where to get a factory style spark plug wrench??

[pete-stevers]

i am looking for a spark plug wrench/drive for myself for xmas...
i am looking for a 3/4 drive wrench/drive that when you slip it on the plug you don't have to "pray" for it to come back out of the hole if it slips off an extension or gets caught inside, (pelican doesn't list it)

[haycait911]

hi Steve. why not make one? a few bucks at the pawn shop and 2 minutes of welding will get you one. using a standard plug socket with the rubber insert grips the plug, and the length is perfect to get in the hole. Don.

[smakuch]

Hey Don,

Whats the deal with the square end on the plug wrench??

Gotta agree with your Targa tag.......mistake!!

Steve
83SC Coupe!
SSI, Monty

[jonesb930]

hmmmm, interesting design. So do you just use an open end wrench to get it loose? This looks great for those tight front plugs. I purchased a locking snap-on extension. It works great and is useful for other areas as well.

[haycait911]

this pic shows it better. just use a regular ratchet. I used the extension with the hex on the end because it was easier to hold onto while initially threading the plugs in by hand.

[jonesb930]

I like it!

[smakuch]

I'm makin one!!! Is that a 3" extension??
steve

[haycait911]

here's some more pics. the length is just right to get past the frame rail and into the hole.

pete-stevers, I'll make you a deal - pick up some headers for me in langley and pop them on greyhound, and I'll knock one of these up for you and send it to you. Don.

[pete-stevers]

i could do that for you Don! just shoot me the address, and i will get em on greyhound. i will pm you my details

[haycait911]

I knocked one together for Steve at work today. not as pretty as mine but should work fine. made a small improvement. I couldn't find an extension with a hex for turning in the plugs by hand. so I used my grinding disc to cut some 'gripping grooves' at the top of the extension. works much better than mine. if anyone wants to make one of these you need a spark plug socket ( make sure to get one with the rubber plug holder inside ), and two 2" extensions ( or one long one, but I keep those as they're handier ). use the chinese crap because it doesn't matter. don't spend more than $6 at the pawn shop for the bits. overall length is 6". I cut one extension, welded it into the socket, then butted up the other extension and welded it on. viola!

[Wayne 962]

I use the swivel one shown in the book (I think it's in the Engine book, maybe it's the BMW book I'm thinking of). Doesn't get stuck in the spark plug hole, and you can turn / swivel it where you need it. I can't think of using anything else.

-Wayne

[bullethole]

I did this same thing after I got fed up with having to fishout the socket on #6 to damn many times. I used a socket with a built in universal joint for a little flex, and just wrap the u-joint with duct tape to make it stiffer. I think I ended up with like 6 bucks total cost using Harbor Freight stuff. My welds are not as nice, but that’s probably because I did not remove the chrome coating from the socket (not to mention i suck as a welder)

[jonesb930]

You could always use some good quality heat shrink tubing over the universal joint to stiffen it up while allowing some flex.