anyone use this tool?

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Feb 28, 2017 | 11:40 AM

lonerider2002

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 477

Likes: 48

anyone use this tool?

The dealer has quoted labor to install plugs & wires at around 260.00. I have done quite a bit of wrenching on my coupe and feel pretty comfortable with doing it myself. I found a good pictorial on the process but they show a curved handle 3/8" flex head ratchet that made the install a lot easier--however , that tool is no longer available and this one is. Has anyone used this one and how did it work for you?
I know there are other more expensive curved ones available but with a 20% off coupon this would be much easier on my budget.
Any feedback is appreciated.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...het-96369.html

Feb 28, 2017 | 11:49 AM

UM Rebel

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,517

Likes: 159

From: Lafayette Louisiana

I don't know how it would make changing plugs any easier but looks like the very thing for O2 sensors. I'm going to go get one this afternoon.

Feb 28, 2017 | 11:55 AM

RonR80

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 2,623

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From: Russell Ontario

St. Jude Donor '09

I think if you used this tool for an O2 sensor it would break like a twig .

Feb 28, 2017 | 12:04 PM

foggy

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 788

Likes: 105

From: Olathe Kansas

That looks pretty useless to me
I use a spark plug socket that has the swivel built in on a couple
of the cylinders..
The plugs really aren't bad to do.. Just be patient

Feb 28, 2017 | 12:05 PM

runner140*

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 8,700

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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonerider2002

What I used on a recent plug and wire change from Harbor Freight......
12" to 14" long needle nose pliers ...two, one straight and the other with an angle. For the new wires and shields. The plugs are not a problem....coming out or going in.

Last edited by runner140*; Feb 28, 2017 at 12:06 PM. Reason: add

Feb 28, 2017 | 12:15 PM

UM Rebel

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,517

Likes: 159

From: Lafayette Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonR80

I think if you used this tool for an O2 sensor it would break like a twig .

So you don't think it would take the strain in front of a 4 foot cheater pipe.

Feb 28, 2017 | 12:21 PM

twokbolt

Racer

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 382

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I was able to change all the plugs on my car with a standard ratchet. Having a flex head ratchet would help for #7 though.

Feb 28, 2017 | 12:58 PM

Pounder

1/4 mile/AutoX

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 11,441

Likes: 2,186

From: Buffalo Texas

Knuckle buster, I like the swivel head !! 25 years using one !! I bought this one from Lowes thought it look like Snap On, found out that's who makes them for Lowes !! Do yourself a favor and buy a good one for life !!!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-...atchet/3387120

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Feb 28, 2017 | 01:14 PM

lonerider2002

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 477

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Quote:

Originally Posted by foggy

That looks pretty useless to me
I use a spark plug socket that has the swivel built in on a couple
of the cylinders..
The plugs really aren't bad to do.. Just be patient

I've learned that it's best to be fully prepared so I'll probably get one just in case. Being that it's pretty cold here in Va and I need to pull the EBCM and send it off I'll just do a couple of plugs at a time to help keep the aggravation factor down.

Feb 28, 2017 | 01:19 PM

#10

lonerider2002

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2013

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Likes: 48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pounder

I already have one of these along with some swivel adapters but I liked the one he showed on the instructions--just looks like it would work just right.

http://www.iammoon.com/c5tech/c5_plugs.htm

Feb 28, 2017 | 02:18 PM

#11

Chicago1

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From: Rio Rancho NM

260 for plugs and wires? lol it aint a Ferrari/lambo..Tell them to FO...Grab some beer, tools and 45 mins and be done.

Feb 28, 2017 | 03:31 PM

#12

Vetteman Jack

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Quote:

Originally Posted by foggy

That looks pretty useless to me
I use a spark plug socket that has the swivel built in on a couple
of the cylinders..
The plugs really aren't bad to do.. Just be patient

Really the only plug that was a bit difficult for me was the #7 and that was tackled with some extensions and swivels. A plug boot puller helped a lot with the wires.

Feb 28, 2017 | 04:04 PM

#13

lonerider2002

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 477

Likes: 48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicago1

260 for plugs and wires? lol it aint a Ferrari/lambo..Tell them to FO...Grab some beer, tools and 45 mins and be done.

Yep--2.35 hrs @ 110.00 per hr. -- they will let me buy the items though. They do an oil change(me bringing the oil/filter) and a state inspection and I've set aside a "fund" for my Vette for this type of work but I'd rather put the dough back in my pocket. I might do as many as I can one at a time and let them do the tough ones...we'll see...

Feb 28, 2017 | 05:42 PM

#14

Choreo

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,774

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From: Midland TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pounder

I used my Snap-On version of that ratchet with a universal joint on #7 to change mine. I would think the original tool shown would be of limited use since the middle component is a fixed length?

Feb 28, 2017 | 08:22 PM

#15

Chicago1

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 12,413

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From: Rio Rancho NM

By the Pittsburgh or whatever its called at harbor freight. If it breaks you can return it just like anyone else you pay 2-3x more for. I haven't had one break and I use the crap out of my tools ask anyone or any of my cars or friends cars lol.. I just used a 3/8 and a extension and a swivel I believe. Whatever you do don't pay a dealer to do it.

Feb 28, 2017 | 09:37 PM

#16

Acid666

Racer

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 471

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From: Lafayette LA

I used two different swivel ratchets for weird spots. My '08 VW GTI was so tight spaced in a lot of spots so I had to use these with the given space. It's worked out well in a few spots on the Z06.

And

Last edited by Acid666; Feb 28, 2017 at 09:38 PM.

Mar 1, 2017 | 11:18 AM

#17

dbgoodwin

Safety Car

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 4,346

Likes: 755

From: Greensboro Nc

Why does everyone think the job is so hard on these cars? I did twice without anything other than a spark plug socket, an extension, and a ratchet. Its supposed to start raining here later today, I might just go tempt luck and swap them out again and race the clock.