Drain Plug Wrench

[MolaKule]

I think I finally found the proper wrench for my Nissan's drain and fill plug. It has a 10mm square for the TC.


CTA MANUFACTURING CORP 8-1 Drain Plug Wrench - Square & Hex Male

http://www.sears.com/cta-manufacturing-corp-8-1-drain-plug-wrench/p-SPM1074646914?prdNo=29

Anyone else use this wrench?

 

[Trav]

Cant you just use a 3/8 ratchet on that? I have never used that style wrench and know nothing about them.

 

[CharlieW618]

I have two of them. Metric & standard. Forget the brand name but it is an old known name. $20.00 each.

 

[Towncivilian]

Also, Harbor Freight sells a drain plug socket set that includes a 10mm 3/8" drive drain plug socket. Fits our Pathfinders' differential drain plugs and should fit the transfer case plugs too.

 

[MolaKule]

Quote:
Cant you just use a 3/8 ratchet on that?


No, too sloppy and rounds the internal surface of the plug.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
Cant you just use a 3/8 ratchet on that?


No, too sloppy and rounds the internal surface of the plug.


Good to know, i haven't done one. I think i will add this to the set before i do get one.

http://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-2049-Sockets-2-Piece/dp/B008TOHAVG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_2

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
Cant you just use a 3/8 ratchet on that?


No, too sloppy and rounds the internal surface of the plug.


Good to know, i haven't done one. I think i will add this to the set before i do get one.

http://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-2049-Sockets-2-Piece/dp/B008TOHAVG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_2


For a little over $6 its worth having in the toolbox.

 

[Trav]

For sure it is. I like sockets not dog bone wrenches, you can get your hands out of the way with an extension or use a longer ratchet for more leverage.

 

[zzyzzx]

Any reason why they don't use a normal drain plug?

 

[spackard]

Isn't it a convention that engine oil is 6-sided male and gear oil is 4-sided female?

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Any reason why they don't use a normal drain plug?


Most use tapered pipe thread plugs, an inside hex would be much more likely to round out than a square drive when they are real tight or in a rusted housing.
Nothing seems to be etched in stone though. I see all sorts of different ones, some with a large flange and sealing ring with inside hex, male square drive, inside hex plugs and regular 6 point hex bolts.

 

[SubLGT]

Here is a pricey ($30 !!) 1/2 drive 13mm male square socket for removing differential plugs on Subaru, etc. Manufactured by Kyoto Tool of Japan. Not sure if they make a 10mm version.

http://ultimatetoolco.com/13mm

After some searching, I see that Kyoto tools does offer a 10 mm socket:
http://www.thetoolnetwork.com/square_drain_plug_socket_set.html

 

[MetalSlug]

Why wasted money on this ? Think how often you change front rear diff ? Just use regular tool

 

[Towncivilian]

If you use a 1/2" drive tool to remove it, you risk rounding off the plug and needing to weld a socket extension to remove it.

 

[Trav]

The damage of using the wrong tool isn't pretty is it. Your right, the right tool is important.