Spark plug socket

So last week I'm down at NAPA to get a new plug socket, (the old NAPA branded one I had lost the rubber inner sleeve) they no longer had NAPA branded plug sockets but they warrantied this with one by the Carlyle line. I noticed that the rubbet inner boot opening was larger and didn't hold the plug by the ceramic sleeve but by the tip of the spark plug instead. Tightening down the no. 6 & 8 spark plugs on my 360, you know, the two that you have to access from under the CJ's, and I heard the ceramic crunch and sure enough the ceramic was broken. I thought that I may have pulled at the odd angle one has to address those no. 6 & 8 plugs was the reason. Gingerly I tightened down the others on 2 & 4 and moving to the plugs on the left bank no. 7, (that I had a straight, clear of obstruction shot at) also crushed the ceramic on the plug. I'm not new to changing spark plugs on my Jeep but this is getting right infuriating, considering that my trusty old NAPA plug socket never once cracked/broke the ceramic on any plug on the various AMC, Ford and Chevy's I've used it on.
Do y'all reckon this is just a bad casting or a design flaw?

 

Don't know - I usually take the rubber insert out of my Craftsman spark plug socket. I don't think the rubber has much to do with preventing the ceramic from breaking. I put the plug on the end of a piece of rubber hose and start it that way, then switch to the socket to tighten. That is, when I can't reach in and start it with my fingers.

So they took your old socket in place of the new one?

You can get a complete set for $11. http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-640855-8-Inch-Socket-5-Piece/dp/B004QO9F0W If you don't like these, Amazon will take them back at their expense if you believe there is something wrong with them.

 

Yeppirs, that's just how I start all plugs but with this brand new socket I'm having this new issue.

Here's a better view of the new socket;

 

I'm thinking that given the Header flange that's creating a partial obstruction for the socket and lacking shoulder support of the ceramic portion of the plugs are the downfall. After stopping by my local trusty shop, Gary's Automotive, Gary loaned me his Craftsman 43323 swivel Spark Plug socket that had the correct insert. I went to three auto parts shops and one hardware and not until I hit the Sears micro store did I find anyone that had even seen one of these. They got me lined up with a straight socket Craftsman pn 50726 and Made in the USA!

here's the differences (crappy Carlyle on left, Craftsman on right)




Note the wall thickness of the Craftsman

 

Well, used that brand new 'old school' Craftsman $5.08 plug socket and boom, boom, boom. The plugs snugged down without any further issue. Just like my old NAPA one before it lost it's rubber grommet.

 

I'm with Timgr. I'd rather have the porcelain floating free, than risk the rubber putting lateral force on it.

 

I never use the rubber insert

 

Whatever works to get the job done

 

I got tired of having the dang socket staying on the plug and pulling off the extension so I quit using them. I fought a stuck socket one time that took over an hour to get the socket off. I think it was on the wife's ford ranger 2.3. I said NEVER again.

 

Yes. That happened to me too.

 

When I'm wearing my nitrile (rubber) gloves I get a better grip on stuck spark plug sockets, and what with the residual dielectric grease, they come right off. Perhaps I'm just lucky.

 

I think I have thrown away the rubber inserts for all of mine. Maintaining 90 degrees to the plug when pulling to snug them down is the major item of focus.

 

now I have to go look . but I think all my spark plug sockets still have the rubbers in them . don't want them multiplying when I close the lid