What spark plug socket do you recommend?

[Bruce]

Tonight I discovered that the cheap spark plug socket from an old toolkit that I had been using would not hold on to a spark plug. So what do you guys recommend that I replace it with?

 

[tdonoughue]

Look for a magnetic one. They are wonderful. Cheap ones have a rubber insert that 'grabs' the plug, but if that insert comes out (as it will), you are... well, where you are.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I don't use a spark plug socket. Just use a deep well socket to loosen the plug and then use the coil to go down and grab it and pull it out. Reverse that for installation.

 

[Bruce]

I don't use a spark plug socket. Just use a deep well socket to loosen the plug and then use the coil to go down and grab it and pull it out.

How do you put the new one in? Do you gently drop it in the hole?

 

[scokill]

Magnetic is the way to go.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

How do you put the new one in? Do you gently drop it in the hole?

You press it into the coil a little then feed it down the hole and finger tighten the plug by turning the coil. Pop the coil off then finish snugging the plug up with a wrench.

 

[tdonoughue]

True, you can do it that way. But for only $15 you can have magnets.

Plus (and this is more important by far), you get to buy a tool. We all know that the main point of doing things yourself is that you have (get) to buy the toys, er, tools with which to do the job!

 

[Glassman]

True, you can do it that way. But for only $15 you can have magnets.

Plus (and this is more important by far), you get to buy a tool. We all know that the main point of doing things yourself is that you have (get) to buy the toys, er, tools with which to do the job!

Now there's a guy who gets it.....AND, if the thought crosses your mind that you "might" just need two of anything "in case" - then you really got it!

 

[tdonoughue]

Right. You can always return it if you don't use it...

 

[Matt Phillips]

I use a regular plug socket with a little reversed duct tape inside it..this tends to hold the socket enough to get it into the hole. But a magnetic socket sounds like a necessary addition to the tool kit...

 

[biglar155]

Right. You can always return it if you don't use it...

Return a tool? That's blasphemy!

 

[Boat Crazy]

Totally agree that magnetic is the best option.

 

[buckbuck]

KD Tools 9/16" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket at Advanced Auto.
The socket also swivels around a bit which helps on those truck plugs way in the back.

 

[tdonoughue]

Return a tool?

Of course not. That would be blasphemy. He's gonna use it...