does any one have any tricks or advice for installing spark plugs?

i could not for the life of me get the threads started...

i was trying to be very careful not to cross thread the plugs, but once it felt like i got the threads engaged i couldnt get an angle to get the spark plug finger tight.

 

I use a spark plug socket & extension and use only your finger .

 

Clean your threads first with a spark plug thread chaser.
Great Neck/Metric spark plug hole thread chaser (25124) | Thread Repair | AutoZone.com

 

Only change plugs with an absolutely dead cold engine.

 

My buddy showed me a trick. He uses a length or small diameter rubber hose that fits on the nipple. Then he uses the hose attached to the spark plug to twist it into the threads. The delicate nature of the hose makes it impossible to cross thread.

 

"He uses a length or small diameter rubber hose that fits on the nipple. Then he uses the hose attached to the spark plug to twist it into the threads." x2

or and old boot off a wire

 

x3 or a rubber hose that fits tightly over the ceramic insulator if it fits down the plug tube in the head, otherwise as above.

You can also find plug spanners with a grommet insert that fits over the ceramic to stopp the spark plug dropping down too early. I have one came with my LR toolkit in the 200 D2 V8.