Rounded off drain plug

[Kando]

To make the plug square again, I'd file the edges down with a Harbor Freight air file. Of course, you'd also need an air compressor large enough to support air tools.

I have a dewalt battery cut off tool and an IR air cut off tool. I've misplaced the tool to change the disc on the dewalt, but i should be able to use the air tool in bursts if i can find a grinding disc suitable for it. The big compressor we have crapped out last year, engine seized I believe. I replaced it with a 13 gallon c&h compressor solely for tire fill use.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have a dewalt battery cut off tool and an IR air cut off tool. I've misplaced the tool to change the disc on the dewalt, but i should be able to use the air tool in bursts if i can find a grinding disc suitable for it. The big compressor we have crapped out last year, engine seized I believe. I replaced it with a 13 gallon c&h compressor solely for tire fill use.

Grind/file the whole exposed part of the plug parallel down to the root dia on just 2 sides. Dont cut into the root much. The root wrench surface is getting too small. Youre looking at twist off time.

Use a Crescent that will fully engage the faces to gauge // -- and then to take it out. You get 1 try.

 

[newbury]

I have a dewalt battery cut off tool and an IR air cut off tool. I've misplaced the tool to change the disc on the dewalt, but i should be able to use the air tool in bursts if i can find a grinding disc suitable for it. The big compressor we have crapped out last year, engine seized I believe. I replaced it with a 13 gallon c&h compressor solely for tire fill use.

For the dewalt:
Take an appropriate length 2x4 and two 20d or 16d nails, hammer the nails in the 2x4 at the spacing you need and cut the heads off so you've got got about a half inch of or so of nail sticking out. You've now got a spanner wrench.

 

[D2Cat]

I wouldn't do any grinding on what you have left of the plug. Soon you will have a greater problem than you have now.

Find someone with a wire welder they can bring over and help you. Get a piece of 1/4" flat bar, about 2" wide, 12" long. Drill a hole in the end so it fits over the remainder of the plug that is hanging down. Insert the plug into the hole and weld it there with the flat bar facing in a direction you can get some leverage on it. A little 110V wire welder can do this job and fit in the area easily.

 

[Big Barn]

I like this idea. The heat from welding on the flat bar may help loosen the plug also.

 

[bcp]

For the dewalt:
Take an appropriate length 2x4 and two 20d or 16d nails, hammer the nails in the 2x4 at the spacing you need and cut the heads off so you've got got about a half inch of or so of nail sticking out. You've now got a spanner wrench.

A buy several of these next time you are in Harbor Freight.



Adjustable Pin Wrench

Bruce

 

[Kando]

A buy several of these next time you are in Harbor Freight.

View attachment 579588

Adjustable Pin Wrench

Bruce

Definitely look into that, thanks.

 

[pmsmechanic]

For the dewalt:
Take an appropriate length 2x4 and two 20d or 16d nails, hammer the nails in the 2x4 at the spacing you need and cut the heads off so you've got got about a half inch of or so of nail sticking out. You've now got a spanner wrench.

What I have done is drill two holes in a flat bar at the right spacing. Set two pins from a roller chain in the holes and weld them into place. Works very well and cheap to do.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Hammer and chisel five minutes three hits with the hammer and its finger loose. Come on no rocket scientist needed.

 

[09112]

What D2Cat said.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hammer and chisel five minutes three hits with the hammer and its finger loose. Come on no rocket scientist needed.

What D2Cat said.

Iv been thinking of using a hammer and punch for a long time. I didnt mention it due the continuing demonstrated saga of fiasco finesse.

 

[Big Barn]

fiasco finesse.

Lol. I’ll have to remember that one.

 

[radios1]

What I have done is drill two holes in a flat bar at the right spacing. Set two pins from a roller chain in the holes and weld them into place. Works very well and cheap to do.

good, except that you have to re-harden the pins after welding, welding takes the temper out.. heat up to orange, quench in oil. if the pins cant be filed with a file, then you know they got hard enough..

 

[09112]

Still like the hole in the bar stock.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Still like the hole in the bar stock.

At this point, with a skilled welder, surely the most straightforward solution.

 

[bcp]

Make sure the bar can make a full turn without interference.

Bruce

 

[Ford850]

Make sure the bar can make a full turn without interference.

Bruce

Exactly. That's why I prefer welding a nut over the stuck plug. Then you can use any wrench or socket that fits the new hex nut.

 

[Jstpssng]

At this point, with a skilled welder, surely the most straightforward solution.

It's too bad that there isn't a TBN member close enough to go help the poor guy out. People keep giving suggestions based on their own level of expertise and Kando is a good egg about it; but doing the wrong thing at this point could get expensive.

 

[jaxs]

At this point, with a skilled welder, surely the most straightforward solution.

It's too bad that there isn't a TBN member close enough to go help the poor guy out. People keep giving suggestions based on their own level of expertise and Kando is a good egg about it; but doing the wrong thing at this point could get expensive.

I agree but taking it to a welding shop shouldn't be ruled out. I can stick things together and do 90% of my own. However,when it's crtical as in life and limb,I tack it up then have a pro finish it.

 

[Kando]

I agree but taking it to a welding shop shouldn't be ruled out. I can stick things together and do 90% of my own. However,when it's crtical as in life and limb,I tack it up then have a pro finish it.

I got bombarded with 'do it yourself' when I suggested running it to a shop. The option is in mind.