Rounded off drain plug

[sixdogs]

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.

Now that you mention it, I do have a high end pipe wrench that's around 8" or 10" and use it every now and then for just such an application as this. I've never put a pipe on it because it's tight and always works. These work on situations such as this but we'll never know for this one. Everyone should own an expensive smaller pipe wrench for the odd things and someday it will save your bacon. Has to be a good one.

I also have a high end (New Britain) large adjustable wrench that's maybe 16"-18" and it is as tight as can be. It holds perfectly and I have actually used it for small things as well because it's so well machined. If you have one, I'd bet you would use it. I use mine maybe 15 times a year on things from trailer hitches to 1/2" odd things. If you have the need, spend the $$ and get a good one.

Also, I have a Harbor Freight 16"-18" adjustable wrench that I sometimes have to resort to and every time I hold it, I feel like it would be a better weapon than wrench. It's so sloppy I'm going to give it to a visitor some day.

 

[fried1765]

You got me on that one.

Pipe wrench - Wikipedia

I only "got" you "on that one", because I am a very old guy, and Stillson is very old (outdated now, I guess) terminology.
I wasn't trying to be tricky.

 

[bcp]

A Stillson wrench is a type of pipe wrench, in which the part the adjustable jaw goes through is pivoted on the handle instead of being part of the handle.

In this search, most shown are Stillson wrenches, not the rigid Ridgid style.

stillson wrench - Google Search

Bruce

 

[PILOON]

For those tricky situations I have a nice 6 inch pipe wrench that has solved many tricky situations.
Also great for removing studs.
Unlike vice grips, the more pressure you apply the tighter they grip.

 

[Mace Canute]

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

Not necessarily! One of these when used on a hex head bolt or hex nut grips tighter than any other wrench. They also work great on smooth shafts where you don't want to mar the shaft but still need to apply quite a bit of torque to it.

 

[4570Man]

A good adjustable wrench holds as good or better than a regular wrench. The adjustable wrench fits a sloppy tolerance bolt tight and good adjustable wrenches don't loosen up. Vise grips are catching more hate than they deserve IMO. If you had the rounded jaw type they'll get a good bite although probably not the best tool. Any kind of non locking pliers which is what I thought the OP originally used are terrible for getting a grip on a bolt. I'm still not believing the good pipe wrench wouldn't work.

 

[Dftodd]

Guess I'll poke the bear. Took longer to drag the welder over and set it up, then it did to get this one out. Total time for removal was 5 minutes. With impact and socket. Easy breezy. Even got some special effects in the last picture :cool2:

 

[prichard]

Guess I'll poke the bear. Took longer to drag the welder over and set it up, then it did to get this one out. Total time for removal was 5 minutes. With impact and socket. Easy breezy. Even got some special effects in the last picture :cool2:

Nice. Now you just need to run up to IN and do it for Kando.

 

[fried1765]

Guess I'll poke the bear. Took longer to drag the welder over and set it up, then it did to get this one out. Total time for removal was 5 minutes. With impact and socket. Easy breezy. Even got some special effects in the last picture :cool2:

Maybe put some Anti-Seize on the replacement plug threads?

 

[Dftodd]

Maybe put some Anti-Seize on the replacement plug threads?

Nice thing about the company I work for is I can look up who serviced it last. I then talked to the shop foreman at that location. Said mechanic is notorious for installing them with an 8 point socket attached to a 1/2" impact hen hammering till they won't turn any more.

He supposed to be getting re-educated on the proper way to install one of those plugs amongst other things. This same tater head uses a similar process for installing oil and fuel filters. He feels he has to use a filter wrench and crank till he can't crank any more :banghead: If he was at my shop, he would have already been demoted to trash picker, broom pusher, and yard b##ch.

My experience with them is you shouldn't need anti seize on one unless it's a bi-metal install (aluminum/ steel). If you don't go ridiculous, they should come right out using an 8 point socket.