What is the difference between a spark plug socket and a regular socket?

As their name implies, spark plug sockets remove or fit a spark plug into an engine. Spark plug sockets are longer than standard sockets, and frequently come with a rubber insert that prevents the spark plug from becoming damaged while the wrench is working. A socket bit is a hex socket with a bit inside.

Can you use a regular socket on a spark plug?

Do I Need A Special Socket For Spark Plugs? Yes and no. While a regular socket should do the job well too, a special socket is often the right tool for the job. Modern car engines have a very complicated spark plug placement.

What makes a spark plug socket different?

Spark plug sockets are longer than standard sockets and have a larger opening depth and clearance depth (see What socket sizes are available? for more information), to accommodate the top of the spark plug.

Are all spark plugs the same size socket?

Spark plugs come in different sizes. While there's no standard size, most spark plugs will be either 5/8 inches or 13/16 inches. Specialized engines may also have other sizes. As such, the size of the spark plug sockets will be made to accommodate one of these sizes.

What are the 3 sizes of spark plug sockets?

While there are many different possible sizes of spark plugs, in most cases a spark plug will be either 5/8” or 13/16”.

DIY: Make Your Own Spark Plug Socket

What size is the average spark plug?

While 5/8" (16mm) and 13/16" are the two most common plug hex sizes, plugs can have a hex as small as 8mm or larger than 1".

How do I know what size spark plug I need?

The different types of spark plugs can seem overwhelming at first, but the simple way to find out what kind of spark plug you need is by checking your owner's manual. The manual will specify the right plugs for your vehicle.

What does a spark plug socket look like?

Spark plug sockets are usually pretty long and referred to as a deep socket in most cases but there are some sockets out there that are even longer than the standard deep socket. These are sometimes referred to as long or even extra long spark plug sockets.

How many different types of sockets are there?

There are four types of sockets available to the users. The first two are most commonly used and the last two are rarely used. Processes are presumed to communicate only between sockets of the same type but there is no restriction that prevents communication between sockets of different types.

What size tool do I need to remove spark plugs?

To remove old spark plugs, you need a socket wrench that can twist the spark plugs inside the engine. An old plug can be tricky to get out sometimes, so you need an extension for your spark plug socket. A standard 5/8″ or 13/16″ socket wrench works for most old spark plugs.

Are all spark plugs the same thread?

Threads. There are currently three spark plug thread diameter and pitch sizes used on motorcycles and ATVs: 10 mm x 1.0, 12 mm x 1.25 and 14 mm x 1.25. There are currently two thread reaches (lengths) used: 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. Never use a spark plug of the wrong reach.

What MM is a standard spark plug?

Spark Plug Size

The two most common spark plug sizes in modern motorcycles and small cars are 14mm and 18mm. Some automobile manufacturers also use 16mm high-thread count spark plugs and 12mm long-reach spark plugs.

Are there different types of spark plugs?

Overall, you will find the four main types of spark plugs are copper spark plugs, iridium spark plugs, platinum spark plugs, and double platinum spark plugs. What is this? Some have better uses than others, depending on the vehicle that you're driving.

How tight should spark plugs be?

Tighten the spark plug finger-tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a spark plug wrench.

Should you grease spark plugs?

Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.

What are the 2 main types of sockets?

Sockets come in two basic types—connection-oriented and connectionless. These terms refer to types of protocols.

What are the 3 types of sockets?

What are the 4 different types of sockets?

Considering the standard sockets, you can find four common types, and they include 3/4 –inch, ½-inch, 3/8-inch, and ¼-inch sockets. Most of these options mentioned above come with bits that would fit Torx screws.