Spark Plug Gapping Tools - are these good ones?

Hi all,

I worked with a mechanic to find out why I was losing 200 rpm on mag checks. First check was the plugs and we found 2 bad Champions. I replaced those with Tempest. Mag drop now back to where it used to be - problem solved.

I'm going to replace the other plugs with Tempests. The A&P was very considerate when I asked him if it would be ok if I worked with him and learned how to remove, clean, gap and install the plugs.

So now I need the tools necessary to do this job. I already have a torque wrench (Cleaveland CDI), and I can borrow a mechanic's cleaning rig when I need it.

But I need the tools to remove, gap, install the plugs. I found the following gapping tools on Aircraft Spruce and I was wondering if there was any experience with these tools and how well they work:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/expansiontool12-03391.php

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/precisegap.php

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/ATSgap.php?recfer=16137

Will they do the job? Are there better versions out there? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!

last 2 work just fine. never used 1st one. good luck.

Spark Plug Gap Tools

This set does everything and it's on sale.
https://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=ATS420DX

How does that "Electrode Erosion Gauge" work, please?

snopercod said:

How does that "Electrode Erosion Gauge" work, please?

Click to expand...

Way I understand it is this:

A new plug will have a center electrode that is circular in cross section.

As you use the plug that center electrode erodes to look more and more like a football. The sides facing the outer electrodes are the places where it erodes.

So to keep the gap the correct value you push the outer electrodes in towards the reducing center more and more.

When it gets to the point where the outer electrodes slip into the hole, in the erosion gauge, the center electrode has eroded too much and you toss the plug.