Rob Edwards

Ok, this is a bit compulsive of me, and I'm sure the old 'Grab-tight-and pull-with-both-hands method is probably ok. However, after completely crumbling the oil level sensor connector with my bare hands during my MM/realgasket adventure I'm wondering whether there are particular spark plug boot pliers that people like/recommend. (Based on records, it looks like my plugs haven't been replaced since 1995, though the valve covers were re-painted, so who knows? )

Does anyone own a pair of plug boot pliers that they like, and that might also double as useful relay removers (as opposed to relay cover puller-offers?)

heinrich

there is a very nice one at Harbour Freight

michaelathome

MY please?

Earlies and later 32v cars have different boots IIRC.

Michael

Rob Edwards

Sorry! 1990 GT.

I'll have a look at HF- I've had mixed results with their hand tools- some stuff is ok (I managed to do the TB without breaking their 3/4" drive socket wrench) , but their slipjoint oil filter pliers were junk.

Ed Scherer

I like my Lisle 51750.

dr bob

Rob--

I have a pair of Genuine Beru boot pliers for the 928, still in the original bag unused. A bargain at ~$45 or more. HF has a boot pliers that does the trick for less than $8, less when they are on sale. Needless to say, those are the ones that get used all the time. The HF pliers are similar to the ones Ed shows, with red coating on the business end where they grab the boot.

I can go take a picture and post it if you need it. I don't remember the part no but could fiond it for you quickly at their catalog site.

Rob Edwards

You mean like these: HF #32867, for a whopping $1.49?

I kind of want to buy the Lisle's just to keep purveyors of quality tools in business........

RyanPerrella

Hey in that case Rob, Try snap-on, i am sure they have a pair for oh $249.99 or so!

I was using channel locks on mine but they will gouge the tops of the wires, you could just use some of those nifty sheaths that craftsman sells for their pliers, they are like little plastic/rubber booties for the ends of your pliers.

perrys4

I got mine at sears and wouldn't pull the wires without them. Made it so much easier.

dr bob

Them be the ones. Like I said, I have the Genuine Beru pliers, which do in fact look a lot like the Lisle pliers.

I should mention that I've had to replace the H-F pliers once already, after the red plastic dip coating at the boot end decided to slide off. That may be a clue to buy a spare now, in case it happens to you. The gas for getting down to the freeeway costs more than the tool.

Does anybody ever wonder how someone in China can make the tool, package it, put it on a boat in what's probably a throw-away shipping cargo container, get it here on the ship, unload it with teamster/longshoreman labor, truck it to a warehouse, store it, ship it to a local store, stock it on a shelf, then sell it AT A PROFIT for less than $2? They must be made for negative dollars there. And everybody has a share... Anybody remember Milo Minderbinder?

fabric

I just used a rag over pliers, seems to work fine and no damage to the boots.

heinrich

using anything but the right tool will eventually break the fittings or cause wires to separate. i've thrown away many broken connectors...

fraggle

I did my first set without and ended up with a week of extra downtime after breaking a boot. ('87 S4) I now have the sears or harbor freight ones - I can't remember which. Worthwhile addition to the toolbox!

Charley B

How about a screw driver beside the boot and prying up while pulling by hand?

Barry Johnson

I use an open-ended wrench just big enough to slip around the boot and I gently pry upwards. Seems perfectly safe and works like magic. 928 magic!