🔧 CTA Tools 2376 - Premium 14mm x 12 Point Spark Plug Socket for Efficient Vehicle Maintenance Review

Essential tool for changing spark plugs on Mini The tool is great for pulling a spark plug as it has a built in rubber grommet to hold the spark plugs in place. Property" is also its downside, when inserting new plugs into the gasket it will hold the plug and separate from the extension. I've found that putting some motor oil on the gasket reduces grip and makes the tool much more user-friendly.

This connector is advertised as suitable for MINI Cooper Turbocharged engines 2007 and up. This is also stated on the packaging that accompanies the point of sale. It is not true! This connector is suitable for 2007-2011 MINI Cooper N14 series engines, NOT for 2011+ N18 series engines. OEM spark plugs for the N18 engine still have a 14mm stud diameter, but the spark plug head is larger and therefore will not fit this cartridge.

As previously mentioned, the extension will pop out of its socket when new plugs are installed. This was a problem with my BMW 535xi. I ended up wrapping tape around where the power strip connects to the outlet. Had to replace the band after 3 plugs because the extension actually pulled out of the band. I would still buy this cheaper tool than the more expensive one. Anytime I can fix a problem with just a small piece of tape, I'm fine.

The gasket is a great idea for removing an old spark plug, it's a very tight fit. However, when installing new spark plugs, the spark plug is so tight that it is impossible to remove the socket from the spark plug without disconnecting it from the extension cord used. You may need to pry the socket out of the spark plug well with pliers as it is stuck to the new spark plug you just installed. Perhaps a magnet would be a better design choice.

Works well. As other reviewers have pointed out, it holds the plugs great, but the connection point between the ratchet and socket doesn't hold up very well and pops out with little effort. I used it like this: leave it as is to unplug the connectors. Use the magnetic extension to gently insert the plugs, then twist a few turns to tighten and you can remove the magnetic extension. Use a flathead screwdriver and remove the o-ring in the spark plug socket, then use the socket only with an…

Cons -- detaches too easily from socket extension -- Rubber grommet for securing spark plug shafts is too aggressive -- when combining plug #1 and #2, a loose spark plug cannot be pulled out of the house. Please have a magnetic tool ready to pull it out. I ended up digging out the rubber grommet and just used it like a regular outlet. it should be functional at the most basic level. It's still a very poor connection with the socket extender, so it comes off almost every time you don't support…

Exactly as described. Arrived well packaged, shipped quickly, done! However, the small rubber O-ring inside was LITTLE tight, when I tried to pull the outlet out after installing the plug, it ripped the outlet from my power strip. Better too tight than too loose! Easy fix - I took the cotton swab with the tiniest dab of dish soap and just rubbed it on that rubber ring inside before installing ANY OTHER spark plug. Also the outlet is glued to my power strip, BIG help. I am sure if you use it a…

That's right, the connection with the extension is loose. Tape the outlet to your power strip before you begin. I had no trouble pulling the plugs out. However, for inserting new plugs, the grip is too tight even for a ceramic tip. However, after the o-ring is removed from the seat, it is too loose. To hold the plug for its descent down the well, I stuck a strip of electrical tape into the socket. You use enough for the outlet to hold the plug. Leave the long end out so it doesn't come loose…

Summary: Does the job and is cheap. However, it was the cheaper of the two non-BMW options I found. My main gripe with this bushing is that the o-ring in the bushing, which is designed to grip the spark plug ceramic, was too tight. When I tried to unplug the outlet, it slipped off the extension cord. This was easily fixed by using a small pick (like a toothpick) to pry out the o-ring. Of course now the plug won't stay in the socket when you try to pull the old one out. I ended up using my…