Rounded off drain plug

[fried1765]

I vote for vise-grip style pliers as the #1 rounder-offer.

AGREED!

 

[Larus]

I vote for vise-grip style pliers as the #1 rounder-offer.

May I suggest a rounder-offer thread. I am sure there are many tools and techniques for rounding off that have not been discussed here. And, I want pictures and quotes from the wife when she learned about the whole situation. I would read that thread every morning with coffee. There is nothing about reading how someone did something stupid that you have done yourself and saying, "What a dummy. I could never do a thing like that (knowing full well you have, maybe more than once). :thumbsup:

 

[Coyote machine]

I stand corrected on the pipe plugs being of common use in various tractor oil and trans pans, and certain British cars like MG's. In the case of MGs it would likely be a Whitworth plug, not a common NPT thread used in the States for instance.

As for a seperate rounder-offer thread, one could just read this one over and over and by the time one reaches the end- there will be an end- no? one can just begin again.
As far as crescent wrenches there is a right and wrong way to use one. The right way it to have the force applied to the stationery jaw, the wrong way is the opposite, placing the moveable jaw on the flat where force will be applied, which consequently causes slippage, and when the jaw cannot hold anymore the subject nut/flats get rounded off and the trouble begins.

 

[sixdogs]

I stand corrected on the pipe plugs being of common use in various tractor oil and trans pans, and certain British cars like MG's. In the case of MGs it would likely be a Whitworth plug, not a common NPT thread used in the States for instance.

As for a seperate rounder-offer thread, one could just read this one over and over and by the time one reaches the end- there will be an end- no? one can just begin again.
As far as crescent wrenches there is a right and wrong way to use one. The right way it to have the force applied to the stationery jaw, the wrong way is the opposite, placing the moveable jaw on the flat where force will be applied, which consequently causes slippage, and when the jaw cannot hold anymore the subject nut/flats get rounded off and the trouble begins.

I use a Crescent, meaning adjustable wrench the right way and if possible when applying tension keep my thumb on the screw to make sure there is no movement in the width of the jaws. I can't recall ever slipping on anything that I cared about. For some reason, I just presumed everyone did it this way?

 

[Ford850]

I use a Crescent, meaning adjustable wrench the right way and if possible when applying tension keep my thumb on the screw to make sure there is no movement in the width of the jaws. I can't recall ever slipping on anything that I cared about. For some reason, I just presumed everyone did it this way?

I use Crescent wrenches all the time too, and just as you describe to keep a snug fit. But most of the time when I see others use them it's in a 'close enough is good enough' way with a sloppy fit and backwards for some reason.

 

[oosik]

For something like is pictured - I have a small(8" or 10" ) pipe wrench. The more torque applied - the tighter the jaws grip. I've had to use it a few times - never slipped or rounded anything off. Works right - works every time.

 

[JRobyn]

A bunch of what has been suggested on here is just creative ways to machine off some more of the metal on the stuck plug.

IMHO, it will take the welded nut to git-er-loose. Or removing the crossbar and drilling.

But what's the chances that the plug is cheap Chinese cast iron and won't weld well?

 

[ray66v]

A Crescent wrench is okay, if you are talking 3/4" wrench size and up.

On the smaller stuff, you are just asking for trouble.

There is a reason why mechanics spend a lot of money on wrenches.

Is not because all we need is few Crescent wrenches.

Yes, they can work okay on the small sizes, if they aren't real tight, and the hardware is of good quality. But, generally they are real tight, and fasteners are of poorer quality than ever.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

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

You got me on that one.

Pipe wrench - Wikipedia

 

[ray66v]

A bunch of what has been suggested on here is just creative ways to machine off some more of the metal on the stuck plug.

IMHO, it will take the welded nut to git-er-loose. Or removing the crossbar and drilling.

But what's the chances that the plug is cheap Chinese cast iron and won't weld well?

If it was "cheap cast iron" it would have broken.

The fact that it's soft, is the problem.

But, soft steel should weld fine.