1) Ditto on using an actual penetrating oil instead of WD40. I like Aerokroil, and then PB Blaster.

2) All of the spark plug sockets I've ever seen have a little recess on them for engaging with a spring-loaded ball on an extension (or onto the socket wrench itself), but what you need is an extension that has a locking mechanism that keeps the ball from releasing until you unlock it. This will keep the socket firmly attached to the extension until you release it.

3) I keep the heat shields in place. I think their main purpose is to keep the spark plug boot cooler by deflecting radiant heat from the engine. I always blow them out with compressed air before I remove the plugs.

 

+1 on the blowing them out with air (it's a must do before removing the plugs). And try some Cyclo Break Away. Been using it since I was 10 years old at the old man's parts store/ machine shop, that would be 42 years. LOL I've tried them all, and PB is the worst of the bunch.

Aerokroil and Seafoam Deep Creep come in at a close 2nd. JMO

 

So much hype on plugs these days. I have built & rebuilt more than a few engines from several makers & I have some info that may benefit you. Many plugs that have extra crap on the ends, like plus 4 bosch or e3 can do serious engine damage. Why? pre-detonation. The extra mass on the end stays (like a glow plug in a gas engine) very hot & can cause it to ignite the air/fuel mixture before the piston is in the correct spot. That can - and has caused, holes getting punched in the tops of pistons. The best performance plugs that are safe for me, are either the ngk iridium or denso iridium. I go with denso if they are in stock. Do not however, use hopped up plugs if you are running an aftermarket ignition module ala MSD or JACOBS. Those things are designed to work with cheapo copper plugs. I hope this helps you.

 

Here is my opinion.
I had platinum tipped plugs in a V-6 once and when it was 20 below zero the vehicle turned over, popped and would not start.
After changing the plugs out I found 5 out of the 6 pellets popped out of the tips of those "premium" plugs.
I had to wait a day for it to warm up to 7 degrees to change them out again.
I put in regular ol' dollar plugs and have not had a bit of problems.
In fact, I run the OEM recommended plugs in everything I own.

Running v-groove, split fire or any other high speed low drag plug is just flushing money down the toilet.

The whole object is proper gap to get a nice kernel of spark to ignite fuel.

Go with stock recommended plugs. Gap them accordingly and use a dab of anti seize compound on the threads.

P.S. While you are at it, check your cap and rotor too.

 

+1.... And torgue them to spec, you'll never have a prob removing them.