tool for removing pipe plugs

[Charlie M]

Went to check the transmission oil level in my Farmall 100 tonight and the plug needed a 4 sided allen type wrench. A socket ratchet won't fit it. I was wondering if there is a name for that type of wrench as I think an actual allen wrench is always 6 sided. Also can we still buy them. I can't put in a regular pipe plug that will turn with a crescent wrench as the brake rod won't clear it.

 

[Steve in VA]

Check pipe plug socket set. Box stores carry them.

 

[TimV]

I've used appropriately-sized square stock when I didn't have a square drive that fits, and you can buy sets as well. Link below is the first thing that popped up on Amazon searching for square plug socket but there's lots available there and elsewhere.
square plug socket

 

[Traditional Farmer]

If the socket drive is too large get an extension and grind it down to fit.

 

[4520BW]

Use a piece of square key stock

 

[DWF]

(quoted from post at 01:02:49 07/19/21) I've used appropriately-sized square stock when I didn't have a square drive that fits, and you can buy sets as well. Link below is the first thing that popped up on Amazon searching for square plug socket but there's lots available there and elsewhere.
square plug socket

have a set like that, don't use it a lot, but when needed it's great. I have used square stock but it was not very hard and if the plug was tight it would twist the square stock.
DWF

 

[Bob Bancroft]

So what size is it, if 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch won't fit it? Which reminds me, I think I found some 5/8 inch drive stuff in some old tools.

 

[Janicholson]

Square headed bolt that fits! vise grips and done! jim

 

[rustred]

i have removed those plugs on a 460 for the oil fill with bolts and a pipe wrench but but a size would be nice to know. i am quessing u have a 3/8 size so just use the rachet.

 

[leroy in ne]

Have a 5/16 from working in IH dealership in mid 60's haven't needed it since. I believe it was for the drain plug on 4 & 560 hydraulic filter housing, but may behaving memory failure.

 

[PJH]

I have a similar situation for the PTO clutch plug on my JD 50. I had a couple of square head bolts that fit the plug, and welded the bolt heads on a piece of flat stock. There's not much clearance above the plug for a regular wrench. I leave it in the tractor tool box.

Wrong color, but you can fix that. . .

 

[old]

Square head bolt and double nut work well and doesn't hurt the treads to boot

 

[Bob N.Y.]

If you know what size it is, get a square key to fit. I did that with a plug that had a 5/16 square hole.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

(quoted from post at 17:39:37 07/18/21) So what size is it, if 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch won't fit it? Which reminds me, I think I found some 5/8 inch drive stuff in some old tools.

Probably 7/16, 5/8, or 7/8.

These plugs were not designed to be removed with standard ratchet wrenches, because the modern standardized ratchet wrench did not exist when the plugs were designed. Probably the closest thing to the tools they used at the time are the pipe plug sockets.

"Use a square headed bolt." Yeah, I'll just go into my old-timey 1920's bolt bin and grab one...

 

[Determined]

-If you have a set of fluted style easy out's (good hard metal) you can use the back (non tapered) end of one that fits, turn it with a crescent wrench.

 

[DoubleO7]

="Charlie M"](reply to post at 20:49:50 07/18/21)

They do make pipe plugs with hex hole. Then you can use an allen wrench if you prefer.

 

[GeneMO]

(quoted from post at 17:51:12 07/18/21) Square headed bolt that fits! vise grips and done! jim

Weld a hex nut to the treaded portion too.

Gene

 

[Stephen Newell]

You might get a socket extension and grind it down to fit the size plug you have. It will be something you will need again and again.

 

[Pete in MD]

Stephen N.

You and Traditional Farmer have the same idea. He said: 'If the socket drive is too large get an extension and grind it down to fit.'

You two have the best solution.

 

[PJH]

Charlie says that he can't put in a regular pipe plug that will turn with a crescent wrench as the brake rod won't clear it. That's the last sentence in his post.

It sounds like he has a clearance problem. The brake rod is blocking access to the plug?

 

[Crazy Horse]

PJH .... by 'regular' pipe plug I assume he is talking about a plug which the square removal part is sticking out (and not recessed in). Most plugs these days have the square part being male, not female. This would probably be causing the clearance problem with whatever it is that's in the way.

 

[DoubleO7]

The brake rod movement in use might not allow the use of a sq. head pipe plug.
So he needs a flush pipe plug without any head on it.