Almost lost a socket

I need something strong to retrieve a wrench socket from a deep spark
plug port. There's a rubber ring inside to keep out dust, and it pulls
the socket right off the extension bar when you try to withdraw it.

I just barely managed to fish it out with one of those 3-prong grabbers,
and I'd like to know what you would use. Even better if it's some
ordinary thing around the house instead of a specialty item from a
hardware store.

Thanks,
Jm

 

It is a bit of a specialty item, but I have had good luck with what is
basically a strong magnet attached to a metal collapsible antenna. It
would be easy to make one but they are not expensive.

With the dust boot contacting the socket to brush it off, the magnet
might not work, so it might have required the 3-prong grabber like you used.

The magnet tool is really good for small metal pieces that you can not
see since you do not always have to make direct contact with whatever
you are fishing for, and the thin metal rod allows you to reach places
that you could never otherwise reach with your fingers.

 

you need a locking extension bar - like this:
<http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SP100A1798S146420019P?keyword=locking+extension>

there are cheaper versions, but this is the general type you want. try
before you buy - i've had to return one for not holding sockets well
enough, but its replacement locks solid.

 

I've got one of these
http://unitednuclear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_71&products_id=271

screwed to the end of a dowel. It will pull trucks out of the mud...

 

Piece of coat-hanger wire.

Bend a sharp 90-degree into one end, and cut that end off at about 1/8"
long. Hook the end inside and under the square hole in the socket and pull
up.

If you can't get the end to hook under securely, bend it a bit more than
90-deg, and tap it flat(ish) with a hammer.

 

Turns out "DemoDisk" does not know how (or care) to properly cross-post. He
posted this identical question to rec.autos.tech, and has responded to the
single reply he got there.

 

DemoDisk properly DIDN'T crosspost because he's seen so many damn flames
directed at people who do crosspost. And he'll go to the trouble of
thanking whoever bothers to reply. Even you.

Beyond that, I guess I don't care. I break all the rules. I'm a rebel.

 

Rebels sometimes get executed. Or kf'ed
--

- dillon I am not invalid

The RMS Titanic sank on April 15th.
Taxes are due on April 15th.
Coincidence? I think not.