Ever cross-threaded a spark plug? Trust us, it sucks. You generally have to heli-coil ‘em since you can’t re-tap it because you risk dropping bits of metal into the engine — until now. These expandable spark plug socket rethreaders from MAC Tools slip past the damaged threads then expand to engage them, allowing you to “chase” the threads from the bottom up. Debris comes up and out with the rethreader.
This is most definitely a specialty tool, but like all specialty tools, when you need it, you need it bad. This could really pull your acorns out of the fire if you (or one of your techs) is a little overzealous installing plugs.
MAC sells ‘em in a three-piece set that fits common sizes — 10 mm, 12 mm, and 14mm — for $90. They also sell the less-common 18 mm version separately. You can pick ‘em up online or (of course) via your friendly neighborhood tool truck.
3-Pack Expandable Spark Plug Socket Rethreaders [MAC Tools]
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10 Responses to Re-Tap Spark Plug Threads Safely
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{ The hammer has not yet made it to their web site - but the new brake spring tool is listed for online purchase: http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-331257-dbst1058.aspx } – May 16, 8:00 PM
{ Too bad this only applies to Wilton vises, I have an ancient Massey Vise in the shop that was my grandfather's, reclaimed from the scrap... } – May 16, 6:29 PM
{ I grabbed one of these as soon as my tool guy showed it to me. "Kicks Ass" is not strong enough for how wonderful this... } – May 16, 6:00 PM
{ $$? } – May 16, 9:54 AM
{ would submmit idea on a gardening tool . i have not seen it anywhere } – May 16, 9:19 AM
I am blessed enough to never have done this. I am confused though because I thought you needed to tap for helicoils. Could someone explain?
Is there also a permanent magnet in the bottom that will grab any stray shavings?
Aside to Jake. This tool chases existing threads, assuming they’re not too damaged and the plug will thread back in afterwards. You’re right, if they’re too far gone the hole will have to be tapped and heli-coils installed.
This tool is inserted in the hole past the threads, expanded, and twisted out. Ergo, any shavings should be pushed out with the tool. A magnet shouldn’t be needed.
Besides, a magnet won’t do squat if you have aluminum heads.
I don’t think I could justify spending money on a tool like that, I’d end up just removing the head and re-tapping it. Its still a cool tool though.
I have a Kawasaki 300 bayu 4×4 and this tool work great. It was in the shop for repairs and when i got it back i found the sparkplug cross threaded. This tool along with a little greese to catch any shavings saved me tons of money. lets just say that that shop lost my bisness.
Friendly neighborhood Mac Tool truck? Haven’t seen one in years. Yet, I did find these at AutoZone for about $30 bucks.
[...] never — knock on wood — had the “fun” of trying to repair stripped threads in a key mechanical component, but I’ve seen various options. It seems that the two main [...]
[...] Spark plug threads stripped in head. What are my options? Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Re-Tap Spark Plug Threads Safely Anybody use [...]
I have a 2001 PT cruiser with the 2.4 liter 4-banger. #1 spark plug threads are toast. The plug wil thread in part way, but will not seat and I’m getting serious blow-by. Will this tool do what needs to be done? Can a retard like me do this job, or should I take it to a machine shop? I don’t wanna pull the head, ‘cuz that would suck.
Thanks.