Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Solvers

Status
Not open for further replies.

thrasher

Greasemonkey
Nov 12, 2013
120
2
0
I did a small search for "Special Needs" spark plug sockets and didn't find what I was looking for.
What I mean is if you have headers there's no doubt you have at least one plug that's a real mutha to tighten or get out because of either clearance or angle issues.
Here's a few 5/8 spark plug sockets and idea's that will help with that. Both the sockets and idea's have been around for years.
Hope this saves the people who didn't know about them from getting bleeding knuckles or having a heart attack.

Professional way for $32.00 dollars shipped to your door.
SnapOn PT# S9724RHS

DSC00756.jpg


This is a semi pro design for about $28.00 shipped on ebay.
SLP PT# 30102 -Notice it's just a Craftsman spark plug socket that's had the 3/8" drive end bored out and had it's length cut down.
The idea that will save a few bucks is to get a 1/2" drive 5/8 spark plug socket and cut it down to the length you want. (The SnapOn socket length is 1 1/16")
The 1/2" drive end won't have to be bored out because it's already so large. Cost maybe 4 bucks but you can find them cheaper.

SLE-30102.jpg


Powerhouse PT# POW301150 Are a couple different ones they sell for about $49.00 shipped.
You can accomplish the same thing by cutting your socket down in a similar fashion.
POW-POW301150.jpg


Something I've also heard, but not tried, is to use the new style socket and ratchet combo's that are the pass through variety.
Pretty sure you can pick up a Stanley set from Walyworld for $20-$24 bucks
images
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

I got the snap on spark plug socket. Love it and i cant change my plugs without it.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

Reminds me of my old VW Beetles. You are NOT changing plugs without a flex-head ratchet. No way, no how.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

GhettoRacingKid said:
I got the snap on spark plug socket. Love it and i cant change my plugs without it.

A lot of people now just use that socket and a 5/8 wrench and their headache is gone.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

Normally I use a 5/8" socket (with rubber insert in place) and a 5/8" combination (box end) wrench to get around the headers.
There's usually one or two difficult ones.

I've also used a magnetic (13/16") sparkplug socket working on my Porsche engine. Sometimes I use a piece of rubber fuel line to get the plug started. It's no fun losing a sparkplug inside the sheetmetal shroud. I know that's a horse of a different color.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

Another option I have found to work rather well, is an off-set boxed-end wrench, cut down (about the middle) to around a four inch handle. Sometimes you have to do a little grinding on the edges, depending on your heads. Works really well, plus, they are cheap at the pawn shop.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

Longroof79 said:
Normally I use a 5/8" socket (with rubber insert in place) and a 5/8" combination (box end) wrench to get around the headers.

I have a few tubes I can't get the normal length spark plug socket on at all. The cut down one solved my problem.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

new_britain_db2022_ndf304_wrench_offset_2groove_plain_f_cropped_inset2_w400_h212.jpg


I use one of these- It has a severe offset, and it's just long enough to get approximately the right torque on a stubborn one coming out. I have a Craftsman version thats ancient! I hope it never breaks 😀
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

GT_80 said:
I use one of these- It has a severe offset, and it's just long enough to get approximately the right torque on a stubborn one coming out. I have a Craftsman version thats ancient! I hope it never breaks 😀

I had a 60 degree SnapOne like that but it wasn't deep enough to work so I traded it for an old one that does. I don't know what brand it is as there's no name on it, it's old as hell.
The coworker I got it from loves old tools and told me it looks like a really old Blue Point.
On one side it say's- 5/8 MADE IN U.S.A. 3/4, and on the other it says CHROME VANADIUM STEEL.

I also have the Barcalo and Giller of the same style but they don't have a deep enough offset so they just sit there.
 
Re: Spark plug sockets for hard to get plugs:The Problem Sol

thrasher said:
GT_80 said:
I use one of these- It has a severe offset, and it's just long enough to get approximately the right torque on a stubborn one coming out. I have a Craftsman version thats ancient! I hope it never breaks 😀

I had a 60 degree SnapOne like that but wasn't deep enough to work so I traded it for an old one that does. I don't know what brand it is as there's no name on it and it's old as hell.
The coworker I got it from loves old tools and told me it looks like a really old Blue Point.
On one side it say's- 5/8 MADE IN U.S.A. 3/4, and on the other it says CHROME VANADIUM STEEL.

I also have the Barcalo and Giller of the same style but they don't have quite the depth or the angle isn't right so they just sat there.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure mines a craftsman from the 60's or older- the lettering on it is awesome compared to the modern ones.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor