When I grabbed the factory tool for the first time I thought it looked too big, too long and kind of crude. However, I quickly found that it is really a great tool for removing the plugs.

For years I have used the same setup except instead of the swivel I use an added stubbie extension. Maybe 1 1/2 that matches the swivel length.

When I pull it out of the hole I have to pull the stubbie off to clear the engine sheet metal. With the swivel, I can see where you can just pull the wrench up to clear the sheet metal and no extra work is needed.

Thanks for the tip George!

Sounds good to me.I will make one as I am one of those blokes that bought a car WITHOUT a tool kit.Michael.

LOL I never even thought to check my tool kit.... which is complete and lying right next to my toolbox!

The tool kit is very good, you can do many jobs without any additional tools. I removed the fan assay and alternator using only the tools that came with the car.

Snap-Off makes some nice locking items that obviate the need for duct tape, welding, etc. etc.

wow, great idea! not just for spark plugs, but elsewhere the floppy swivel has caused me heartburn. best nugget in this thread for this noob....

Well I just came home from a car show and picked up a 3 inch extension, a swivel and a spark plug socket for a buck each. I will now have a welded up permanent tool in my tool chest for 3 bucks.
I have the factory tool but this is way easier than breaking out the facttory tool kit. That is neatly bundled up in the front of the car.

There's an Advance Auto Parts near me. I'm going to get one of those tools and forget about cobbled together arrangements, even if they do work. That tool is elegant. I have done plenty cussing with my poor DIY efforts, and this looks as if it will clean up my act.

Also, I've never even seen the factory tool, never mine own one.

Another vote for the factory tool.

I like it so much, I bought an extra, so I don't have to open the trunk and dig around.

Who here has actually changed the plugs more than once ?

My factory spark plug doesn't fit my aftermarket plugs. Joys of having super duper Turbo plugs. And that cursed inter cooler needs to come out and... All afternoon job for me I suspect.

Huh? I replace them every two years religiously.. And I only drive summers..

Every year at valve adjust time.

Well i just scored a major bonus ... the used extension and swivel i bought must have been outside for a while so the tiny ball and spring were completely seized.. had to hammer the bastard thing together .... no welder needed :D

This is what I use. Snap-on 13/16th's swivel spark plug tool. It has a magnetic insert that holds the plug so that you dont get it stuck on the plug down in the valve cover.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1379969610.jpg

Is this necessary? Plugs go 100k miles on modern cars.
Is this b/c of the modern plugs, or b/c of the modern ignition systems?

both - also, modern fuel mgmt systems

Have a very similar setup with electrical tape and it works flawlessly on 4 cyls.... #1 and #6 are darn-near impossible. I still can't get to #6.... :(

Weird. Do you have a pic of your set up? I have no issues with any plugs using my combo.