Show us your spark plug wrench -please

[humptybump]

Im into my second condition inspection and have now tried a few different options for pulling (and installing all of the plugs). All attempts have been sub-optimal - especially on the top plugs (at least one is proving impossible) while attempting to use a torche wrench during installation.

My deepest socket does not allow for the torche wrench to fit on. My shallower sockets wont catch the faces of the plug. My open ended wrench does not fit. My box end wrench hits the fins.

What tool, trick, or fabrication have you found to work? Pictures welcome !

BTW: in my case, the plugs have the wrench point at the base, just above the threads (worse case scenario).

[panhandler1956]

Good question. I want to know too!

[Vlad]

Removed...


Never mind I reread your post it's about torquing the plugs... I don't use torque wrench on plugs. Snug then turn half a flat

[Jeff A]

I suggest this with an extension:

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/de...DUCT_ID=ATS950

If that doesn't/won't work....exactly what plugs are you using?

Good luck.

[cguarino]

A deep socket with a 6 inch extension should work fine. I'm not sure why you are having problems. Maybe you can post a pic of your installation.

[az_gila]

I use a Craftsman deep socket, you just have to find one where the hex (or 12) flats go all the way down the socket - which might rule out the Harbor Freight cheapies...

I then trimmed some of the end of the socket - perhaps 1/8 to a 1/4 inch - to make it as low profile as possible to fit by the upper baffles.

[Mike S]

What Gil said-------many sockets will not fit over the metal shell of an aviation spark plug, where they will work just fine on almost any thing else. Too small inner bore in the socket.

I took a spark plug to the hardware store, and checked out various sockets until I found one that would work for me.

Sorry, dont have the brand name handy right now, but I got it at a True Value store.

[ccsmith51]

I( did the same as Mike. I took a plug to the local Lowe's Aviation supply store and found a deep socket that worked. It is actually a black impact socket with a 1/2" drive. So I also purchased a 1/2" - 3/8" adapter. No problem with it and my torque wrench and baffles on my RV-4.

[JonJay]

My 3/8 drive S-K deep socket with an extension works. My Craftsman and very expensive Champion do not work.

[krw5927]

I found a cheap harbor freight deep socket that does the trick nicely with my REM40E's. Granted, I don't have any baffling installed yet so I don't know if that will create any additional restrictions. I'll try to post a pic tonight.