DE3SVAZ

Want to get a moe user friendly plug wrench or socket to make the change as easy as possible, any recommendations?
Thanks

Stickman81

I heard that one should use a socket with the swivel built in. Mainly because of the drivers side aft plug (#7 I think).

I bought the Snap-on spark plug socket with the swivel built in. I then received the same style Craftsman for Christmas. The only difference I see is the Craftsman is somewhat shorter in length. I have not used either one and plan on returning the $47.00 Snap-on socket.

Maybe someone with experience will chime in shortly.

JUSAKD

Just put plugs and wires in last week. Easy job. Got a swivel socket from local Bumper to Bumper auto store for 4.99. Worked great.
Socket was double swivel 5/8in. 3/8 drive. Used a few different length extensions for different plugs. Also used a long handle rachet to remove them cause I have weak (old) wrists. Installed with torque wrech.

Vetteman Jack

Check Sears for a Craftsman tool. You will probably need to get the swivel for the spark plug socket to make it easier to get into some of the plugs. Craftsman tools are guaranteed for life.

DE3SVAZ

Thanks for the replys, I appreciate your input

Jackal

one five letter word:

SEARS

leaftye

I've heard of a double-swivel Snap-on sparkplug tool that was supposed to make changing sparkplugs almost easy. I'm still trying to find out more about it...

leaftye

Check it out, it's from our own Tech Tips:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...ID=7&TopicID=1

leaftye

Two more threads about it:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p+on+sparkplug
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p+on+sparkplug

vettenuts

I have the Snap-On. Bought it based on the tech tips. It is extremely high quality and makes the job much easier. Well worth the price to have the right tool in my book. Just start the new plugs with fingers only and screw in several turns before using the wrench.

leaftye

Listen to him when he says to use your fingers. I had a CRX that was running poorly because I didn't know squat about ignition timing and caused it to run like crap. I discovered that my CRX would run fine for a while after changing the plugs, so I'd frequently replace them. Well, it took changing the plugs out in the middle of a blizzard during a road trips for me to discover how easy it could be to strip the sparkplug threads if it's not started with bare hands. As much as I've learned since then, I still wonder what havoc my own hands have yet to wreak on my Corvette...it's like Idle Hands for cars! Ack!

Wisdom

To install plugs without stripping the block, use a flexible piece of 1/4" rubber fuel line to guide the plug into the hole and to begin threading it in. If it crossthreads, the plug will spin in the fuel line and won't damage the block. Once it's started to thread properly, then you can use the rachet to finish the job.

- Wisdom

silverhead

I use a Snap-On double swivel spark plug socket. Another tip, when starting the new plugs I found putting on a pair of vinyl gloves helped the finger grip on the plug and still gave me the proper "feel" for starting the threads straight.

ragtopws6

This is how I used to install plugs when I used to turn wrenches for GM:

1) Used Anti-sieze on the threads.
2) Use an old spark plug boot (longer the better) to install the plug (this gives you a little more torque compared to 1/4" hose and still protect you from cross threading).
3) Use a torque wrench to tighten plugs.

1KLRTOY

I bought the SK double swivel socket to change plugs for the first time, don't waste your money as a regular Craftsman plug socket works fine, just remove the gulp valve & hose and push the brake booster hose out of the way and viola the #7 plug is easy to get out, the other 7 are pretty straight forward to get to , getting the wires off, well thats another story!!