Rear Axle Drain Plug

[grey beard]

Have any of you gents tackled this one yet? Sounds too simple to think about discussing, but they are square and 5/16-inch size, and I can't find a tool to remove it (between 1/4 and 1/2 inch drive). Matter of fact, it's exactly the same size as the plugs at each end of our engine blocks where the oil galley begins and ends. One peeps out behind the timing cover and the other is inside the bell housing.

My best thought at this time is to force a chisel into it, heat it up and try to turn the thing out with a vise grip, but that's sorta' "coal shed", and I hate heating up anything full of stinking gear oil. Any suggestions or advice?

Let's face it, we each have one . . . . . .

[Merle Coggins]

I just bought this tool set recently. I believe I got it from the Harbor Freight store in Madison. It has 3 each of metric and fractional square and hex plug sockets, including the 5/16" square. But before I bought them, I used a piece of 5/16" square stock that I got at the hardware store. Cut a chunk of it and use it with an 8 point socket, or a Cresent wrench.

[grey beard]

Thanks, Merle

I'm off to Harbor Freight. Already tried the hardware square stock - twisted right off - not enuff a$$, 'er sumpin . . .

[racerboy9]

You could also get some key stock for about $1. Must be about 7/16". Pretty common item at hardware stores and bearing supply stores.

[racerboy9]

Missed reading the post above mine. Good luck!