Rounded off drain plug

[Kando]

Hello TBN,

Trying to change the fluids in my Ford 960 and ended up rounding off the head of the transmission drain plug. Haven't tried channel locks yet but I don't think it'll help. Beyond removing the plug, what could I use to replace it? Would a short bolt work? Looked through messicks and new Holland's parts but the plug itself seems to no longer exist.

 

[Peter 315]

Try vise grips Maybe napa auto parts or weld a nut on the end and use a new copper gasket

 

[Kando]

Vise grips are my next go to once I let myself breathe a bit. I have no welding experience or equipment so that option is out.

 

[M5farms]

if you have enough media you can grind it square and use a crescent wrench from this point forward .

 

[Kando]

if you have enough media you can grind it square and use a crescent wrench from this point forward .

Rounded it with a crescent wrench. Not sure of the exact size of the plug head, 15mm wrench was the closest fit, but still a tad bit of wiggle room. Used an adjustable crescent for the extra leverage. I have a vise grip with a straight mouth on it, probably need to pick up a pair with a rounded grip.

 

[fried1765]

Rounded it with a crescent wrench. Not sure of the exact size of the plug head, 15mm wrench was the closest fit, but still a tad bit of wiggle room. Used an adjustable crescent for the extra leverage. I have a vise grip with a straight mouth on it, probably need to pick up a pair with a rounded grip.

Buy, or borrow, a small Stilson wrench.
You will do much better with a Stilson than vise grips...more leverage.

 

[DwayneB]

And once you get it out Napa should be able to match it up for a new one. If not take some digital calipers and measure the size and thread pitch. You can locate one somewhere. Might even just walk into a new Holland dealer and they might have one.

 

[downslope]

Buy, or borrow, a small Stilson wrench.
You will do much better with a Stilson than vise grips...more leverage.

Yes, try to get a pipe wrench on it, something with the longest handle that will fit in the work space available and still grip the plug.

 

[Kando]

Picked up a pipe wrench, and TSC matched the drain plug to a galvanized steel plug in their plumbing aisle. Actually looks almost exactly alike.

 

[Kando]

No go with a pipe wrench, simply can't get a good grip on it.