Try one of the major auto supply stores. Around here, AutoZone is one of the big ones. They usually have all kinds of odd-ball sized tools for car parts. If I remember correctly, the 17mm is a pretty common size for cars. Most of the places have a "borrow" (if you buy parts needing the tool) or rental for them. Worst case, they usually are excessively priced.
Tom: ...The 17mm socket is a 3/8" drive and was purchased about 10
yrs. ago to drain a tranny on a VW beetle. I believe I got it at Sears? or
in (metric tool section- $5/$7) of an auto parts store. I mentioned in an earlier post to get a 1/2" drive or
it will break. If you look closely at the last pix, you'll see where the socket
had to be welded to the (3/8" to 1/2") adapter because it was about to
break off the 3/8" drive shank. Otherwise if you can locate a 1/2" drive
17mm socket you are good to go. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif RayBee
Around here anyone can buy from Grainger. But if you are a business you can get a better price. I own a HVAC business and we get around a 25% better price. Doesn't come out to much on a tool that runs around ten or fifteen bucks.
I just stopped by my Kubota dealer to order a block heater for my BX2200. One of the mechanics showed me where the plug was located. He said that he recomends using a short bolt with two nuts locked on the end to get the plug out. He said that will save me from buying a allen socket that I will only use once. I plan to give it a try. He didn't know what size of bolt. A bolt and two nuts should be cheaper that a allen socket.