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Pipe Plug Help

Aug 24, 2018 11:40 AM | DirtHog in Tech Tips / How To

I hate these things!

But, you find them everywhere. Craftsman used them for the drain plugs on the engines and trans-axles. I just acquired an older Craftsman GT and went to drain the oil from the trans-axle only to find that someone had rounded off the head. I've been using this for years and I'm surprised more people don't know about this little trick. The disc brakes on GM products require a special tool to pull apart or you can use a Allen head socket. On this one it had been rounded to the point I had to tap it on but, just reverse the usage. Put the 3/8's square over the plug and the use a 3/8th socket or wrench to loosen and remove. No more rounded off corners Attached Image: Tool Tip.PNG


  • earthgrinder, Dukedkt442, kdubban and 1 other said thanks


3 Comments

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chieffan
Feb 17, 2019 09:11 AM

I have had and used a set of Sears special sockets for years made just for this purpose. Just slide the smallest size on you can and turn the plug out.  5 or 6 special sockets to the set in a plastic storage cases.  Made back when Sears had good tools.

    • earthgrinder and 426tractorguy have said thanks
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oldironmm
Sep 21, 2019 10:10 PM
I have used 8 pt sockets to remove plug or set screws. They're just harder to find a supplier who sales them. I've had different brands over the years. Craftsman, Snap-on, Mac, and even cheapies. You'll just need to check out your tool supply house.
    • chieffan and 426tractorguy have said thanks
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Dukedkt442
Nov 22, 2019 08:57 AM

Neat, novel trick.  I have several set of allen sockets that could be inserted into an inverted socket of any size, and this solution is so simple it probably never would have occurred to me.  I guess I'm lucky... never had a problem using an open-end wrench, nor come across a rounded one.  Some teflon tape prevents the need for extreme overtorquing... sometimes I wonder if people think that torquing a fastener or plug to the extreme is some kind of rite of passage?

    • chieffan and 426tractorguy have said thanks
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