator and the best clip out there!

They also offer 'extended' sockets, which are socket and extension combined, so when you pull the socket off a plug you don't leave the plug behind instead!

Finally, they are reasonably priced, so I can actually afford the extended sockets and the universal too!

 

[dede2897234]

Ko Ken are my favourites!

They make about superb quality 'retention' sockets with a brass insert to protect the insulator and the best clip out there!

They also offer 'extended' sockets, which are socket and extension combined, so when you pull the socket off a plug you don't leave the plug behind instead!

Finally, they are reasonably priced, so I can actually afford the extended sockets and the universal too!

Dave455,

I too love my Ko-ken spark plug sockets. I bought them in various metric sizes and extended length versions. Subaru spark plugs are installed deep inside the engine. Due to this, I use them with Armstrong impact locking extensions.


Dave

 

[Fedwrench]

I have some old Proto swivel spark plug sockets that I like the knurling on. For the Ford 9/16 plugs, I really like this OTC version:
http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-6900.aspx

For non swivel 5/8 applications, I like these:

http://www.jbtoolsales.com/sk-hand-tools-4421-spark-plug-socket-3-8-drive-5-8-hex-deep-3-87-long/

SK also make a longer one model 4422.
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com/article/10330009/sk-hand-tool-spark-plug-socket

 

[1950mercury]

I don't have a particular favorite since it depends on what I'm working on. Ages ago I only had to use a 13/16" spark plug socket. There are so many different spark plug hex sizes these days, you have to use what works best for the application. With so many spark plugs buried down tubes and with obstructions preventing a straight shot, I like swivel sockets used with locking extensions (locking extensions are a must for me). For example, I worked on a Dodge Ram hemi with two plugs per cylinder recently and the rear cylinders needed this kind of setup just to fit a socket down the tube. Another time I worked on a Toyota Matrix 4 cylinder and discovered that it doesn't take a 5/8" socket. It was 14mm although a 9/16" plug socket designed for a Ford Triton worked okay. I didn't have a 14mm then but I do now.

If you only work on a few cars, I can see where you might have a favorite but if you work on a variety of cars, they're all different so your setup is also different.

Agreed......locking extensions,swivel sockets and ratchets

 

[M6erfan]

Hazet magnetic

 

[Indexmill]

Hazet magnetic

Your avitar kills me every time I see it.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

my first one was craftsman with rubber insert, currently use snap-on magnet socket.

 

[drtyler]

Hazet with spring clip

 

[franzdom]

My favorites used to be the Snap-On magnetic but I really like the Koken now.

 

[joel63]

my first one was craftsman with rubber insert, currently use snap-on magnet socket.

1x

The Craftsman with the rubber insert was my one and only, until the 5/8"

plugs came out.

Now I like the retention type Snap On S9706KRA, and on many

occasions I find I have to use the Snap On extra deep S9716KL.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I generally use mu Cman plug socket. However, I need something different when I did the plugs on my old 5.4 3V.

I tried two of them, the SO on the left and the KD on the right.


I prefered the KD over the SO long deepwell.

 

[yowzer]

Ko Ken are my favourites!

They make about superb quality 'retention' sockets with a brass insert to protect the insulator and the best clip out there!

They also offer 'extended' sockets, which are socket and extension combined, so when you pull the socket off a plug you don't leave the plug behind instead!

Finally, they are reasonably priced, so I can actually afford the extended sockets and the universal too!

Have you tried the Zeal ones?