What Size Socket For Spark Plugs In 2022? 6 Recommendation
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Are you confused about what size socket for spark plugs? Then you are in the right place. Check out this article to know what size socket you need for your spark plug.
In this Tooling Geek guide, you’ll learn:
- Required socket for spark plug
- Recommended sockets according to size
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- And many more facts!
What Size Socket For Spark Plugs?
People often want to know what size socket for spark plug. Do not worry if you do not have much time on your hand. We have provided you with a size chart to quickly get to know and understand what type of socket you need for your spark plug. We have also added one recommended product for each socket size for your convenience.
| Spark Plug Size (Inch) | Spark Plug Size (Millimeter) | Socket Needed (Millimeter) | Application | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 16 | ⅝-16 | Newer Vehicles, Scooters, Motorcycles, Smaller Automotive | Lexivon 5/8″ Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket |
| 13/16 | 20 | 13/16 | Older Vehicles (bigger engines) | Craftsman 13/16″ Spark Plug Socket |
| 3/4 | 19 | 3/4 | Small Engines, Lawn Mowers, Older GM Vehicles | Craftsman 3/4″ Spark Plug Socket |
| 9/16 | 14 | 9/16 | Newer Asian Cars, Ford | Sunex 9/16-Inch Spark Plug Socket |
| 11/16 | 8 | 11/16 | Older BMW | Craftsman 11/16” Deep Socket |
| 7/8 | 22 | 7/8 | Fairbanks-Morse Engines, Aviation Spark Plugs, Rare | CruzTOOLS Aviation ⅞” Spark Plug Socket |
Most Common Sizes Sockets for Spark Plug
Mechanics mainly use the 5/8” spark plug socket. However, your spark plug socket size entirely depends on your vehicle. You can buy spark plug sockets in both sets and individually.
You can tell your spark plug’s thread size by the first letter of the spark plug code. There are mainly three spark plug threads that are in use in the ATV and motorcycle industry.
The hex size on a spark plug also matters. It refers to the socket required for installation. The hex size of a spark plug refers to the diameter in the center of it that you can use to tighten or loosen the spark plug. There are two most common hex sizes- 5/8” and 13/16”. However, there are spark plugs with a hex size of as small as 8mm.
Read More: Best Spark Plug Wires For Harley Davidson
We are talking about the size of the spark plug here, not the thread of it. And yes, the spark plug size also matters. If you use a spark plug that does not apply to your engine, it may even end up damaging your engine. So, make sure to use the spark plug with the correct dimensions.
Installing Spark Plugs
1. Setting the Gap
Before, you would have to set the gap on a new spark plug before installing it. You could use a gapping tool to make sure that you have gotten the correct sized spark plug. While today’s spark plugs come pre-gapped, it is a good idea to check the owner’s manual for such instructions.
2. Seating the Plug
After you place the plug by hand, use a torque wrench to tighten it. Make sure that you do not overtighten it. Keep turning it until the plug’s washer reaches the mounting surface.
3. Attach the Boot to the Plug
Replace the ignition coil and the wiring connector. Make sure that you hear a click when placing the wire plug. That would mean that it has been plugged into place. If you are using a rubber boot, it is good to use a coat of dielectric grease inside it. That way, you can remove the plug at any time with ease.
4. Rinse and Repeat
Repeat these steps for each of your spark plugs, and voila! You now have successfully installed a new set of spark plugs into their respective sockets. If you face any difficulties during or after the process, make sure to contact a professional.
Recommended Sockets for Spark Plugs
1. Lexivon 5/8″ Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket
Lexicon’s Swivel Spark Plug Socket has an enhanced magnetic design coupled with a thin wall design. It features a socket drive of ⅜ inches.
Lexivon has used Chrome Vanadium Alloy steel to manufacture this spark plug socket. They have used the heat-treated and hardened version of the Chrome Vanadium Alloy steel to give the spark plug socket more durability. It features a design for spark plug installation and removal.
The Swivel Magnetic Spark features not only endurance but also longevity. It features a chrome plating mirror finish. As a result, it has a higher resistance to some of the biggest enemies of spark plug sockets, rust, and corrosion. Due to the mirror finish, you can easily clean the socket and wash away any pollutants.
Coupled with its enhanced magnetic design, the Swivel Magnetic Spark Plug Socket also features a knurled shaft. This knurled shaft prevents the spark plug from slipping from the socket.
2. Craftsman 13/16″ Spark Plug Socket
You can get your job done with Craftsman’s 13/16” easy-to-read spark plug socket. This socket sports a rubber inset socket. This easy-to-read spark plug socket can hold your spark plug securely into place with the help of its rubber gasket socket.
You do not want to face any difficulties when loosening and tightening your spark plug. Craftsman’s spark plug socket can provide you with that. The easy-to-read 13/16 inches spark plug socket features a six-point grip. It also includes a sponge-rubber plug holder.
Owing to these features, you can tighten and loosen your spark plug into the socket with ease. It will also offer you an increased torque with more fastening power.
3. Craftsman 3/4″ Spark Plug Socket
Complete your toolbox with Craftsman’s ¾” spark plug socket with a drive of ⅜ inches. To see why you should own this particular spark plug socket, let us go over some of the features that it offers. It can sometimes be challenging to identify the size of a spark plug socket. Not with this product!
Craftsman has made large laser-etched size markings on their product. That way, you can easily distinguish and identify the spark plug socket that you need. Craftsman’s ¾” spark plug socket has received certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
So, you can rest easy knowing that you bought the right product. But if that is not enough for you, you can rest easy knowing that Craftsman provides a lifetime warranty for their product. So, if you face any problem with this product, which is highly unlikely, Craftsman will offer you adequate services.
4. Sunex 9/16-Inch Spark Plug Socket
Are you looking for a 16mm spark plug socket at an affordable price? Look no more because Sunex has brought you the perfect solution. This thin-wall product from Sunex will cost you no more than a combo meal at your favorite drive-in restaurant. Let us look at the features you will be getting for such an economical price.
The 9/16-inch spark plug socket features a rubber inset socket rather than a magnetic design. This rubber grommet will enable you to remove and install any spark plug with ease.
The thin-wall spark plug socket gets its name from the super thin walls that it features. It features walls that are only 1.86mm thick. It is a prevalent option among vehicle owners who need a 16mm spark plug socket with a fragile wall. So, if you need a 16mm spark plug socket with a thin wall, this is the perfect choice for you.
5. Craftsman 11/16” Deep Socket
Craftsman is a world-renowned brand in the spark plug socket industry. And they have kept their reputation untarnished with the 11/16 inches deep spark plug socket. In an affordable price range, the deep spark plug socket will fulfill all your needs.
Not even the most stubborn tools are any match for the Craftsman 6 point 11/16” deep socket with a drive of ¾ inches. Craftsman has designed this large socket with 6 points of contact. That way, it can make sure to place a powerful hold on a wide variety of bolts and nuts.
It does not matter whether the nuts have weather or stripped; the deep spark plug socket will be sure to hold them.
Craftsman’s deep socket also exceeds rather than meets the standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). And Craftsman will offer you a lifetime warranty and support if you purchase this product of theirs.
6. CruzTOOLS Aviation ⅞” Spark Plug Socket
If you need a spark plug socket designed explicitly for aviation projects, this spark plug socket is the perfect product for you. As the aviation spark plugs use a non-standard ⅞” Hex, the exhaust manifolds can obstruct you from accessing your wrench.
That is why CruzTOOLS Aviation ⅞” spark plug socket offers a fragile wall. That way, you can work on your project with higher accessibility. Now you have to ensure compatibility with every make of plugs, such as Tempest and Champion. For that, you need your spark plug to have a deep well.
And CruzTOOLS has manufactured their product with that exact thought in mind. Their Aviation ⅞” spark plug socket features a deep well. So, you can use spark plugs of any make with the help of this socket.
Final Thoughts
Servicing your spark plugs is a simple task that carries utmost importance. So, it would be best if you chose the right size socket for your spark plugs. So, to make sure you get the perfect socket for your spark plug, you need to know what size socket you need.
You can also choose any of the recommended products without any confusion. We have decided on them after thorough testing and consideration. So, we hope that you have got your answer about what size socket for the spark plug.
