AUPREX Car Spark Plug Wire Removal Pliers Tool, High Voltage Cylinder Cable Removal Clamp Tool,Spark Plug Boot Removal Tool

First impressions

A stubborn spark plug boot can turn a 30-minute tune-up into an hour of frustration. That’s exactly why I picked up the AUPREX spark plug pliers. Out of the box, they’re straightforward: long handles with a rubberized grip and a socket-shaped head designed to cradle a spark plug boot instead of pinching it. The design promises two things I care about in a tool like this—reach and control—and after a few plug changes on different vehicles, those claims mostly held up.

Design and build

The pliers are built from carbon steel with elongated handles that provide both reach into tight plug wells and extra leverage when a boot is truly stuck. The grips are rubber-coated, not cushy but comfortable enough for extended use and grippy even with slightly oily hands. The head is where this tool separates itself from a generic set of needle-nose pliers: rather than narrow jaws, it uses a socket-shaped cup that wraps around the boot. That shape spreads the load and reduces the chance of cutting or tearing the insulation, and it helps you pull in line with the plug rather than at a damaging angle.

Build quality is functional rather than refined. The weld where the head meets the plier body isn’t the prettiest—mine looked serviceable but a bit rough. That said, it hasn’t flexed under normal use and I haven’t needed to baby it. The pivot action is smooth with no gritty spots, and there’s no noticeable jaw misalignment. If you expect jeweler-grade finishing, you’ll be disappointed; if you want a tool that’s sturdy and practical for the price, the AUPREX gets there.

In the engine bay

I used these pliers on a mid-2000s small-block with traditional plug wires and on a newer four-cylinder with coil boots that run deep into the head. On both, the long handles let me work around heater hoses and intake plumbing without contorting my wrist. The head cups the boot nicely, and with a small twist to break the bond, I could pull straight off without stressing the wire crimp.

Where these pliers shine is in repeatability—boot after boot, I could get a consistent grip and apply controlled force. That’s tough to do with standard pliers. I didn’t tear any boots, and I didn’t mar the insulation. On the deeper plug wells, the added reach was enough to get the head around the boot, though if your engine has particularly narrow wells or very deeply recessed plugs, clearance may still be an issue. This is not a replacement for a purpose-built coil-on-plug puller in all scenarios, but it covered the majority of what I threw at it.

Technique matters (and protects your boots)

The design helps, but how you use this tool matters just as much as the tool itself. A few tips from my bench that made a difference:

• Work on a cool engine to avoid softening or tearing the rubber.
• Before pulling, rotate the boot gently a few degrees to break the seal. The AUPREX head gives you good purchase for that twist.
• Pull in line with the spark plug—don’t yank sideways.
• Grip the boot, not the wire. The socket-shaped head encourages this, but be mindful in cramped spaces.
• A tiny smear of dielectric grease inside each boot on reassembly will make the next removal easier and reduce the chance of the boot bonding to the ceramic.

Using the tool this way, I didn’t encounter the dreaded ripped boot or damaged insulator. If you skip the twist and go straight to brute force, any boot removal tool can still do damage. The AUPREX helps you do it right; it doesn’t make you invincible.

Beyond spark plugs

The product claims it can pull hoses and lines of compatible size, and that checked out in practice. I used it to free a small vacuum hose that had seized on a plastic nipple and to coax off a short section of heater control hose. The rounded head spreads pressure well enough to avoid gouging softer rubber, but again, technique matters—twist first, then pull. I wouldn’t use it on brittle, decades-old emissions hoses without some heat and patience, but for typical under-hood rubber, it’s a handy auxiliary function.

Ergonomics and control

Leverage is excellent. The long handles mean less hand strain, especially when you’re working at odd angles. The rubber grips don’t slip, and the tool balances well in one hand, leaving your other hand free to steady a wire loom or hold a light. There’s no spring return at the pivot (none is needed here), and the action remains smooth after several sessions. The head’s rounded edges are kind to rubber, and the shape makes it intuitive to aim for a straight pull.

Durability and maintenance

Carbon steel is the right choice for a tool that will see occasional, high-force use. Mine has picked up the usual scuffs without any functional wear. The weld bead, while not attractive, hasn’t cracked or loosened. I wouldn’t leave it bathing in degreaser or rattling around loose in the bottom of a toolbox; wipe it down after use, and a drop of oil at the pivot keeps things smooth. If you work in coastal environments, a light film of oil on the steel will deter surface rust.

Where it falls short

• Tight, deep plug wells: On some coil-on-plug engines with very narrow wells, the head can be too bulky to get around the boot. A dedicated thin-wall coil boot puller may still be required.
• Aesthetic finish: The welds and fit-and-finish are utilitarian. It’s not a showpiece.
• Not a fix for neglected boots: If a boot has baked onto the plug for years, no pliers can guarantee a tear-free removal. Heat, patience, and twisting are still your friends.

None of these are deal-breakers for the intended use, but they’re worth knowing before you toss it in the cart expecting a universal solution.

How it compares

I’ve used needle-nose pliers, generic hose pliers, and a popular angled boot puller from an automotive brand. Compared to needle-nose, the AUPREX provides dramatically better control and less boot damage risk. Versus the angled puller, this one’s straight, longer handles sometimes make access easier, sometimes harder—engine dependent. In terms of grip strength and feel, the AUPREX is competitive, and the socket-shaped head arguably offers a more secure, centered pull. If you already own a good angled boot puller, this doesn’t replace it; it complements it and outperforms generic pliers every time.

Value

For a specialty tool you’ll reach for a few times a year (or more if you regularly service older vehicles), the AUPREX offers solid function at a budget-friendly price. You’re paying for practical geometry and leverage rather than premium finishing, and that’s a trade I’ll take in a utility drawer.

Recommendation

I recommend the AUPREX spark plug pliers for anyone who routinely removes spark plug boots or works with under-hood rubber lines. The long handles, boot-friendly head, and simple, robust construction make the job faster and far less risky than improvising with standard pliers. It’s not a finesse tool with showroom-grade welds, and it won’t magically unstick a decade-old boot without proper technique, but it consistently delivers clean removals with good control. If you service coil-on-plug engines with very tight wells, pair it with a dedicated thin-wall puller. For everything else, this is an affordable, effective addition to the toolbox that has already earned its keep in mine.