Magnetic Spark Plug Socket

[John_B]

This is probably old-hat and you guys have known about these for years, but it was something I stumbled upon a few days ago and is a revelation to me!

in the past year I have tried about three or four different spark plug sockets, and they all either shed the little rubber o-ring after two uses or just fall off the end of my socket wrench. Both of which require lengthy expletive-laden sessions to retrieve said parts back out.

This thing has just worked like a dream right out of the box!

https://amzn.eu/d/evj49lR

(I am not on commission, but donations are welcome if this discovery changes your lives too )

 

[t-tony]

Don't use magnetic sockets, never have. I use a 30cm length of rubber hose to start plugs.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

I got one too. Bloody marvellous tool.

 

[IainP]

I would be careful with mag spark plug sockets. Common with deep plugs that don’t have covers, to crack it with the socket, then give it a blast of air to get rid of dirt. If you do that with a mag socket you could disturb any metal dust/frags on the socket.
If you do get a mag one covered in metal particles, an airline is the ONLY way to completely clean it.
I’ve never had a problem with rubber lined sockets, but mine are either Sykes, Franklin or Britool, I have a few.

 

[Nodzed]

I would be careful with mag spark plug sockets. Common with deep plugs that don’t have covers, to crack it with the socket, then give it a blast of air to get rid of dirt. If you do that with a mag socket you could disturb any metal dust/frags on the socket.
If you do get a mag one covered in metal particles, an airline is the ONLY way to completely clean it.
I’ve never had a problem with rubber lined sockets, but mine are either Sykes, Franklin or Britool, I have a few.

Sorry but I have no idea the point you making. I can make no sense of your post, am I being a bit thick?

 

[John_B]

Thanks Iain, I always appreciate advice, but like Nodzed, I am struggling to understand what you're getting at?

 

[colb]

If mine don't come out with the socket I use a pair of long nose pliers to grab the plug and pull it up and out.

 

[IainP]

Magnets attract metal particles.
Spark plugs recesses can get quite a lot of dirt in them, especially if there are any cam cover leaks.
It’s common to crack/ loosen the plug a little, then blow with an airline to remove the dirt. If you have metal sticking to the outside, or worse, inside, you risk getting it in the engine.
Since I’ve had to take engines apart three times for people dropping stuff through spark plug holes I wouldn’t use a mag socket myself.

 

[John_B]

Ok, I understand what you mean, but I'm not convinced. The way I see it, there are two possible scenarios here:

1. non-ferrous debris - in this case the magnetism of the socket is irrelevant and it will be no more or less likely to disturb or deposit debris in the spark plug well than a non-magnetic socket

2. ferrous debris - in this case any debris will be attracted to the socket. It's a permanent magnet, so once attracted, the debris is not going to just randomly fall off (particularly when we are talking about metal particles vs. a magnet that quite firmly holds a spark plug.

Your hypothetical of some debris inside the socket getting into the engine is not possible. While ever the spark plug opening is exposed, the inside of the socket is sealed with the spark plug.

I don't doubt you've had to strip engines to retrieve dropped items, but I don't think you can blame that on magnetic sockets

 

[the Nefyn cat]

How about one of these, saves a lot of getting down on your knees to retrieve that 10mm socket that just dropped to the floor.

Rolson Magnetic LED Pick-Up Tool | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Rolson Magnetic LED Pick-Up Tool features a LED light at the end of the telescopic shaft. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

And it'll pull out spark plugs, too.

If you haven't dropped a 10mm socket, you're probably doing it wrong.