Spark plug starter tool or extension?

[paulri]

I've decided to do the spark plugs on my Civic soon (NGK Iridium IX have been picked out).

I saw this video made by NGK earlier today: https://youtu.be/M3myx2trNUo?t=118 At that point in time (that I linked to), they mention a rubber, what they called a "spark plug starter" tool. Is there any reason to buy this and use it, rather than a socket wrench extension, to first get the plug twisting in the threads?

Also, is there another name for it? I couldn't find anything like this in the few parts stores I searched for, when searching for spakr plug starter.

 

[Drosselmier]

I think they are referring to a short piece Auto hose similar to PCV valve hose. Once plug is started and turned as far as you can, then switch to your socket for tightening.

 

[Thax]

I personally have never used said tool. I have always used an appropriate length 3/8th extension. Starting slowly and without much force it should be easy to avoid cross threading.I totally see the point of this tool , just have always used an extension. The length of that rubber tube could certainly be an issue on some applications.

 

[danez_yoda]

That's so you don't drop the spark plug down the hole and possible damage the plug or the first thread. leading to cross threading. The rubber insert on a "spark plug" socket will do the same but you should use duct tape between the socket and extension. Otherwise you might have a socket stuck on the spark plug deep in the hole. A PITA to get out.

 

[jhellwig]

Heater hose or whatever hose fits the plug. Cheap and easy.

 

[paulri]

OK, sounds like this might be helpful then--this is my first time, although I'll most likely be doing it with my dad, who has done this before on other cars.

Is this something like what they are talking about--I could go in and ask for a foot: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBGH177

It would be for my civic, if I do get it, I suppose a foot would be enough?

 

[Tomioka]

I've always used a long piece of hose to install spark plugs in engines with deep spark plug wells or in tight areas. Those cheap spark plugs sockets with the rubber insert are garbage since I've always had the insert come out with the plug.

 

[JMJNet]

I bought a magnetic sparkplug socket and use extension to start by hand (no wrench).
Once it feels tight, I put on the wrench to tighten.

The magnetic sparkplug socket is more expensive but it pays off after 2 times use or so.

 

[dishdude]

Just use a socket, you have to really try to cross thread a plug.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I like the chunk of rubber hose to start the plug and it makes it easier to find the spark plug hole in tight quarters where you cannot see the hole. Particularly useful when doing the rear bank on a transverse V-6.

 

[BigD1]

Vacuum hose cheap and effective.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Spark plugs sockets have a rubber grommet inside that grabs on to the spark plug so you can pull the old one out, and so you can put the new one in easier without it dropping and damaging the electrodes or cracking the ceramic insulator.

 

[knerml]

Suggestion:

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=80546

 

[Dave1027]

Originally Posted by jhellwig
Heater hose or whatever hose fits the plug. Cheap and easy.


That's what I do. Works perfect for help removing the old plug and starting the new one.

 

[clinebarger]

You don't need such a tool for a Honda Civic, Most spark plug sockets have a rubber insert that hold the plug so you can start the threads.

I have a few spark plug boots for starting plugs on OHV engines.....No special tool.

Edit.....Slacktide beat me to it.....

 

[JeffKeryk]

Mac Spark Plug Starter

I love this one. Plug will spin in tool before cross threading.
I use it all the time.

I spray a little WD-40 to clean the threads.
Spin it in by hand until it seats than finish with torque wrench.
If if does not thread in easily, I figure out why before proceeding.

I have removed waaaay to many plugs that required stupid torque to remove.
I grew up on iron; today it is all aluminum alloy so I gotta be careful.

 

[gman2304]

I use a 4" long 3/8 piece of rubber fuel line. Flexible for those hard to reach plugs.

 

[incognito_2u]

Originally Posted by gman2304
I use a 4" long 3/8 piece of rubber fuel line. Flexible for those hard to reach plugs.


+1

 

[Astro14]

Originally Posted by gman2304
I use a 4" long 3/8 piece of rubber fuel line. Flexible for those hard to reach plugs.


Exactly. I've had a 4" piece of hose in my "specialty tool" drawer for decades. Good grip on the plug, good feel, impossible to put too much torque on the plug, pops right off when you're ready for the torque wrench.

 

[DuckRyder]

The end of an old plug wire works too.

Something other than the socket and extension does give you a better feel for the threads, but the socket and extension will work if you use a light touch and only by hand (without a ratchet).

If it is like my Civic, the plug is further down in there than you would think...