Tool for closing plug gap

[NYAUDIS4]

First time ever having to adjust plug gap more than an odd mm, wondering what tools people use for adjusting gap on the platinum NGKs.

NGK actually suggests tapping it on a hard surface, but that doesn't seem like a precision solution.

Also, any suggestions on gap tools for platinum plugs, the coin style one I have also doesn't seem practical.

[BEight SFour]

Donut Media on YouTube just took the spark plug and lightly tapped it on a hard surface. Then you just gage the space after each little tap

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[S4GGIN]

Get a feeler gauge set/blades to check gap.

NGKs recommendation for tapping on a surface works just fine, that's how I've always done it. Can use a set of needle nose on the back side of the head as well to gently adjust with a little pry. Needle nose method is not my preferred but I have done it.

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[RoofRails]

Works great for me. Much more control over things versus slamming it on a hard surface. Like a previous poster said if you close one up too far it's not nearly as much fun to open it back up. When you are talking about closing plug gaps down to the .026 - .024 range tapping them on a hard surface didn't cut it for me.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082CXKF28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7bLaGbJCZXVQD?_encoding=UT F8&psc=1

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[Lalalalala]

Tapping wont damage them, just dont do it so hard that you close the gap completely because it's a bit of a pain to get gapped again from that point.

[ModItNow]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082CXKF28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7bLaGbJCZXVQD?_encoding=UT F8&psc=1

Sent from my SM-N986U using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)That's what I use, no risk of damage.

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[Chuckster]

Cool tool, but the top of the work bench has never failed me before we had the internet and amazon. Lol

[LYKUNO]

An alternative way to close the gap is to use the notched tab that can be found on a variety of feeler gauges (both wire and straight blade).

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP. 570OLS_uEa8AOWwdyDSXHQHgFo%26pid%3DApi&f=1

Here's the video showing how to close the gap (see 5:05 in the video).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oNrpsEILDM

Or if you have big bucks, there's this ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lADlQsAjdI

[Silver Streakin]

I put the desired gap blade in and press down on the workbench.

[Lalalalala]

^^^ this guy. For the win.

[NYAUDIS4]

Thanks for the input, all. I think I'll pick up a feeler gauge and the press. I ruined one last night by pushing the electrodes together. I feel like the trial and error is going to cost me the platinum on the inside electrode by running the gauge over it again and again until I get the right gap?

[Allan691]

I put the desired gap blade in and press down on the workbench.

Well that solved that. [emoji23]

[NYAUDIS4]

I put the desired gap blade in and press down on the workbench.

Any worry about damaging the inside electrode using this method? Or are they tougher to damage than I think.

[Austin88]

Any worry about damaging the inside electrode using this method? Or are they more tougher to damage than I think.

Don’t over think it just either lightly tap or insert gauge and lightly press until it contacts both sides. Working on your car should be fun! Pour yourself a drink and enjoy the process : )

[Silver Streakin]

Any worry about damaging the inside electrode using this method? Or are they more tougher to damage than I think.

I have changed plugs in every car that I have owned for the last 30+ years and it's never been an issue.

3 of 4 of my Audis have been driven over the 100k mark. I was using copper plugs in my B5 that was stage 3 and changed them every 5k with oil changes from around 70k to 120k+. so 11 times in 2-3 years.

My B8 S4 just turned 100k and I'm doing them again, and I'll do it this way again.

You're not using a sledgehammer. Just lightly press. You still need to pull the blade back out. So you're not smashing them completely together.

[NYAUDIS4]

[up] Thanks...got a feeler gauge, putting them in next weekend.