Dropped spark plug

[bcgreen]

I decided to check the condition of my plugs by pulling what looked like the easiest. On the drivers side of the engine, towards the firewall, I was able to unscrew the plug but it dropped out of the socket. What is the trick to removing the plug since I can't seem to get the factory socket onto the spark plug?
Thanks

[kent olsen]

Plug socket with magnet

[bcgreen]

Originally Posted by kent olsen

Plug socket with magnet

Really, I never knew there was such a thing. Where can I purchase one?
I was able to get it out, thanks.
This is what the plug looks like and correct me if I am wrong, but it looks like the engine is running rich.

[kent olsen]

Auto parts store but ask for one with magnet. Does look a little rich. True picture will be after you clean it up, drive it fairly hard, straight into you garage and turn it off.

[Justin@Athens]

Grearwrench makes a really nice one that I would buy again: GearWrench 80546 5/8-Inch x 6-Inch Swivel Spark Plug Socket - Socket Set With Spark Plug Socket - Amazon.com

This one does have a powerful integrated magnet as mentioned above.

[964TargaC2]

before I got the gearwrench socket I got dropped plugs out with the magnet on a telescoping stick , there is also a flexi tool (like the one that opens like a claw) with a magnet on it instead of the claw...handy stuff to retrieve dropped screws and the like

[puddy]

You can put some layers of masking tape on the inside of your socket so that it's a snug enough fit that the plug stays in the socket. Cheap & easy.

[bcgreen]

Originally Posted by 964TargaC2

before I got the gearwrench socket I got dropped plugs out with the magnet on a telescoping stick , there is also a flexi tool (like the one that opens like a claw) with a magnet on it instead of the claw...handy stuff to retrieve dropped screws and the like

I have one of the magnetic stick but didn't seem strong enough. Have the claw one but since I can't see inside it really like stumbling around in the dark. Luckily the factory socket was able to bring it up just enough for me to use forceps.