Trick to removing spark plugs

[mikewashere]

Not sure if something like this has ever been introduced before but this is something I came across a few weeks ago working on my dads Escape. I have a bunch of spark plug sockets but the one 5/8" with the rubber grommet to keep the plug into the socket upon removal decided to fall out thus leaving me with having no way to pull the plug up from the tube in the head.

After a good 10 minutes of thinking I came up with a method using this sticky tack stuff I had laying around. Put a little piece on each end of the wall inside the stock, stuck it back down into the cylinder tube grabbed the socket no problem each time. I recommend using this method with 2 sockets, one without the sticky tack to install. lol

The sticky tack stuff is usually blue or white in color and can be found at wal-mart, or any big department store in the crafts aisle. Hope this helps someone out!

https://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdpjper4Ld1qcp77so1_400.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/612OV1ukqQL._SL1300_.jpg


I realize the plug shown here is absolutely covered in oil so theirs no need to state that in this thread. lol But you can see in the photo the way I inserted the sticky tack. It worked every time for me on both my dads vehicle, my moms, and mine.
http://i66.tinypic.com/10rmosm.jpg

[Ray721]

I just use one of those little extendable magnet sticks. They're great and you can usually get the threads started with it as well.

[RedSN]

302 FTW!
...don't need tricks, just use your fingers :D

[ZR]

Did you squirt oil down the hole prior to removal or had that much accumulated?

[Ponyryd]

Looks like that escape needs a cam cover gasket replaced, lol.
Btw, just buy a good spark plug socket and you won't need to go through that. I've had mine for over 10 years and the rubber is still in place, but your way worked, and your advice is helpful, so that is for posting.

[ZR]

Same thought on the cover gasket is pooched. Second thought, gotta be diligent as to how much oil n debris has accumulated, should be cleaned prior to removing the plug. Rag on the end of a screw driver to mop up, good shot of brake cleans plus compressed air (while holding a rag partially over to top) repeated as necessary for the rest.
Cool idea on how to secure to the socket.

[maxwell6]

What I been useing for years to remove and start to thread in spark plugs, is a piece of winshield washer hose the plug fits in the end snug enough to start to thread the plug in and will push on to remove it when loose.

[Ponyryd]

^I sometimes use an old spark plug boot, just cut it off an old wire, works great. Washer hose would work too, good tip.

[Frankie]

I have an extension bar that has a magnet built into the end of it.
works really well on plugs that have a steel contact.

[ZR]

Had my plug started gone 40 yrs, it's from a milking machine................kid you not. It's see more tits than a stripper bar.

[Tailites]

heres another similar trick...just use a small piece of paper towel jammed in the socket

I use this trick when I have to install nuts in hard to reach spots

magnetic sockets or sockets that you insert a magnet in works great too

[ZR]

I also use paper towel or a lil stip of masking tape to hold a nut / washer combo to the socket for hard to reach places.

[ZR]

This lil gadget can be a real life safer from time to time. Magnet that clips onto a wrench to hold nut in position. Don't use it often but when you need it, priceless.

http://toolguyd.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/mnb_app5.gif

[ZR]

Length of fuel / vac hose also makes a great plug starter / remover.