retrieving spark plug socket

[NOLAsc]

This is probably one of those new dog, old trick things, but...

I kept having trouble getting my spark plug socket out when I installed new plugs. The extension would just pull out, leaving the socket stuck to the plug and me grappling with long-nosed pliers to pull the socket out.

I slipped some weed whacker line into the flex joint on my socket, and now it is really easy to pull the thing out. Wire would work as easily.

[sc_rufctr]

Great idea. Weed whacker line would be better than wire... Less chance of damaging anything as unlikely as that may seem.

Thanks for posting.

[JohnJL]

I had to experiment to find the right length/socket-retaining stiffness. I found one I liked and then had a friend turn it down on a lathe so its really thin-walled and easy to remove.

[HarryD]

If you use the factory supplied spark plug wrench in your tool kit that came with your car, you will never have this problem. The wrench is designed to work properly with our cars.

[NOLAsc]

Thanks y'all.

Perhaps I should have tried the factory toolkit piece, but I am so accustomed to ratchets.... Frankly, I looked at the toolkit wrench and thought that I would only try it in an emergency.

What I needed was something simple, low-tech and solid. I didn't have the time or cash to try a bunch of different sockets. I didn't consider using a lathe. All I knew was that my long socket from my 914 days didn't seem to work well enough and the factory tool-kit socket looked somehow less than up to the task, so I got the flex socket thing and quickly got tired of trying to get the socket back out from under the tin on plug installation. The "leash" idea works for me. Not much cost in time or money.

[LakeCleElum]

Good tip, thanks....

What I did: was find one of my sockets that would not hold onto the plug and then put black electrical tape on the inside of the socket. This allows it to not drop the plug as you lower it down, but is a loose enough fit to bring the socket back out when finished......

[skinnerd]

Think I did something as low tech as duct taping the extension to the socket.
Never lost one after that....

[RSWiser]

Two words.

DUCT TAPE

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by HarryD

If you use the factory supplied spark plug wrench in your tool kit that came with your car, you will never have this problem. The wrench is designed to work properly with our cars.

That works for the 50% of owners that still have the wrench in the tool bag. Most of them disappeared years ago. The proper length extension to work with a spark plug socket is 4" which is almost impossible to find in local stores. You can find them on the internet. However, most stores carry a 3" and a 1" socket extension. You can either wrap them in your preferred tape to keep them from separating or weld them together.

[DCinVA]

Excellent idea !!! Thanks for sharing it.

[mca]

I used the duct tape method too.

But then I tried a friend's factory tool. WORLDS better than a traditional socket.

I tracked the tool down on the classifieds ... very happy I did!

[Roc Doc]

I just use a locking 3/8" extension, that I got from Sears for about $10 [shrug]

[WIL84911]

Thought about doing the same using a fishing line. Thanks for the great idea!

[cmcfaul]

Simplest solution of all. Spray the inside of the socket with WD 40. Holds the plug but still comes off easy enough.

Chris
73 911 E

[gtc]

I'm another convert for the factory tool. It looks silly, but it works darn well.

[jonesb930]

I used a Snap-On locking extention.

[Quicksilver]

I took a 3/8" extension and JB Welded it to the socket. That is the "Porsche" sparkplug wrench now.

[sean m]

+1 on the factory tool......like GTC said "it looks silly, but works great"

[GrantG]

I use a spark plug socket from Sears that has a captive ball socket on the extension, so it can't come apart. It also has a magnet on the seat of the socket to keep the plug from falling out.

I think this is the one I have:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00996418000P?keyword=spark+plug+sock et

[eds73]

I have found the original socket with a 3/8 drive metric allen (8mm ?)works for me with a 3" extension and ratchet.