Why do you need the best spark plug gap tool?
The best spark plug gap tool is a must-have for any car owner. This is true regardless of the make and model of your vehicle.
Note that spark plugs are probably one of the most essential components in the ignition system.
They provide the spark necessary to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber. Without this spark, your vehicle will not start. But without this spark, your vehicle will not operate either.
Each spark plug has a gap, where the spark happened. Having a properly gapped spark plug ensures that your car is running at its peak performance. I want to make sure you get this. Have the right gap in your spark plug and you’ll have a great running engine.
Have the wrong gap, and you may end up with an engine that is not tuned and that will not start at times.
So it is essential to put the gap together. This is why you need a spark plug tool.
Finding the right spark plug gap tool can be a challenge, but with careful research, you can find one that will meet your needs.
Below, we have done the research for you. We investigated what makes a good spark plug gap tool and provided 5 of the top tools that will work for you.
#1. CTA Tools 3235 Ramp-Type Spark Plug Gapper
The CTA Tools Ramp-Type Spark Plug Gapper is the best spark plug gap tool because it strikes the perfect balance between performance, durability, and value.
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What are the different Types of Spark Plug Gap Tools?
There are mainly three main types:
- Wire loop gauge
- Feeler gauge.
- Ramp style gauge
1. Wire-Loop Style Gauge – A good gauge tool
A wire-loop gauge looks like a silver dollar coin. The only difference is that the outer edge of the ‘coin’ has a number of wire loops. These loops are of different thicknesses, all preset to fit different spark plugs.
Some of these gauges have a hook (also called an electrode tool). This helps when you bend the electrode onto the plug to measure the gap.
These gauges are pretty accurate. You do not need any other equipment or measuring instruments to get your plug checked.
Note that though wire-type gauges are accurate, they are not the best at measuring uncommon or odd gap sizes. The reason is that they have a limited number of loops.
2. Feeler Gauge – Mechanics love these gapping tool
A feeler gauge has a number of calibrated metal strips. Each metal strip comes with different thicknesses.
The metal strips (also called the blades by some mechanics) resemble the blades you find on pocket knives.
It is definitely the most loved spark plug tool on the market. And there is a good reason for this. For decades, it simply has been the easiest tool you can use for measuring and adjusting spark plug gaps.
It’s easy to tell the difference in the blade sizes, and you can easily tell which gap size you are setting your plug gap to. Moreover, feeler gauges are inexpensive, and you can easily replace them in case you lose or bend them.
3. Ramp Style Gauge – A good measuring tool
A ramp-style gauge is, like the wire loop, similar to a silver dollar. Note that the markings are displayed around the edge of its face.
The thinnest parts are around the outer edge. The gauge gets will get thicker as you move toward the center of the tool.
They are popular because they are cheap. They are also widely used by the DYI person as they can easily be used to resize a spark plug gap. We do like them because these tools can also bend the electrode.
The only downside is that they aren’t easy to read when compared to feeler gauges. It has been reported that they may be associated with accuracy issues. The reason is that the edges may bend or curve. That’s why mechanics tend to stay away from them. Nothing wrong with these, just that accuracy may be a little touchy.
Best Spark Plug Gap Tool Reviews
- #1. CTA Tools 3235 Ramp-Type Spark Plug Gapper
- #2. Performance Tool W80535 Spark Plug Gap Gauge
- #3. Lisle 67870 Spark Plug Gauge Gap
- #4. OEMTOOLS 25352 Spark Plug Gap Gauge
- #5. A & E Hand Tools Spark Plug Gap Gauge
#1. CTA Tools 3235 Ramp – Best value
The CTA Tools 3235 is the best spark plug gap tool because it has a rugged design and is more durable than its competition. It is engineered to measure clearances of spark plug gap size.
In terms of range, it has a wide range of 0.02 to 0.1 inches or 0.50 to 2.5 millimeters. And these are easy to read.
We like the fact that it uses a die-cast construction for accuracy and features a very easy-to-read scale. Overall, this spark plug gap tool is easy to use, reliable, and definitely pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things.
The gapper has been properly designed with a keyring hole. Note that it comes with a spark gap opener with a 7/16-inch diameter. There is an electrode tool that comes with this instrument. Like this, you can accurately resize spark plugs. The tool can be used to measure any spark plug model.
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#2. Performance Tool W80535 Spark Plug Gap Gauge
The Performance Tool W80535 is a handy little tool when it comes to measuring the spark plug gap size. It is also quite accurate compared to its competition.
The range is pretty standard and comes in at SAE measurements of .02 to .100. and metric measurements of 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters.
The tapered hole is used to adjust the electrode. Also, the markings are very easy to read, allowing you to set gaps quickly and easily.
All in all, this is a great product and is very inexpensive. Nevertheless, it does a good job of measuring the exact gap you want in a spark plug.
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#3. The 67870 Lisle Spark Plug Gap Tool
The Lisle 67870 is the best spark plug gap tool because it is the original and many others simply just copy from it.
There is a rectangular block in the middle of the unit, where other brands likely just print their logo and rebrand it.
It is made of soft metal that dings easily, but it is meant to be this way. Also, it is quite accurate, but of course, a digital caliper would be more accurate. In terms of measurements, one side is in inches and the other side is in millimeters.
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#4. OEMTOOLS 25352 Spark Plug Gap Gauge
The OEMTools Spark Plug Gap Gauge is pretty cool in that you can even attach it to your keychain for easy access.
Inches are stamped in the front and metric sizes are stamped on the back.
In terms of range, this tool measures spark plug gaps from 0.020 inches to 1 inch or 0.50 to 2.5 millimeters. Finally, the hole in the gauge works as a nice electrode adjuster.
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#5. A & E Hand Tools Spark Plug Gap Gauge
If you want some extreme accuracy, you should definitely give the A&E Hand Tools Spark Plug Gap Gauge a try.
It stacks up quite well with precision calipers. It is a simple and functional tool that you may not use often but you wish you had around when it is time to use it.
One side of this tool is marked with inches and the other side in millimeters. Although the handle is made of hard plastic, it is comfortable enough for most people.
Overall, if you are looking for a straight-blade gapper, this is definitely one of the best on the market.
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References
https://floorjacked.com/the-best-spark-plug-gap-tool-isnt-the-one-you-think/
https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/spark-plug-gap-tools
