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Spark Plug Gapping Tools

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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 07:31 PM
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Default Spark Plug Gapping Tools

Hey guys i would like to know what everyone is using to gap there plugs. Im looking for a reliable and spot on tool. I've seen Summit Racing and Accel has a pliers tool.
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 08:11 PM
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I just use a feeler gauge. If its good enough for the 90 million dollar v22 osprey, its good enough for my spark plugs.

...I really haven't heard any praises of said spark plug tools though, FWIW.

From one Marine to another ;-)
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 09:27 PM
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Ya i normally use a feeler gauge as well. Just curious if there are real tools out there that are being used and recommended.
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Old Oct 16, 2010 | 10:07 AM
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feeler gauges are the real tool you use to check gaps. thats what they are made for.
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Old Oct 16, 2010 | 10:32 AM
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ya i get that, i use a feeler gauge to "check" gaps. but im asking for actually gapping tools. Or do most people just use needle nose pliers or push the tip against something to actually change the gap?
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Old Oct 16, 2010 | 04:12 PM
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On copper and platinum tip plugs, I just use a gapping tool that I got from SnapOn that looks like a screwdriver, but with a gauge on it, and I pry upwards on the ground. If gapping an iridium plug, you can not pry as you may contact the electrode and snap the micro welded iridium tip off, in that case I use needle nose pliers. To close the gap I just push against something solid, like a vise.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 12:12 AM
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I've got a Snap-on, Matco, and Craftsman gapper. They're all pretty decent. The Craftsman will be the cheapest and most accessible if you don't visit the tool truck that often.

Whatever you do, don't use or buy the elcheapo gappers they have sitting next to the registers at parts stores. Those things are junk and inconsistent as hell.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Damian
don't use or buy the elcheapo gappers they have sitting next to the registers at parts stores.
You crazy? Those are the best tool deal in the store. I buy one every time I go in there
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 11:52 AM
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funny i cant seem to find an other gapping tools than the generic ones (2) i found on Summit's site. I looked on Matco, Craftsman and Snap-on websites.

all ive seen are the gap gauges and feelers
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 02:08 AM
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There's a few snap on plug gapping tools on ebay right now (new) I bought one the other week there going for around $14
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 03:06 AM
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are you still lookin for a "spark plug gapper tool thingy" or have you invested in a set of feeler gauges yet?
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 06:44 AM
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still looking for a gapping tool. i already have feeler gauges.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 05:04 PM
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feeler gauges are your best bet, its what everyone uses
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 08:44 PM
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tiny screw driver to open up the gap then feeler gauges to measure the gap. I searched this same thing about 3 months ago and came up blank, I started talking to guys running mid 9s and they recommended feeler gauges as well.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 09:16 PM
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ya i have used feeler gauges and the force HAHA. I was just curious how popular actual gapping tools like pliers were.
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 10:52 PM
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I've used this Lisle gapping tool for many years, the 'fingers' at each end are used to gently twist the ground electrode in or out until the proper gap is reached. I thought every tool box had one of these.

Mike
Attached Thumbnails Spark Plug Gapping Tools-spark-plug-gapping-tool.jpg  
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Old Oct 25, 2010 | 11:58 PM
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i use a gapper tool i got from jacobs electronics......i think they still make it......works like a charm
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 10:14 PM
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i've had the best luck with the ones that actually bend the ground strap back without touching the electrode. best way to go IMO.

http://www.handymanlyness.com/archiv...ower_maint.jpg
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Old Nov 10, 2010 | 11:28 AM
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I have one of these, very good tool, but cant find info on it, I want another ring, to gap .035+ this one goes, .018-.035

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34497734@N00/1030102619
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Old Nov 10, 2010 | 04:33 PM
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^^^^ that looks pretty much like the jacobs tool
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