Spark plug socket

I need to do replace my sparkplugs, can you guys recommend a good socket with extension?

Thanks.

 

Really any 5/8 made for a plug will do the job and maybe a 10-12” extension.

Tyler has a good video on the process….

https://youtu.be/tc9FYrD7vUw?feature=shared

 

2 ft long for reach on the driver side. Flexible elbow for maneuvering. Magnetic socket to hold the spark plug instead of simple friction-rubber.

Aside from that, wherever you find it, basically.

 

No universals?

 

In another thread on this it was highly recommended to purchase this one. Have used it on a few other cars (not on the truck yet as it just hit 17k miles) but I love it.

$15 LEXIVON 5/8" Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket, 3/8" Drive x 10" Total Length | Enhanced Magnetic Design with Thin Wall Socket, Cr-v Steel (LX-122)

Amazon.com: LEXIVON 5/8" Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket, 3/8" Drive x 10" Total Length | Enhanced Magnetic Design with Thin Wall Socket, Cr-v Steel (LX-122) : Automotive

 

You can certainly try one of those swivel magnetic tools!!!!!

I personally prefer a universal 5/8" spark plug socket with a good rubber grommet. Magnets can damage sensitive components like cam position sensors. Maybe just me, but unless I'm fishing for a dropped bolt or something where I have no other choice, then I try to avoid using magnets in my engine bays. Again, maybe just me.

A set of "wobble" extensions will really help. Notice the socket end is machined such that the socket can "wobble" about 15 degrees in any direction. These are great - however sockets can tend to slip off more easily.


Knuckle joints are also something that can be useful.



As above, it is really whatever combination works. You should be using 3/8" drive tools for spark plugs. Not 1/4" nor 1/2".

 

Interesting point abut the magnet. May be false or may be true and that those who recommend it just have been lucky so far.

 

^ thank you^

I'm still learning about Tacos, and know waaaaaay more about 5.0 Coyote Mustangs & F150s. I know for a fact the Ford cam shaft position sensor will go bezerk if a strong enough magnent is placed near it.

 

You can always tape the sockets and extensions together.

 

^YUP^

Electrical tape --> been there done that

 

I have a spark plug socket I've used for decades. It has a soft rubber type liner so there is less likely chance to damage the porcelain on the plug while installing or taking off. It also "holds" the plug until you give it a tug to take off. Other than that I use my 3/8 " socket/ratchet set. If you don't have a full set I'd suggest a standard 3/8" ratchet, 3" extension, 6" extension and a 3/8" flex joint. Will come in handy for all sorts of work besides spark plugs.

 

That's the one I have in my cart, I just worry about the magnet falling out.

 

This is a pic of a spark plug socket with the rubber liner. Don't need to worry about a magnet. Home depot and probably others sells them. Just get the right size for your year and model.

 

Why would the magnet fall out? Been using spark plug sockets for 2 decades and never had a magnet fall out lol.

 

In this day and age, it is very popular to be worried about.... everything!

 

Never had a magnet fail or fall out. Rubber grommet on the other hand I've had dry out and shrink enough that it has pulled out. Would recommend putting a drop of RTV in there and making sure that rubber stays in place or be prepared to get out your fishing hook.

 

Is the cam shaft position sensor permanently damaged or will it recover when the magnet is removed?

 

I would be worried about that swivel right at the top of the spark plug trying to thread it into the hole'
a solid extension would make it easier to thread it without cross threading it. IMO

 

SMH.

Thread them in by hand and not with an impact and you'll be fine. A solid extension actual puts more stress on the threads since it doesn't compensate for angle and how you're twisting whereas the swivel does. I've never had spark plugs thread in easier than with this socket. Don't buy it if you don't want it. Stop overthinking everything.

 

I've threaded dozens and dozens and dozens of spark plugs with a wobble socket. The angle adjustability is very helpful.

One always needs to be careful installing a spark plug. Cross-threading it, see above, such as with a solid extension, is a very very bad outcome. And unfortunately pretty easy to do. My suggestions:

* if you are a first time DIY'er, get yourself a section of rubber hose that will snugly hold the coil end of your plug. And use that to start threading your new plug into the cylinder head. The *INSTANT* you feel any resistance before 3 or 4 complete revolutions is the *INSTANT* you reverse out.

Get the plug started. Gently. Correctly. And then just attach the 3/8" drive socket and extensions of your choice to bury the threads and snug it tight to the correct torque spec. Which is tight but not too tight.

MAKE SURE THE SOCKET IS SNUG ON THE PLUG before you start to turn it home.