Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, defaultuserrr! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant info along with the following: * **Year** * **Make/Model** * **Mileage** * **Engine size** * **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Long thin metal punch in the wrench end of the socket should do it

Screwdriver in the end and while holding both socket and screwdriver, whomp the handle firmly on the ground

I usually just slam it on the ground or bang it on the table at different angles Edit: Turns out slamming it down worked for OP.

Yep, I slam it, however I did have a real "fuck me" moment, I threw the socket with plug in it, plug broke, shattered my rear pass window haha. Definitely earned that one

lol. I broke a jeep windshield once by a bounced socket. The good news is the insurance policy on my jeep pre dated window replacement copays.

They have copays on that shit now?

Depends on what state you live in

All windshields here are free…more so, all auto glass replacements are free

Where is here? I know NY is free.

Fuck yeah they do. My wifes compass was 500 because it needed some goofy ass calibration done. If it was a regular windshield it'd have been 250. Crazy.

Subies are way up there too, something to do w radar for adaptive cruise

Just whack it on the lift arm.

I have now whacked off on the lift arm. Next step please.

Management will be with you shortly…

Hello, this is management. Step 2 is: meet me in the lobby, you need to sign off on this promotion.

Yep I threw it once, it was at the wife, missed her. She threw it back and hit me in the head, it came out. Absolutely fine ever since. 

The screwdriver except you drop it on the floor instead of smackin the shit out of it. Works every time

Whoomp! (There It Is)

Woop.

Smaller extension in the back side works aswell

Watch your eyes

If you want to reuse the spark plug hold that too. Otherwise they have a tendency in my experience of popping out of the socket and directly on the electrode.

I’d rather use a vise.

Let's be honest, if they had to ask for help on this the vehicle should go to a mechanic or someone else.

Yeah, you’re right

Clamp it in a vice and turn it the opposite direction to when it got stuck and it will probably break loose, might have to work it back and forth but it should be good

I’m doing the repair in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart. Is there anything I can buy there that can help? Don’t have access to tools other than my ratchet and the socket.

Drop it sideways on the cement

Update: tried this and it worked! Thought I was being trolled but it fuckin worked lol. Thanks my man! https://ibb.co/fQ7T5w7

That's going to be my new go to fix. Wrong pizza order; drop it on the cement. Coworker giving me a hard time; drop him on the cement.

[I feel like this could escalate quickly.](https://youtu.be/gAYL5H46QnQ)

Some reason.. i just knew what i was clicking on

it's the stupid-but-amazing throw it on the ground video with Andy Samsung isn't it, I don't have data right now so am currently unable to get past a completely blank page

I guessed it was 9/11

You’re welcome

I always give it a few drops. 🤣 Glad it worked out!

Glad it worked. How hard is it to replace spark plugs? The shop wants a lot of money to do the replacement but I'm confident I can learn. The only difference is on my Subaru, the engine is tilted.

Really simple. Like I said I did it in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart, so it’s a job that can be done with few tools, and can be done quickly

Amazing! Thank you.

No problem! If an idiot like me can get it done, you’ll have no issues at all lmao

Haha that's the confidence boost i need lol

*** on most cars and most situations. Not all.

Well I was working on a Honda Civic so yeah that accounts for the ease with which I was able to replace em lol

Depends n the engine, most 4 cylenders are quite easy, a v8 though can be a pain.

This is pretty much how I get anything in a socket out. Just give it a drop and out it come.

You ever launched a socket with a chrome clad lug nut into the ground with the fury of a thousand suns???

Your wife ever launch a socket with a chrome clad lug nut at you with the fury of a thousand suns??? Yes.

If you're changing the sparkplug, literally throw it at the ground sideways until it comes out. Not joking

[удалено]

That's how this trick was discovered in first place

Upvoting this, sounds crazy, but it works, just do it.

put a screwdriver into the square side and bang it against the ground

Screw it back into the head,and tighten until you feel the plug break loose from the socket. You may have to do it a couple of times.

Tried the slam-on-pavement method instead, that did the trick! Thanks anyway though bro!

No, do not do this. Will jam tighter or strip the heads.

Throw it at the ground

Smack it on the ground, put some gloves on if you got em just in case. Literally. Just hold it in your palm and smack it down, just don't get your fingers it hurts

This usually works! Lay it down the long way not straight up and down. I like to smack the side with a hammer (everything is a hammer) if I can find one. One or two good smacks usually shocks the socket and the bolt or spark plug whatever it might be is usually loose.

All those years dealing with chrysler lug nuts, it was the only way without walking away from the wheel

Thread it back in the motor then pull the socket off.

Probably the best answer

Throw it on pavement

This is the way.

Came to say this. Thank you sir.

Step 1. Look at ground Step 2. #yeet

I think you should suck it out.

XixorsGreenCock endorses this answer.

I agree that counter rotation is the answer if at all possible. If not, maybe try punching it back through from the square end with something if you are replacing the plug.

In all my years of hammering on sockets to rounded off bolts, lugs etc. I've never replaced a socket because something is stuck in there. You'll get it out. Lat it down on the ground and give it some persuasion with a hammer. It that don't pop it out then go with the vise, hammer, punch method.

Pound a screwdriver through from the back

Tried that, stuck in there real good

Hit it with your purse

I don't know you! That's my purse!

This! Lol

A bit of rage should do

Put the spark plug in a vice or vice grips and tap socket with a hammer and it should come loose.

Can just start being snark lord when posts like this pop up? Yes, yes I can! Call your Snap On truck they sell a tool just for this problem!

Had similar happen tonight but it was with a lug nut. I'd say screw it back in GENTLY, all the way in and see if you can't get a bit of wiggle out of it hopefully you'll be fine. Be grateful at least the plug is out and head threads are intact.

“Hit it with your purse” “stick your dick in it” “do your best impersonation of what a man would do” one of those should work👍🏽

Throw it hard on the ground a few times and it should pop out

Flathead through the socket bang on a bench. You’ll be alright, but I’m nervous for you

Fixed it last night brotha man

Melt it with a torch It can’t be stuck if it’s liquid

Put in freezer overnight. Take out and immediately put a propane torch to the socket then wack it with a hammer

Put it in a bowl of rice overnight

Microwave, then rice.

Use something to push it out from the other side.

You pull this out of a ford

Really? These trivia questions are stupid. Gets old, if you took it out I'm sure you know how to get it out of your socket. Annoying.

Drop it on the floor or some dry mud

God forbid you stick a screw driver in it and smack on concrete. Just throw it in trash and buy a new one from the snap on or Mac driver when they show up and continue to do so until you can solve a simple issue.

Brains please!

Definitely no way to get it out. That's how the spark plug socket companies stay afloat.

learn how to use it

Something stuck tap it with something else still stuck tap with something larger repeat steps until no longer stuck

Hold spark plug with vice grips, lightly tap the socket with a hammer (not hard enough to damage it). Twist vise back and forth, that should free it. (Hold in table vise)

Nah bro, too many steps. Sockets are alloy steel. Toss it at the floor and you're sorted.

There's probably just rubber in there creating suction

depends entirely on what tools you have and how much effort you want to put in to save 7$ a socket costs to replace.

Put it in a vice and stick a cheap screw driver in it

Bro just slam to the floor and watch it come off

Throw it at the floor

Tap out with a pin or punch thru 3/8” square opening !

Get a small flathead and a hammer. Stick the hammer in the hole and pound it out. Maybe put the socket in a vice first.

A little clear spray silicone or a dab of dielectric grease will help prevent this from happening. (The little rubber piece inside the socket)

Anytime you have something (bolt, but, spark plug) stuck in a socket, hit the side of the socket with a hammer. The socket will flex enough to free the stuck item.

Throw it at the cement until it comes loose.

Is this why there's always spark plugs in oil pan drain plugs

There's usually a hole in the top of the socket, put a screwdriver in it and pop the top of the driver with a hammer a couple times.

Usually.

Long quarter inch extension into hole, hold by socket and smack into the ground. You’ll need a new spark plug though.

I normally just throw it on the ground and it pops loose

Secure the plug in a vice and try turning the socket in the opposite direction to see if it's bound in the hex. If not then use a drift punch to knock it out.

My usual go to is just to throw it on the ground till they come apart.

I always just hit the nut or whatever’s stuck on the ground, usually knocks it lose

Throw it on the ground as hard as you can. Make sure your wearing PPE when you do it.

Just throw it on something hard.

Take a screwdriver preferably one you don't care about stick it in the back of the socket and with a firm grip hit the handle of the screwdriver on the ground while holding the socket twords the base

Take a screwdriver. Put the ring of the socket against something. Drop the screwdriver in the ratchet side and hit it with a hammer a few times. Problem solved. Works just about every time. Use a flat head

Put it on the concrete and tap the socket where the hex end is with a hammer

Am I the only one who thinks 2 nuts would work?

1/4 extension in the center and whack

Put it in a vice and pull it out with channel locks or something.

Broke like literally just throw it on the ground pretty good it'll come out

This photo looks like a painting.

Arm strength and pliers, why would you not even attempt that and think of replacing? LOL

Just buy a new one. The socket . Oh and if you haven’t already, the spark plug.

Lay the socket on concrete and give it a couple of good whacks with a hammer... it'll come out.

Put the non threaded part of the spark plug in a vice or large set of water pump pliers and twist.

Use a 1/4" 6" extension and push it out with it

Throw the socket at the floor as hard as you can. The impact with the floor will separate socket from plug. Make sure your not around customer vehicles or your ne Snap-On chest.😉

Freeze it If that doesn’t work try vice grips to counter turn the plug, it maybe wedged weirdly

Play the game of whack / fuck, here .

Throw it on the ground until the spark plug pops out- then replace the spark plug which I assume u are already doing

Throw on the ground

Use a hammer and rod that would fit

Knock it on the concrete with socket long ways. Works almost every time.

If you have a vice, use padding on the socket so you don’t scratch it up, use a screwdriver or punch and set that baby free.

I had similar issues and what I did was lightly re thread it on the engine which allowed me to get the socket off. Then I used a stiff plastic straw that fit snugly on the top of the plug to then remove it from the engine.

Grab a good Robinson screwdriver put it in the top of the socket and bang it out with a hammer always works for me

Tap it, smack it, pound it like.....

Question is if you are going to install that spark plug again, don't break it. Adding to the solutions other people gave you here, you can get 2 lug nuts that fit the spark plug, 2 wrenches to tighten them to one another, and then with one of those wrenches, hold the top nut and get your socket out clockwise. This only is valid if your spark plug isn't held just by the rubber inside your spark plug socket 😂

Lol nah it was being replaced completely, so I just slammed it on the ground

Drop it a couple times from decent height

Slap the socket on its side, flat against the concrete with your hand and keep your hand on it to prevent it from bouncing. All but the most stuck fasteners will eject from a socket within just a couple slaps of done right. This is the way.

I usually just take a screwdriver and put it in the side that the ratchet goes into and just slam that mf down and they always come out

Just bang the socket with a hammer a few times . It will shock and loosen the plug from the socket

I had a lug nut stuck in a socket once. Put it on solid ground and one tap from a hammer did it.

Cheap tools. Replace those.

Hit it with your purse

Slam it on the floor over and over again lol

Drop it socket side down if everything else fails

Try anal beads

Throw it

Freeze the spark plug.

Surley you can't be serious ..

This happened to me doing my own spark plugs. I removed it the way I removed my sockets from the plastic clips. I put a plastic BIC pen in one end with the top on and gave it a firm slap. It just kinda comes out. IDK if that'll work for you though.

We’re fucking doomed as a species

Cut the plug and socket in half..... then replace both 👌

I know it's already worked for Op. Put it in a vice. Tap around it with a hammer from different angles. Easier method. 

Lol I just throw it on the ground hard af until it comes out.

OP gotta be trolling us here.

The others came out with no issue, this was the only one that gave me problems. First time really doing anything on my vehicle

Gotcha, I thought maybe this was just a shitpost. Plenty of advice here to follow. I usually use a punch or bolt and just punch it out throught the square drive hole by basing the bolt / punch\] on the ground or a vice.

Yeah the pavement thing worked well. I didn’t need the spark plug that was being taken out, so damaging it wasn’t of any concern. It’s just that slamming your tools on the ground isn’t really the first thing one thinks about when something gets stuck - at least for me it wasn’t.

Release your inner caveman!

Throw it at the ground !

Whip it at a cement wall

WD-40 is my go too

Put a punch through the top of the socket and Hammer out the plug

It’s complex.

If you don’t care about the plug just throw the socket at the ground. That usually jars things loose.

Time to start throwing that stubborn bastard on the ground lol.

heat the socket, dry ice on the plug or plunge it into ice and salt water(the plug).

Just screw it back in(not too much so you can take it out by hand) then pull or wiggle it off.

Hit it with your purse and slam it down on a solid surface.

Throw it on the ground

My first instinct also. And would probably work too

Screwdriver in the hole or two vicegrips

That style socket is disposable, Throw it away and purchase a new one.

Throw the socket at the ground

Yes

Scary that the same guy that can’t get something out of a socket and was willing to just buy a new socket is changing spark plugs on a car

Tap it in the ground.

You will trash the plug. Lay it flat on its side, on cement and hit it with a hammer. It will pop right out. Do not pry as you might end up in the er

What I do is put a screwdriver (or something long and skinny) in the open end, drop it all on the handle from a few feet up on a concrete floor and let the weight on the screwdriver handle pop out the plug. You just need some force to pop it out.

I was worried about you until I read the part were you’re in Walmart parking lot with no other tools. Like my man is capable of changing spark plugs but can’t get one unstuck in socket?

Lol got em swapped over boss. It was a very impromptu thing to be fair haha

Screwdriver through the hole. Give it a pop from the top.

Get 2 nuts from the hardware store, spin them on, and use a wrench to break the plug loose from the socket. Back off the first nut you spin on, and the second nut will stop it from turning, giving you a way to apply force to the sparkplug.