I have the same. The trick is when you get them, take a pair of needle nosed pliers, and pull out the rubber insert. Coat the outside of the insert, and the inside of the socket with some 5 minute epoxy, and reinsert it. That will prevent the rubber insert from ever coming out.The plug sockets I own have a rubber insert to center, prevent breakage, capture and hold onto a plug. I see no advantage to the magnetic socket.
....... I use no other type anymore, especially since most cars bury the plugs in deep wells these days........
I agree, if garbage is able to get down in there, clean it out first! Before the plug comes out.This brings up a really important point many don't pay attention to. Before removing ANY automotive plug, I ALWAYS take a high pressure air nozzle, and blow out the plug wells after I remove the boots, and before I pull the plugs out.
I've seen a lot of debris come out of those plug recesses. Dirt, bits of sand, small pebbles, name it, most anything can get trapped in there. I even had a small piece of a broken cable tie blow out of one and hit me in the face.
If you pull the plugs without blowing out the wells, that junk can easily drop into the head. If that happens your problems are just beginning.
I even do this when I take a vehicle in for service, if I even think they're going to pull the plugs, rather depend on them to do it..... Which of course, most don't. And I always generously use dielectric grease on the inside of the boots when I reinsert them.
+1 I always blow the spark plug wells out before removing the plugs. Even on OPE. It amazes me how many mechanics in shops working on cars for a living don't do it.This brings up a really important point many don't pay attention to. Before removing ANY automotive plug, I ALWAYS take a high pressure air nozzle, and blow out the plug wells after I remove the boots, and before I pull the plugs out.
I've seen a lot of debris come out of those plug recesses. Dirt, bits of sand, small pebbles, name it, most anything can get trapped in there. I even had a small piece of a broken cable tie blow out of one and hit me in the face.
If you pull the plugs without blowing out the wells, that junk can easily drop into the head. If that happens your problems are just beginning.
I even do this when I take a vehicle in for service, if I even think they're going to pull the plugs, rather depend on them to do it..... Which of course, most don't. And I always generously use dielectric grease on the inside of the boots when I reinsert them.
The magnetic plug sockets are nice. I still like the old school Matco rubber plug tool to insert plugs. You cannot cross thread the plug. Spin that bad boy in by hand and finish with the torque wrench.
I bought 3. The CTA tools, EPAuto 12pt swivel, ARES 12pt swivel. The EPAuto and ARES are going back.Nothing wrong with cta tools I’ve seen yet I say go for it
I bought 3. The CTA tools, EPAuto 12pt swivel, ARES 12pt swivel. The EPAuto and ARES are going back.
The EPAuto didn't want to sit right on the plugs. Something catching on inside unless you moved it around. It was like a 6 point. I had to lift/turn/lower before it felt like it was on the plug and then still not positive. Not feeling great that far down in the head.
The ARES was better but needed an extension (so did the EPAuto). I have the locking extensions so it doesn't fall off. Happened in the past to me when the retention ball/spring got weak. When I went to torque the the plugs there was just too much movement for me. One of the shorter extensions might have been better.
Both of them get at least good reviews overall. I'm sure the swivel helps in many situations. The magnets on all 3 felt about the same.
The CTA is just a 10" long solid socket with the magnet. Definitely more confidence inspiring for me. Held the plug nice, I could feel the plug sit in the threads and finger tighten nice and slow. That will stay in my tool box.
@JeffKeryk would need a 4-6" extension on the Matco tool to get the plug started.
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