You gotta get one of those spark plug sockets with the extension

[brages]

Most cars today have spark plugs down in deep wells. I got along fine with a regular spark plug socket and an extension, except when the extension popped off the socket and I had to fish down in the hole for it.

Finally got one of these: https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-Drive-Magnetic-Swivel-Socket/dp/B0014ZVSVK

At the time, it was on sale for about $10. Lots of other brands around that price still.

I'm telling you -- WORTH IT. The swivel makes it easy to slip onto the plugs on the firewall side of a transverse V6. Magnet holds the plug securely and the extension can't pop off. One of those tools I should have bought LONG LONG AGO. Get one!

 

[bdcardinal]

I have the set that comes in and it is fantastic.

 

[Leo99]

When I clicked the link above, it said I purchased it in 2011. I recommend it whenever the topic comes up on here on what tool to use for spark plugs.

 

[Lenny5160]

Locking extensions also come in handy for this.

 

[johnmyster]

I use a high tech piece of rubber fuel hose to extract the old and "hand start" the new one. Maybe someday I will require thin wall sockets.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Amazon says I bought mine in 2013 for $13.95. I agree it works great.

 

[JMJNet]

I bought mine in 2012. Great tool, I have used it more than just the spark plugs.
Recently, on the PCV for Toyota with difficult to reach location next to the passenger side wheel well on the back of the engine under the intake. I used it to start screwing the new part without dropping the part. It fits the stem of the PCV.

 

[dubber09]

Yeap, they are great, bought one many years ago, not going back to the hose trick

 

[D60]

I use a high tech piece of rubber fuel hose to extract the old and "hand start" the new one. Maybe someday I will require thin wall sockets.

The swivel sockets are essentially the same concept. I use them to start plugs with my fingers. The swivel will let the threads "find" their way.

If one must add an extension I recommend these Kokens -- the "knurled splines" at the very base are great for finger grip

 

[04silverado6.0]

The swivel sockets are essentially the same concept. I use them to start plugs with my fingers. The swivel will let the threads "find" their way.

If one must add an extension I recommend these Kokens -- the "knurled splines" at the very base are great for finger gripView attachment 264208

Now those are nice.

 

[ElectroMechanoMan]

My son bought me a set of Snap-On 3/8” locking swivel extensions that are great for spark plugs. The lock really holds on to a socket. It’s a plus that I can use these for other work too.

 

[Nuclear_42]

Best in the market.

https://kokenusa.com/pages/spark-pl...C0CzRKvhPea0hbK0ugF94m7e2lHoDv_s1jDi5rBzS7rea

 

[RyanY]

Those are certainly necessary for pros who use them often! However, us mere mortals who use them once every few years can get away with poor-man's sockets.

If you have a magnetic plug socket (without permanent extension) you don't need to worry because the socket will let go of the plug before the normal extension detaches.

However, if you only have the old-school plug socket with a rubber insert, you can use a locking extension to keep the socket from detaching. Or if you don't have a locking extension, just wrap a piece of duct tape around it to keep the extension and socket together while you pull the socket off the spark plug. If it's a wobble extension it will even flex like the snap-on plug socket!

 

[parshisa]

Can confirm. Made changing plugs in my Pilot a breeze even for a newb like me

 

[PKFan]

Best in the market.

https://kokenusa.com/pages/spark-pl...C0CzRKvhPea0hbK0ugF94m7e2lHoDv_s1jDi5rBzS7rea

I have these, but still use the GW one. The Kokens grip a little more tightly than I prefer.

 

[Drifter]

Those are certainly necessary for pros who use them often! However, us mere mortals who use them once every few years can get away with poor-man's sockets.

If you have a magnetic plug socket (without permanent extension) you don't need to worry because the socket will let go of the plug before the normal extension detaches.

However, if you only have the old-school plug socket with a rubber insert, you can use a locking extension to keep the socket from detaching. Or if you don't have a locking extension, just wrap a piece of duct tape around it to keep the extension and socket together while you pull the socket off the spark plug. If it's a wobble extension it will even flex like the snap-on plug socket!

Spark plug socket with rubber insert. Regular extension. I use the duct tape method. Works fine. One day I will buy the real thing. Maybe LOL

 

[BrendanC]

i have one of the gear wrench units. completely changed doing spark plugs in V8’s. i can do a LS/LT powered pickup in 15 minutes from hood up to hood down now.

 

[Rand]

I'm sure its a nice tool but a little piece of duct tape works for the once every few years I need it.
At least so far.

 

[Leo99]

When I clicked the link above, it said I purchased it in 2011. I recommend it whenever the topic comes up on here on what tool to use for spark plugs.

Must add that this socket works on my Camry but the 2020 RAV4 needs a thinner socket. This one worked great.

https://a.co/d/6uojCrf

 

[Jerrysends]

Many of those GearWrench spark plug sockets have an ongoing manufacturing defect. Read the 1* reviews prior to purchase. Mine was problematic. The second one was better, but not great.