Rounded off drain plug

[Xfaxman]

---------------------------
Ordered a pair of knipex to try out. They're scheduled for delivery on the 7th.

What size did you order?

Mine are the 12" length.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Don't tempt me. Weather kept us out over Easter, weather still isn't cooperating. Ordered a pair of knipex to try out. They're scheduled for delivery on the 7th.

The 7th of what month/year?
Hope they're not the 5 inch ones.
If we knew when they would be tried everyone could help by stopping whatever they're doing and go "uhhhh...uhhhh...uhhhh!".

 

[Scook222]

I have been keeping up with the thread but I’m not sure if it has been mentioned but He could try to file, use a chisel, or use a grinder slowly to remake the head of the bolt for the next size smaller socket. Maybe the little amount of heat from the grinder would help it break loose easier.

 

[dnw64]

Related -

My son was replacing the blades on his (bought used) zero turn today. After three pretty major attempts failed (including welding a socket to the bolt - he ended up just shredding the socket after applying "enough" force) he welded a box end wrench (the open end had already be cut off for some other project) to the bolt and got it out.

Desperate time = desperate measures.

 

[Kando]

I have been keeping up with the thread but I’m not sure if it has been mentioned but He could try to file, use a chisel, or use a grinder slowly to remake the head of the bolt for the next size smaller socket. Maybe the little amount of heat from the grinder would help it break loose easier.

I used a grinder a short while back to get two flat edges. Broke a small pipe wrench jaw on it, just rounds the corners with a larger one. Simply can't get enough grip on the flats with the way a pipe wrench works. Hopefully the flat jaw knipex works.

 

[sixdogs]

I've said this before but I would hire it out. The lack of experience in these matters leads to a lack of confidence and that combination can cause bigger problems. You can snap off the remaining head or who knows what. Either take to a shop or bring a guy from the shop to you. It's cheap money spent.

 

[dragoneggs]

Some heat (heat gun) and the Knipex! My money is on Kando.

 

[/pine]

I used a grinder a short while back to get two flat edges. Broke a small pipe wrench jaw on it, just rounds the corners with a larger one. Simply can't get enough grip on the flats with the way a pipe wrench works. Hopefully the flat jaw knipex works.

Creating the flat edges allowed the jaws to shear the corners off...pipe wrench jaws are designed to grip (round) pipes in an "arch" configuration which gives it exceptional strength to hold or apply torque...

I would at least try putting the jaws of a properly sized, quality wrench on the existing threads and not the damaged section of the plug...

Hang in there, you will get this done...we're all pulling for you...a couple of busy contributors to the thread may show some postpartum depression symptoms when you do get the plug out but you should have nothing to feel guilty about...we know you cando this...

 

[goeduck]

Related -

My son was replacing the blades on his (bought used) zero turn today. After three pretty major attempts failed (including welding a socket to the bolt - he ended up just shredding the socket after applying "enough" force) he welded a box end wrench (the open end had already be cut off for some other project) to the bolt and got it out.
Desperate time = desperate measures.

Nice. The heat from welding on the box end wrench probably helped :thumbsup:

 

[Kando]

Creating the flat edges allowed the jaws to shear the corners off...pipe wrench jaws are designed to grip (round) pipes in an "arch" configuration which gives it exceptional strength to hold or apply torque...

I would at least try putting the jaws of a properly sized, quality wrench on the existing threads and not the damaged section of the plug...

Hang in there, you will get this done...we're all pulling for you...a couple of busy contributors to the thread may show some postpartum depression symptoms when you do get the plug out but you should have nothing to feel guilty about...we know you cando this...

The existing visible threads are all of 1/4 inch or less of space to grip. The problem previously, as has been stated, is that there was never enough proper grip. Every attempt simply sheared more material off, hence moving in a different direction. Flat edges for grip with flat edge tools. Trying the pipe wrenches after grinding flats was an attempt on a slightly better surface to actually be able to tighten the jaws enough to not simply slide around or shear material.