The only issue with this style of gap gauge is that it can lead to uneven gap adjustment if you’re not careful. Since the outer edge runs at a gradual slope, pushing it too hard against the gap can tilt one side of the gap higher than the other. If the feeler gauge won’t go between the two electrodes, the space between them needs to be opened. Use the tool on the spark plug gap tool to open the electrodes, but just a very tiny bit. You can always make the opening wider if it is still too small, right? The K-MOTOR tool also includes a built-in caliper, allowing you to measure the gap in metric and imperial measurements accurately. If you’re looking for the best spark plug gap tool on the market, you need to look no further than the K-MOTOR Gap Tool.

If it turns out you do need to adjust the gap, you don’t need to necessarily buy the best spark plug gap tool to do so. Needle nose pliers make a great homemade spark plug gapper. They’re the recommended spark plug gap tool for iridium, but they can also work for other spark plug styles. A gap that is too small can cause similar problems, including missing, hard starting, and a rough idle. Do spark plug gaps increase over time? The K-Motor spark plug gap tools does away with all that and gives you the perfect gap setting that you want right off the bat. No more banging, no more prying, no more damaged spark plugs because you’ve banged them just a little bit too hard.

Draper Torque Wrench

However, for many standard engineering and mechanical applications, tempered or stainless steel is often the preferred material. Brass can also be a good option if you need something durable, but somewhat softer and less likely to scratch than steel. For copper spark plugs, a coin-style gauge tool like the Lisle Spark Plug Gauge Gap is a time-tested way to get accurate measurements and make smooth adjustments. For more delicate iridium spark plugs, the Hotop Steel Gap Measuring Tool or CTA Tools 9 Wire Spark Plug Gap Gauge can be the best spark plug gap tool for the job. You can buy shorter or longer versions, with short ones tending to measure about 75mm in length. Long feeler gauges are less common but still quite widely used for specialised applications, particularly in engine maintenance and repair. These models can be anywhere between 8 inches and 2 feet in length. Metric and Imperial Feeler Gauges If the feeler gauge or gap gauge (with the correct size) passes through the gap without touching any electrode, the gap is too wide and needs to be narrowed. Step 3: Adjust The Spark Plug Gap

Select an appropriate gap tool. There are several varieties of tools used to measure the gaps of spark plugs, some of which are more appropriate for more modern plugs, which sometimes feature delicate precious metals. Most measuring tools will also feature a flat edge typically used for bending the bottom electrode on the spark plug to adjust the gap slightly. [1] X Research source Last, I don’t know about you, but after working for years in the parts department for aftermarket parts and even at dealers, spark plugs can take a beating. We drop them, sometimes drop them and step on them, toss the boxes around, and more. You get the picture. Silver spark plugs. Of all the plug designs, silver offers the most conductivity. It is not an especially durable metal, however, so like iridium, you’ll want to be careful when adjusting the gap. Silver spark plugs are rare in automotive applications. You’re most likely to encounter them on older European cars. Engine load and application — engines experience more cylinder pressure in the combustion chamber when under load as there is more air aspirated, making it harder to generate a spark.

Warranty: Look for a tool that comes with a good warranty. You can get something fixed or replace without spending extra money if something goes wrong. Like, if you have those wire spark plug, then use a wire style gap tool. This type will help you avoid putting pressure on the center electrode and press on the tip. Others felt that this spark plug gap tool was extremely limited since it only works on the wide cathodes of old, not the fine wire or filament spark plugs. With a properly gapped spark plug, you can be sure that your engine will run smoothly and efficiently.

Some users claim that these are not as accurate as a feeler gauge, but I would have to disagree. These are just as accurate. But I do feel that a person must have some experience to use it properly. And thirdly, the same spark plug can be specified for many different engines, but each engine may require a different gap size. The attached handle on this A&E spark plug gapper makes it very comfortable to use, whether you’re using it for measuring or gapping. It would be nice if it folded up. It’s still plenty lightweight and has an attached clip for easy carrying, but it will take up more space in your toolbox than other options. Gap problems aren’t the most common cause of misfires, but they can contribute. This is especially common as the spark plugs age since the gap naturally widens over time as a result of wear. Final WordsUse a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the ground strap up or down until it’s reached the correct height. Be careful not to touch the pliers to the center electrode or the surrounding porcelain. You can use some gapping tools for this but don’t use a round gapping tool, as this could damage the electrodes. A wide gap between the center electrode and ground electrode allows for a strong, clean burn. But if the gap is too wide, the spark will be weak and won’t have enough energy to ignite the charge, leading to cylinder misfire.