10mm square drain plug key

steffan wrote: Get some solid bar and grind square until it fits nice and tight

This sounds like a good way if you can grind it accurately.

I found the socket extension to be a poor fit and if the plug was once done up tightly by a previous owner or chain store mechanic it can be a pig to shift.

Its funny how people always over-tighten sump/drain plugs. All the plug does is stop the warm oil running out. I wonder how tight they'd do a coke bottle? Or thermos flask?

never had an issue using a 3/8 socket on my diffs, apply pressure so it cant slip out and its fine. i do them up finger tight then just nip them with the ratchet

they do not need to be FT!!!!

jonesyba420 wrote: never had an issue using a 3/8 socket on my diffs, apply pressure so it cant slip out and its fine. i do them up finger tight then just nip them with the ratchet

they do not need to be FT!!!!

Same here... find it helps to pick the mud out first then the usually come out easily.. I put them back in with a bit of PTFE tape that way you don't have to do them too tight..

Yellostreak wrote: find it helps to pick the mud out first

+1

using a decent ratchet helps aswell not some cheap hellfrauds jobby.

Ask my mates how tight I do things up Lol!

I did the brakes on my mates challenge 90 & he bought new wheels. I got a text moaning about how tight the wheel nuts were.

Next thing I know he's had to stop enroute to our club because he'd not tightened his nuts up enough after changing wheels! I don't know!

Use a copper washer on your drain plugs rather than ptfe tape.

Halfords Professional tool range is top quality stuff but if the plug is too tight, like I do them up, even if you clear the mud out, all 3/8 ratchets will round them.

I know, I know, don't do it up so bloody tight, but you change the habit of a life time. It's hard you know!

Kirkynut