Does anyone know of a source for custom spark plug sockets or do y'all just fabricate your own? My new 540 is in with the headers and there is just no room to get a socket on the #4, 6, and 8 plugs. The heads are angle port and the Super Comps don't line up like expected so I can only get the plugs in hand tight for now.

I have heard of some different sockets available but haven't been able to find a source yet.

Thanks

http://www.slponline.com/view_product.asp?P=30102

I've had my own for about 15 years now, made them with a die grinder with a cutoff wheel and a burr. Most of the tool trucks carry them now, although they may be special order, since they're not the biggest sellers.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=19831&store=snapon-store

i don't know if it will work for you, but i got a Craftsman 5/8" 12 point offset box wrench many years ago to make it easier to tighten and crack loose spark plugs on small blocks with headers.
otherwise, this is where those cheap Wal Mart spark plug sockets come in handy. just get a couple, and start grinding away on the bench grinder until you make one that works.

Derrick, you also have to hog out the square drive end of the socket to slide over the ceramic tower on the plug. The reason I had to make one was I had headers on 305 heads with the recessed plug holes, so no wrench would fit, and neither would a regular plug socket. It worked so well, I made one for my other cars for 13/16" plugs.

I have seen a small socket that would work well just for these. The tool trucks carry it. Its not that expensive and is very small and compact. I searched a few of thier catalogs online but couldnt find them.

I've had my own for about 15 years now, made them with a die grinder with a cutoff wheel and a burr. Most of the tool trucks carry them now, although they may be special order, since they're not the biggest sellers.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=19831&store=snapon-store

Darren: That's exactly what I need. Thanks. I have no clue why I didn't even think of Snap On. :o

i don't know if it will work for you, but i got a Craftsman 5/8" 12 point offset box wrench many years ago to make it easier to tighten and crack loose spark plugs on small blocks with headers.
otherwise, this is where those cheap Wal Mart spark plug sockets come in handy. just get a couple, and start grinding away on the bench grinder until you make one that works.

Derrick: I was thinking of the off set wrench too and may do both this and the Snap On. Can never have too many tools can we? :D

Thanks for your help guys.

don't forget to try to make use of the top of a spark plug socket with an open end or box wrench, plus theres usually room to shorten it (both ends) or even grind the flats for a smaller wrench.
one set of sbc headers i had, i ended up shortening a plug socket and welding an allen head cut off of a good sized bolt into the socket. now that i think about it, i used it all the time (with a ratchet or t-handle and long allen shaft) until i lost....er "missplaced" it, i might have to make another one if it doesn't turn up in my next round of shop cleaning/rearranging. ....good luck

Found a tool set at Advance Auto that has open sockets to get into tight places. Sort of like the Snap On part in the earlier reply only all the tools in the set are like this. My local store has it at $49.95 was originally $150. Snap On wants $25 for just one socket. I tried the standard 5/8 socket on a plug and it works just fine. This will give me a 5/8 and 13/16 spark plug socket plus a whole bunch of other tools too. Think I will go that way. More tools! :hurray:

well, give us a link.

Dude,

Here is the real deal in header sockets:

http://www.headersockets.com/

:D

well, give us a link.
Tried to but the Advance Auto web site didn't have that particular set on the web. Had to find it at the store. I will get a part number when I go there today to buy the set and post it back here.

Mark

i don't know if it will work for you, but i got a Craftsman 5/8" 12 point offset box wrench many years ago to make it easier to tighten and crack loose spark plugs on small blocks with headers.
otherwise, this is where those cheap Wal Mart spark plug sockets come in handy. just get a couple, and start grinding away on the bench grinder until you make one that works.

I did something similar ... only I bought a cheap Taiwan box end wrench (12 point). I welded a washer on the top, to keep the wrench from slipping past the hex of the spark plug.

Here is a link to the part number for the tool kit at Advance Auto. http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=APO&MfrPartNumber=T45835D I tried both the 5/8 and 13/16 socket on a spark plug and they fit just right. The spark plug extends through the socket and you use a wrench on the socket or one of the ratchets in the set. Snap On = $24.95 for one socket. Two Snap On sockets one 5/8 and one 13/16 = $50.00, . Total cost of tool set with full standard and metric sockets, 3 ratchets, extensions, magnetic bit drivers and conventional combination wrenches many tools including 5/8 and 13/16 sockets=$50.00. I'm going home to change some plugs out. :thumbsup:

I fab'd my own.
I need 3 different sockets to change plugs on my sb.

Dude,

Here is the real deal in header sockets:

http://www.headersockets.com/

:D

And there we have it. The very tool I was trying to describe. This is THE tool just for this type of problem.