socket question

[greenmonster]

My bike calls for a 16mm spark plug socket. So, off I go to Advanced Auto and then to Auto Zone, both here in Waltham. Both had standard type plug sockets, but no metric. What they did have were 16mm deep sockets. Would these also double as spark plug sockets, or do I need a spark plug-specific 16mm?

[eboos]

The spark plug specific sockets are pretty much only needed if you need the socket to hold onto the spark plug if you don't have much access for your fingers. If you do have good finger access, start your threading with your fingers to avoid cross threading.

[greenmonster]

The spark plug specific sockets are pretty much only needed if you need the socket to hold onto the spark plug if you don't have much access for your fingers. If you do have good finger access, start your threading with your fingers to avoid cross threading.

Come to think of it, my plugs are DEEP down there! I'd definitely need the rubber collar insert to lift em out and put em in. Oh, well...I'll have to keep on searching. Online this time....see if bikebandit has them.

[Wishbone]

I had the same problem with trying to hold my plugs with a normal plug socket. The normal plug socket was to big to grip the small tip of the bike plug. So I took a bottle cap, cut it down then stuffed it into the socket and threw the rubber in after it to hold it in place.

So be creative

[mmracer37]

Go to sears, get a craftsman 16mm deep socket, loosen the plug, use a rubber hose to grab the old plug, use rubber hose again to start threading the new plug (so you don't cross thread) then tighten with socket. Works every time.

[greenmonster]

Great idea, Mike! Definitely gonna try it. (Just watch...as soon as I leave the Sears store, boxes of 16mm spark plug sockets will be getting delivered to their shipping dock. LOL)

[vintage ex race]

you could also loosen the plug up with the 16mm socket and use a pc. of rubber hose to grip the plug ,just push it down over but cut it long enough so it reaches withplug and you have enough to grab

[Tricky Mike]

use a rubber hose to grab the old plug, use rubber hose again to start threading the new plug

that's a damn fine idear.

[SSearchVT]

16 mm basically crosses over to 5/8. Take a plug into the store with you and see if a 5/8 plug socket fits. I don't like to use regular sockets for plugs because of the potential of breaking the porcelin.

[Wishbone]

Go to sears, get a craftsman 16mm deep socket, loosen the plug, use a rubber hose to grab the old plug, use rubber hose again to start threading the new plug (so you don't cross thread) then tighten with socket. Works every time.

you could also loosen the plug up with the 16mm socket and use a pc. of rubber hose to grip the plug ,just push it down over but cut it long enough so it reaches withplug and you have enough to grab

Or you could take a piece of rubber hose and use it to hold the plugs

[greenmonster]

Or you could take a piece of rubber hose and use it to hold the plugs

HAHAHA!! I saw that! Its deja vu all over again!

[greenmonster]

16 mm basically crosses over to 5/8. Take a plug into the store with you and see if a 5/8 plug socket fits. I don't like to use regular sockets for plugs because of the potential of breaking the porcelin.

I have a 5/8"....but its a c.h. too wide in its outer circumference to fit down the hole to access the plug. And I dont have any old ones sitting around to test the fit. Tossed 'em with the last change out. Doh! This is one case where being nice 'n tight is NOT a good thing!

[Jim]

couldnt you just use a 12" extension with the deep socket?

[greenmonster]

couldnt you just use a 12" extension with the deep socket?

Yep...I have the extension. Ill try whats been suggested here. Deep socket with the rubber hose. DAMN!! Now thats the fourth time thats been mentioned. lol I think this thread has run its course. Great ideas to boot. As long as I dont crack the ceramic......

[joeswamp]

Just noticed this thread, gotta say the "rubber hose on the spark plug" idea is one of the best in the history of motorcycle repair.

I first learned of this technique about ten years ago when I cross threaded a spark plug hole by putting a deep socket on it and turning just the socket with my fingers (no ratchet). Those aluminum threads are ridiculously soft and it can be tricky to judge what the correct angle of the plug should be.

When I took the head to the bike shop to get helicoiled, the mechanic pointed out the hose trick as the best way of limiting torque on the spark plug, been doing it this way ever since...

[schleppy]

Wow, I'm going to use that hose trick for all spark-plug related jobs. I cross threaded one of the plugs on my gf's Civic once, man that sucked.

Thanks for the tip!

[KB]

Go to sears, get a craftsman 16mm deep socket, loosen the plug, use a rubber hose to grab the old plug, use rubber hose again to start threading the new plug (so you don't cross thread) then tighten with socket. Works every time.

You got a purdy hose!!

KB