For those who do, how do you gap spark plugs?

[dmjlambert]

So back in the day I used the slotted bender built into the gap gauge to bend the electrode. But I have found on modern spark plugs the electrode is very hard and the slotted bender bends before the electrode and there is often not enough room to fit the slot of the bender in there to do the bend. On the last batch I clamped the electrode with vise grips and bent it, but it didn't feel very scientific to be doing that. What is the correct way? I know a lot of people just leave them gapped at whatever gap they are at when purchased, but sometimes I want do dial in my own preferred value. Considering how seldom I do this I'm not sure I would get some $100 tool for it, but perhaps I could.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Gee, I'm still using the included gapper hook on the feeler gauge. But then I insist on copper electrode plugs. No fancy-dancy platinum for me -- you can't clean it up with an ignition file. Also I'm only going to .045. Both trucks have HEI.

The old Craftsman key chain round gauge, with an inclined plane on the circumference edge might help you if you have a way to drive it between the tip and the ''claw.''

If I were a Pro, and worked in a shop, I could write off the expense of the $100 tool and impress customers with my mojo by using it. But otherwise, no thanks.

[Steeveedee]

I was a pro and worked in a shop and used the tapered tool, and the one with bits of wire on it. Electrodes weren't that tough, back in the day.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

I could never find the damned tool, I always used whatever pliers I found first

[Sicklajoie]

What the heck type of plugs are you using?

[dmjlambert]

Autolite 24 copper resistor plug.

[70STOVEBOLT]

I use the round gauge like 68OrangeSunshine described.

[Palf70Step]

I have alll three os these in my tool box, but tend to grad the flat blade one and it's tool as that is what I am use to using.

[MARKDTN]

I have one each of these.

[weq92f]

.

I like how Derek of Vice Grip Garage does it...

He looks at the new plug and says "gapped."

-klb

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I have alll three os these in my tool box, but tend to grad the flat blade one and it's tool as that is what I am use to using.

I have those too. The top type is what I use most, but I also have a later one for HEI, with .045 as the smaller setting.
It also has a thicker, beefier bending hook.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I have alll three os these in my tool box, but tend to grad the flat blade one and it's tool as that is what I am use to using.

I have those too. Pick what works at the time.

[bnorth]

I find on newer plugs I am always closing up the gap a bit. Don't remember the last time I opened them. I use the round tapered gauge and just give a couple raps of the electrode on my vice to close them up.

[dmjlambert]

Do you insert the gauge at the setting you want while rapping it on the vice, or rap/measure/repeat?

[dmb]

The old knife blade aint bad for opening them up. Also good for cleaning finger nails, cutting wire and getting viennia sausage out the can lol

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by dmb

The old knife blade aint bad for opening them up. Also good for cleaning finger nails, cutting wire and getting viennia sausage out the can lol

That last option is the most important.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Do you insert the gauge at the setting you want while rapping it on the vice, or rap/measure/repeat?

If the gap's too close, I bend the thingie back with the hook, then measure. If now too wide, I give it a smack with a 3/8 Ratchet handle. My old Craftsman has a rectangular cross section handle. Figure 1/1000th per casual whack.
Measure again til it's there..
The important thing is not to spill the beer.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

Do you insert the gauge at the setting you want while rapping it on the vice, or rap/measure/repeat?

rap/measure/repeat

[dmjlambert]

Thanks for the education, I'll fix up these spark plugs just right.