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GEARWRENCH 80601 Review: Magnetic swivel sockets with a limited plug-size selection

Name: GEARWRENCH 80601 — 80601 five-piece magnetic swivel spark-plug socket set
Brand: GEARWRENCH

GEARWRENCH 80601: Magnetic swivel sockets with a limited plug-size selection. A spark-plug socket set for compatible plug sizes and access arrangements. Check socket fit, retention and reach against the engine before choosing the set.

By TradeGear HQ editorial desk · Reviewed October 16, 2026

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80601 five-piece magnetic swivel spark-plug socket setGEARWRENCH

80601

Piece count: Five pieces

Research-based review

QUICK VERDICT

A spark-plug socket set for compatible plug sizes and access arrangements. Check socket fit, retention and reach against the engine before choosing the set.

Our take

The 80601 is useful when its magnetic retention and swivel access match the spark plugs you service. The important limitation is size coverage: this five-piece set centres on 9/16 and 5/8-inch applications and does not provide every common plug size. Check the engine’s exact socket requirement before including it in a starter kit.

Best for

Compatible spark plugs needing the supplied 9/16 or 5/8-inch six-point magnetic swivel arrangements.

Skip it if

Your course or engine needs 14 mm, 13/16 inch or a different wall thickness, reach or retention design.

Pros

Five pieces
3/8-inch drive
Six-point magnetic swivel design

Cons

Does not include 14 mm or 13/16-inch coverage
Five pieces are not five distinct plug sizes
Swivel and magnetic retention do not establish every engine application

MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS

Key specs

Piece countFive pieces

Drive3/8-inch drive

Socket designSix-point magnetic swivel design

Plug hex sizes9/16 and 5/8-inch socket sizes

StorageBlow-moulded case

Five pieces do not mean every spark plug

The verified set uses 3/8-inch drive and includes 9/16 and 5/8-inch magnetic swivel sockets in different access configurations. Check the exact lengths and arrangement against the engine rather than treating piece count as size coverage. A training list that calls for another size still has a real gap after this purchase.

Do not substitute 9/16 inch for 14 mm

Those dimensions are close but not identical, and a near-fit socket can damage the plug or fail to engage properly. Likewise, this set does not supply a 13/16-inch socket. Identify the plug hex, well clearance and reach from the vehicle information. A familiar socket appearance does not establish suitability for a deep or narrow plug well.

Retention helps handling, not tightening judgement

Magnetic retention helps hold a compatible plug during access, while the swivel changes the approach. Neither feature chooses the correct thread engagement or tightening torque. Follow the engine and plug instructions for removal, installation and thread condition. A swivel arrangement also needs enough clearance to avoid side-loading the plug or contacting nearby structure.

A specialist complement to the core socket set

The TEKTON SKT15311 covers ordinary hand sockets, but plug access can require a dedicated retention and length arrangement. Lisle 68100 measures suitable gaps and clearances; it is not a universal substitute for the spark-plug manufacturer’s recommended gapping tool or procedure. Buy the specialist socket around your engines, then add only missing configurations rather than assuming this is a complete ignition-service kit.

Sources and review method

Reviewed October 16, 2026 using the linked manufacturer product information and available operating documentation, together with the exact-model listing research. Technical figures are manufacturer claims; job suitability and comparisons are TradeGear HQ editorial analysis of those documented features. We have not verified every vehicle application, measured accuracy, tested load capacity or assessed long-term durability. Open the current manual and vehicle service information before use. Customer feedback and numeric ratings are displayed only when a verified record is available; their absence is not a negative rating.

This is a research-based review. We have not hands-on tested this product or independently measured its performance.

Primary manufacturer source: www.gearwrench.com

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GEARWRENCH 80601

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions

Does it include 14 mm?

No verified 14 mm socket is included; 9/16 inch is not an exact substitute.

What drive does it use?

The set uses 3/8-inch drive.

Does magnetic retention set the correct tightening torque?

No. Use the specified installation procedure and a suitable calibrated tool where required.

Compare before you buy

See the comparisons in Spark-plug access & clearance gauges →

Lisle 68100 — 68100 deluxe feeler gauge. 31 blades including one 0.010-inch brass blade; Thickness range 0.0015–0.035 inch. Check the full blade range against your course or vehicle requirements. This is a conventional feeler-gauge set rather than the 68150 go/no-go model; it does not extend to 0.040 inch.

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