Zero Knievel Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Doing my plugs I accidentally used a 17mm socket on my first plug. I thought it fit fine because it seemed to go in okay. There was resistance, but I thought the plug was just being stubborn. Well, yes, I eventually figure out that no matter how much I turn, the plug isn't coming out. I don't even know if I'm touching the "nut" on the plug at this point. Did the other 3 with the correct socket. Can't figure out how to extract the socket from the first hole. My best idea is to put some kind of epoxy on the tip of a socket extension, put it on and let it harden. Then, use a pliers to grip and pull the fused extension + socket out. Right now, no matter what I try, the extension comes loose without pulling the socket with it. I don't want to try my idea until I see if someone else has a better way to solve this problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biometrix Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 How about compressed air? Can you find a piece of hose or tubing that will fit into the square socket extension hole? If so I would try blowing air into the other end of the hose with a compressor and see if that will lift the socket out. Be careful though, I used this method to retrieve a bolt inside my handlebars and it damn near blew it through my drywall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furbird Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 If you have a real angled pick tool (not that cheapo little green or orange handled set from harbor freight) you could slide that in through the attachment hole and pull it up with that. I would suggest using some penetrating oil as well to help things along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcePrick Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 If it seems to be spinning relatively freely, I would add some interference to the socket-extension interface - maybe some painter's tape on the extension before plugging it into the socket, just enough to make it difficult to engage. Then, while spinning the socket/extension, pull on it enough so the extension won't decouple from the socket, but enough to (hopefully) remove the socket. A 7/16 standard thread machine screw will *almost* fit in a 3/8 socket. If you can keep the socket from turning, the threads will catch enough to pull it out. You may have to take a file and taper the first thread or two, but it will work. The epoxy idea sounds good, but you may not have to get that extreme yet. Be careful not to get any of the epoxy on anything else, or it may be permanent . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warp11XX Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Pocket magnet on a telescoping stick...usually $.99 at the auto parts checkout counter. I have a larger version for heavier stuff too. If that fails and the socket is binding in the hole, a large easy-out that would engage the drive recess and offer extra engagement for pulling more forcefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RXX Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 The compressed air idea sounds the coolest. If you do not have an air compressor, try spraying just a teeny bit of thrust into the space between the socket and the plug and use one of those long-tipped BBQ lighters. THAT should be fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted January 28, 2013 Author Share Posted January 28, 2013 Dad had a "lifter puller" that might have worked, but the damn bike frame keeps it from getting into the socket hole because you're forced to approach at an angle. If it was half the length.... I don't know if an easy out would be long enough to reach the socket and leave anything to pull on, but I'll see what we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HANKSXXX Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 If the socket is loose, the magnet should work fine... If the internal rubber in the socket is holding on the plug, try needle nosed pliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted January 28, 2013 Author Share Posted January 28, 2013 It's a standard 17 mm deep socket. It's wedged in pretty good. Nothing that doesn't have "bite" will hold tight enough to pull it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 This is pretty simple, but did you try turning it clockwise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbird Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 If it'll turn, it's not that wedged in there. I'd put a small bend on the end of a piece of heavy wire (coat hanger might work) and try to hook the interior of the engagement hole with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 If it'll turn, it's not that wedged in there. I'd put a small bend on the end of a piece of heavy wire (coat hanger might work) and try to hook the interior of the engagement hole with that. thats what i was going to say. Coathanger with a small hook bent on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon haney Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Ya know, they do make 3/8" drive extensions that will grip a socket and not let go until you pull back the release ring. They are very handy for any spark plug work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwimack Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Ya know, they do make 3/8" drive extensions that will grip a socket and not let go until you pull back the release ring. They are very handy for any spark plug work. Here's one clickey Edit: Link fixed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 This is Kobalt item 337370, go to Lowes website and search. They seem to have 3, 6, and 10 inch versions. I have a Lowes gift card from Christmas and I believe I'm going to own one of these right soon. Thanks, Mack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted January 29, 2013 Author Share Posted January 29, 2013 The progress (or lack thereof) so far. Tried a coat hanger...didn't work. Dad got one of those locking extensions. It was a pain in the ass to get on (find a way to keep it disengaged until it was in place...a few tries with electrical tape got it done), but when you pull hard enough, it pops off....WTF? I'll look at Lowes and see if they have that type. Maybe a different style would work better. Unless I find a better idea, It occurs to me that I need to turn and pull at the same time. I can clamp the locking extension with pliers and see about trying to apply vertical motion while turning it left or right. All it needs to do is come loose a little and the taper of the hole should do the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Got to a local grocery store and get some dry ice and place pieces on the top of the socket or get a can of that spray duster stuff for keyboards and turn it upside down using the straw with it spray the socket and you might be able to cool it down enough and make it contract enough to remove it.. another idea get a concrete wall or floor anchor bolt insert into 3/8" drive and tighten up the bolt head to make it flare up in the socket.. use that and some vise grips to bit hold of the head to remove the socket.. take another 3/8" drive socket with you to home depot or lowes to see what fits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted January 30, 2013 Author Share Posted January 30, 2013 Well, the SOB finally came out. I had one of those locking extensions. At the very least I will exchange it as defective because in spite of the claim that it should remain in place until you press the switch to release it, the POS kept popping out...but never would it go in without the switch engaged. Still, I sprayed a bunch of silicone lube into the hole via a drinking straw and worked very frustratingly just turning it a bit at a time with one hand while gently pulling up on the extension with the other. My first clue that I was getting somewhere was when I realized it was harder and harder to work the socket wrench into position. Finally, it stopped squeaking and when I pulled up the socket was still on the extension. Whee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warp11XX Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 Note: Don't do that shit again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 It only takes a second to make a hour worth of work. I hate that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 It only takes a second to make a hour worth of work. I hate that. can't believe I have been wrenching since 12yrs old and never heard that saying. That is awesome and so so true... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlasticxxHead Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 It only takes a second to make a hour worth of work. I hate that. can't believe I have been wrenching since 12yrs old and never heard that saying. That is awesome and so so true... Quote of the Week... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliXXir Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 It only takes a second to make a hour worth of work. I hate that. can't believe I have been wrenching since 12yrs old and never heard that saying. That is awesome and so so true... No shit, I would make hour plural. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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