stripped 10mm drain plugs

[michaelh712]

My differential drain plugs are stripped where the 10mm hex engages. I recall that there was a thread with recommendations in the old board, but I can't recall the suggested remedies. I have new replacements, but any good tips on how to remove the old ones with the least hastle?
thanks

[Jim LaGuardia]

I drive a 3/8 to 1/2" adapter into them and use a breaker bar for most stubborn plugs

[hrafn]

I have used T-55 or a T-60 Torx Socket wrenches to remove those rounded-
out plugs. Tap the Torx bit in and turn it with a long breaker bar.

[Jimm391730]

I drive a 3/8 to 1/2" adapter into them and use a breaker bar for most stubborn plugs

Hear, hear! I found this to be most satisfactory. My (cheap) adapter was very flat on the end of the 3/8" drive, with fairly sharp corners. It broached the corners into the soft brass plug when I tapped it into place with a hammer and came out slicker than snotty marbles.

Jim Mettler

[milesdzyn]

I feel your pain, I personaly shattered (2) 10mm allen head sockets removing mine for the first time. Previous owner torqued all the drain and fill plugs way to tight. Most likely to stop small leaks because he didn't use new copper crush washers.

Once a crush washer is used it becomes hardened due to the pressures applied, kinda like hammering soft metal to harden it. If you reuse it, it will take increasing amounts of torque every time to obtain a good seal.

If you must reuse one in a pinch, you should anneal it. Place the washer on a non-flamable surface, and slowly heat with a propane torch until it glows orange. Let it air cool, it should be about the same softness as when new. Again only do this in a emergency, washers are cheap, light and small so keep spares as you would any consumable part.

Miles