Re: [DML] Re: Oil plug

["K.L. (KAYO) Ong" <klo@xxxxxxxxx>]

"Necessity is the mother of inventions."

I had suggested to "getting a cheap ratchet" as not to use a good  
ratchet, unless one wants to.

In the beginning, I too, I had gone through the method of using  
"stock key material" as to heating it with a torch and bend it to a  
90 degree and then to grind it the to the required size.  I didn't  
like the feel of the square stock so I used an over sized allen  
wrench, which was then grounded to size.  Since I don't have the  
luxury to use a lift and using these fabricated stock key or the  
allen wrench which is too short as in applying leverage or to get a  
good working angle while laying on my back with your arm stretched  
out was a struggle for me.  The Snap On Tool on a ratchet was better  
but there is also little room and it too was a hassle just to juggle  
the combination onto the plug with one hand while lying down.  I  
decided to modify a cheapo ratchet that I had, since it is overall  
shorter, it will be more maneuverability between the oil pan and the  
frame.

With the modified ratchet, once it is on it sits dead flush on the  
plug and it doe not rock or move while offering many workable angles  
by the ratchet mechanism.  Coupled with the ratchet's long handle, it  
offers good leverage in the removal or the installing of the plug  
without the slippage or marring of the plug's opening when the  
pressure is applied.  This all can be done with one hand which is  
much faster and more effective without the scrapping of the knuckles  
or the hurting of fingers from the applied pressure with the stock  
key or allen units.  For me it was a matter of working smarter and  
not harder and my modified ratchet is well worth its weight in gold  
after the very first oil change and it has served me with over twenty  
seven oil changes on every scheduled 3,000 plus miles.  And it is  
still going….. Another oil change is due next week.

BTW, a friend of mine discarded that “cheap ratchet” that I got off  
him when he purchased a set of real professional name brand  
tools.....  So, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

Anyway, I was just sharing my experiences for it had worked very well  
for me and it could be an alternative way for those who may wanted to  
go this way to have a dedicated oil plug tool.   :-)



Kayo Ong

#5508  (Ten years of ownership as of two weeks ago)

Lic  9D NY





On Apr 14, 2006, at 4:27 PM, Joe Palatinus wrote:

> I suppose everyone has their method, but I am surprised no one has
> mentioned this one yet: just get an 8mm hex key (maybe 3$ at sears)
> and grinding down the edges to make it rectangular.  The key has a 90
> degree angle already and fits right in the hole for the plug.  I have
> used this technique several times with much success, and you don't
> need to destry a good ratchet.
> Joe P.
> 17167 6808
>
>
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