my way of checking spark is to put the plug onto the lead, as usual, outside the engine (of course) and put an allegator clip joined to another with wire, clip one onto the plug, the inside bit, and the other to earth, a part of the engine. that avoids getting zapped holding the plug.
good to see that resistance test, I have 4 coils over time and another one in the post today.
never to old to learn, and make mistakes.