Who makes best sparkplug wrench/socket?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 2
From: ATL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I heard that one should use a socket with the swivel built in. Mainly because of the drivers side aft plug (#7 I think).
I bought the Snap-on spark plug socket with the swivel built in. I then received the same style Craftsman for Christmas. The only difference I see is the Craftsman is somewhat shorter in length. I have not used either one and plan on returning the $47.00 Snap-on socket.
Maybe someone with experience will chime in shortly.
I bought the Snap-on spark plug socket with the swivel built in. I then received the same style Craftsman for Christmas. The only difference I see is the Craftsman is somewhat shorter in length. I have not used either one and plan on returning the $47.00 Snap-on socket.
Maybe someone with experience will chime in shortly.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Hayward WI
Just put plugs and wires in last week. Easy job. Got a swivel socket from local Bumper to Bumper auto store for 4.99. Worked great.
Socket was double swivel 5/8in. 3/8 drive. Used a few different length extensions for different plugs. Also used a long handle rachet to remove them cause I have weak (old) wrists. Installed with torque wrech.
Socket was double swivel 5/8in. 3/8 drive. Used a few different length extensions for different plugs. Also used a long handle rachet to remove them cause I have weak (old) wrists. Installed with torque wrech.
Administrator
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Check Sears for a Craftsman tool. You will probably need to get the swivel for the spark plug socket to make it easier to get into some of the plugs. Craftsman tools are guaranteed for life.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Two more threads about it:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p+on+sparkplug
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p+on+sparkplug
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p+on+sparkplug
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p+on+sparkplug
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I have the Snap-On. Bought it based on the tech tips. It is extremely high quality and makes the job much easier. Well worth the price to have the right tool in my book. Just start the new plugs with fingers only and screw in several turns before using the wrench.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Listen to him when he says to use your fingers. I had a CRX that was running poorly because I didn't know squat about ignition timing and caused it to run like crap. I discovered that my CRX would run fine for a while after changing the plugs, so I'd frequently replace them. Well, it took changing the plugs out in the middle of a blizzard during a road trips for me to discover how easy it could be to strip the sparkplug threads if it's not started with bare hands. As much as I've learned since then, I still wonder what havoc my own hands have yet to wreak on my Corvette...it's like Idle Hands for cars! Ack!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
To install plugs without stripping the block, use a flexible piece of 1/4" rubber fuel line to guide the plug into the hole and to begin threading it in. If it crossthreads, the plug will spin in the fuel line and won't damage the block. Once it's started to thread properly, then you can use the rachet to finish the job.
- Wisdom
- Wisdom
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Eureka CA
I use a Snap-On double swivel spark plug socket. Another tip, when starting the new plugs I found putting on a pair of vinyl gloves helped the finger grip on the plug and still gave me the proper "feel" for starting the threads straight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 22
From: Frederick Maryland
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
This is how I used to install plugs when I used to turn wrenches for GM:
1) Used Anti-sieze on the threads.
2) Use an old spark plug boot (longer the better) to install the plug (this gives you a little more torque compared to 1/4" hose and still protect you from cross threading).
3) Use a torque wrench to tighten plugs.
1) Used Anti-sieze on the threads.
2) Use an old spark plug boot (longer the better) to install the plug (this gives you a little more torque compared to 1/4" hose and still protect you from cross threading).
3) Use a torque wrench to tighten plugs.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 717
Likes: 11
From: Pleasanton CA
I bought the SK double swivel socket to change plugs for the first time, don't waste your money as a regular Craftsman plug socket works fine, just remove the gulp valve & hose and push the brake booster hose out of the way and viola the #7 plug is easy to get out, the other 7 are pretty straight forward to get to 
, getting the wires off, well thats another story!! 
, getting the wires off, well thats another story!!
Last edited by 1KLRTOY; Jan 6, 2005 at 08:11 PM.
