Help choosing Spark plug socket

[Trav]

All my plug sockets are Hazet magnetic except for the 13/16 which has the spring, I was a bit disappointed the magnetic was not available at that time but the spring is replaceable and it works excellent. 12pt are a must if the engine has 12pt spark plugs.

 

[PandaBear]

All my plug sockets are Hazet magnetic except for the 13/16 which has the spring, I was a bit disappointed the magnetic was not available at that time but the spring is replaceable and it works excellent. 12pt are a must if the engine has 12pt spark plugs.

I thought you were joking about the 12 pt spark plugs until I google and it really does exist!

 

[JHZR2]

Good on you to buy quality, not supporting the Chinese war machine.

All the links I clicked had flats on the outside of the socket, which has been convenient for me in the past.

I agree with @Trav to split the difference between cheap and snapon.

I feel like 6pt is the right decision unless there’s some compelling reason why you’d need 12.

 

[Chris142]

I thought you were joking about the 12 pt spark plugs until I google and it really does exist!

I deal with them every day. 12 pt14mm,6 pt14mm,5/8 etc

 

[Chris142]

I feel like 6pt is the right decision unless there’s some compelling reason why you’d need 12.

You have not ran across these yet?

 

[iCurious]

I bought this set on Amazon for about $20. Does what I need it to do. No way would I pay $71 for just a socket

View attachment 329591

Saw these Casoman's all over Tiktok.

 

[D60]

All the links I clicked had flats on the outside of the socket, which has been convenient for me in the past.

I agree with @Trav to split the difference between cheap and snapon.

I feel like 6pt is the right decision unless there’s some compelling reason why you’d need 12.

Yes! When playing Build-a-Socket on Subarus the external hex can be a life saver. I know there are Subaru specific "kits" but the point is that options are good.

 

[ZoomZ]

I went with the Snap-on retention socket. Neither magnetic, rubber or clip. Interesting technology, we'll see how well it works.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Retention/3-8"-Drive-6-Point-Metric-14-mm-Flank-Drive-Retention-Spark-Plug-Socket/S9714MKR

I did not pay $96 cdn. I have a 25% discount and a company gift CC. (yes I could use that money elsewhere) So it was free.

I actually own a Snap-on aviation spark plug socket and its got a retaining ring. Have it for nearly 30 years. Never had to replace ring and it hold plugs fine.

I'll buy the koken with remaining amount.

 

[ZoomZ]

Good on you to buy quality, not supporting the Chinese war machine.

All the links I clicked had flats on the outside of the socket, which has been convenient for me in the past.

I agree with @Trav to split the difference between cheap and snapon.

I feel like 6pt is the right decision unless there’s some compelling reason why you’d need 12.

I like quality tools. I Like the look and feel of quality construction, weight of the steel and proper chrome. Kind of like women with their shoes. Life is short, enjoy what you can afford.

 

[Trav]

Nepros has the best steel, fit and finish and chrome that is second to non.

 

[ElectroMechanoMan]

My son bought me a set of Snap-On swivel extensions with locks that don’t allow the socket to fall off. All of my spark plug sockets have the rubber gripper and this set up works well for me. The swivel extensions are really nice.

 

[JHZR2]

You have not ran across these yet?

View attachment 329861

I know of them, but have no use case to justify tools for. Not sure what brands/makes use such things.

 

[Escape08]

Have to tried looking at eBay. You may get something that is used for less $$$

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I bought the CTA tools one for my Accord. Very nice, one long solid piece, magnetic. I fought with the rubber ones, the extansions coming off and had to by locking ones etc.

 

[TomYoung]

I still think it's too much for a simple DIY person doing his family/friends cars in the driveway (like me.) Obviously if you have a business or it's your job it makes sense.

You guys are gonna get mad at me, but I bought a set on Amazon like 20 years ago for less than $10 and they have worked fine for me. I have one I got from Harbor Freight probably 25 years ago and it's fine also. YMMV.

This is a very sensible outlook. It’s not reasonable in most cases to replace decent tools with really good stuff if you are a weekend warrior. But if I hit the lottery….

 

[xspeedy]

I decided to give the GearWrench a try. Has good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZVSVK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[ElectroMechanoMan]

If my son wouldn’t have became a pro diesel mechanic, I probably wouldn’t have any of my Snap-On stuff. I look at it this way. My grandson will have the best tool set of all of his friends when I’m gone.

 

[maraakate]

Actually this is my concern with swivel extensions: they can cock/bind against the plug well bore and force the socket sideways, thus trying to push the plug crooked. I've never really had it cause damage, but I'm also acutely aware of it and work to mitigate it, especially with the new plug going in.

@ZoomZ I just went through a similar decision with 5/8". First, magnetic always. Rubber sucks. Second, cheap sets use cheap epoxy and the magnets don't stay. I finally settled on a Lang/Kastar which is supposed to be here today. I was also unwilling to pay SnapOn prices for a single socket.

Start plugs with a length of fuel hose over the plug and start it by hand. Never rely on a socket to get it started unless you like crossthreading.

 

[dubber09]

Amazon has a 2pcs set consisting of 14mm and 16mm magnetic swivel sockets for C$12 showing 1.2K sold and 4.7 rating.
Technically, a magnetic telescoping rod can be used to fish plug out. A piece of say fuel hose can be used to put and start treading plug in too.

 

[Marrk]

1) Snap-on are spendy, but the last thing I want to do is screw up the threads on a spark plug/engine head. A good tool is never a bad investment (I think).

2) If you have 6-sided spark plugs, get a 6-sided socket.

3) Magnets, rubber inserts, etc. If we are talking about removing the socket once you have loosened it, you can use something like this, or you can use the coil pack itself.

I apologize in advance if I am stating the obvious.