Help!! Stripped the head of the 10mm oil plug drain

[deanp]

Hi All

In a move of utter stupidity and tried to loosen the drain plug in the wrong direction. The result, a plug thats screwed in very tightly and a "stripped" head. Looking at the hex shape in the plug it's defintely a bit distored and the 10mm hex will not engage. If too much force is applied, it rotates within the plug's head.

Options? I have a 11mm allen wench on order and may see if that will fit in. What about an easy out? Any ideas? Thoughts?

[martys]

what about an SAE hex wrench that's slightly oversized from the 10mm? hammer it in, break the plug loose, and replace it with a new one.

[flynfink]

Since the plug is basically a pan head bolt with a hex head, I used a cold chisel and hammer the last time the hex head stripped out on my son's 900ss (PO had already rounded it off). Then got a new bolt. Shouldn't be that tight.

[cagivaduc]

Dip the hex head in oil, then in sand. I think I saw that in some manual. Worked for me on a former bike.

[tonered]

Originally Posted by cagivaduc

Dip the hex head in oil, then in sand. I think I saw that in some manual. Worked for me on a former bike.

Whoa. That is a great idea.

Committing that to memory. Thanks.

[Corse1]

Thank you Desmo Times.....Lt's manual is where the sand idea is written

[tonered]

I'm a couple thousand miles from the 24k mile service. I have a whole list of DT goodies including LT's manual. Though, I am going to start asking around locally for anyone that would like to share a shim kit.

Have a good one.

[PeteST4]

G'day... Grinders paste works well... Also is good for stubborn phillips head screws, a little dab hey presto! good grip..

[deanp]

thanks guys!!!

[lifes_an_ocean]

I believe I've seen replacement oil drain plugs which have a nut for use with a standard socket/spanner, rather than the recessed allen key. I think these were also drilled for safety wire. Anyone remember where they could be purchased?