Square head bolt size

[bambam31]

I need to remove this bolt to grease this area. Anybody know what size it is? I tried to remove it with a wrench but it started to strip. I need to get a socket.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[Daren Todd]

The socket for it is the same size as the wrench that fit it snug It takes an 8pt socket Napa auto parts may have them, or if a Harbour freight is near by, they have them.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/8pt-socket

 

[lugbolt]

I "think" it's 1/4" square. Take a 1/4" drive extension and put the female end on the plug's square. The other end, put a adjustable metric wrench on the male square. Should be able to pull it out that way. One can also put a socket on the male end and then use a bolt with double nut to turn it.

8 point socket is the correct tool, however.

And sometimes in a pinch a 12 point socket can be made to fit on it but you can't get crazy with the torque.

 

[Creature Meadow]

It will be metric but I do not know what size.

You may know it is metric, just wanted to make sure you were aware.

 

[armylifer]

What is wrong with using the correct size open end wrench? Am I missing something here? Most plugs that I have encountered that are square are 3/8" open end wrench size.

 

[Daren Todd]

What is wrong with using the correct size open end wrench? Am I missing something here? Most plugs that I have encountered that are square are 3/8" open end wrench size.

Occasionally you find someone put a little too much MOJO on it from the factory. Then the wrenches usually expand slightly and start to round of the square head plug.

 

[bucktail]

Occasionally you find someone put a little too much MOJO on it from the factory. Then the wrenches usually expand slightly and start to round of the square head plug.

Plus you're putting all of the stress on 2 corners instead of 4.

 

[armylifer]

Occasionally I have found what Darren said, to be true. However, I find that putting the open end wrench on the plug and putting pressure on it while rapping it a couple of times with a hammer as I firmly but carefully turn the plug, that they come out without too much trouble. When putting it back in, I use either anti-seize or Teflon tape on the threads.

I have used sockets to try to remove them in the past and have ended up cracking one or two 12 point sockets as a result.

All that being said, I have encountered the one or two that just were so stubborn that I had to find alternate means to get them out. That usually involved a vise grip pliers and a replacement plug.

 

[Daren Todd]

I have used sockets to try to remove them in the past and have ended up cracking one or two 12 point sockets as a result.

All that being said, I have encountered the one or two that just were so stubborn that I had to find alternate means to get them out. That usually involved a vise grip pliers and a replacement plug.

That's why I recommended investing in a cheap set of "8" point sockets. They are specifically designed for the square plugs.

Usually on those little buggers, I reinstall with the proper open end wrench. This way, you know they are gonna come back out with out much persuasion.

I've occasionally had a tater head install one with an impact. Usually results in buffing the paint off the plug. Driving a nut onto said plug. Then welding the snot out of the inside of the nut. Then using an impact to remove it. Usually also involves lots of cursing of the idiot who installed the plug with an impact

 

[RCW]

That's why I recommended investing in a cheap set of "8" point sockets. They are specifically designed for the square plugs.

Always figured I was missing something with those square heads.

Now I know - thanks Daren!

 

[Lil Foot]

Generally, I don't have much trouble with square head drain plugs; I use a quality set of open ends, or eight point sockets. But if I have to bugger one up after some taterhaid uses an impact to install it, I then mill that square into a standard size hex head.

 

[Daren Todd]

Always figured I was missing something with those square heads.

Now I know - thanks Daren!

Your welcome Another handy tool to invest in. An Allen wrench socket set that's standard and metric. More and more implements are moving away from the square heads, to recessed plugs that take an Allen wrench. A set of sockets make it a breeze to remove the plugs.

 

[Bulldog]

Instead of a cheap set from Harbor Freight might look at these instead. They have them in all 3 drive sizes and so far I've been pleased. Square head bolts are one of their specialties. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-19-p...lerId=Sears&prdNo=40&blockNo=40&blockType=G40

The ratchets are really nice too.

 

[bambam31]

As always, thanks to everyone at OTT for the words of wisdom.

 

[Tooljunkie]

I have a really good (signet) crescent wrench. For some odd reason it grabs square plugs really well. I do have double square sockets, welded 1/4" extension to nuts and my favorite for stubborn small square plugs is the tap handle from my tap and die set.got desperate to set the band in my A727 and lost the 5/16" double square tap handle worked slick.

 

[bambam31]

I just wanted to follow up on my square bolt issue I had back in October. I ordered an 8 point socket set for $5 on ebay but it didn't have the correct size. So, I ended up getting a kobalt universal set. The 5/16 socket is what was needed. I was able to remove the square head bolt without any slippage.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Universal-19-Piece-Standard-Sae-3-8-in-Drive-Spline-Socket-Set/999957949?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-MechanicsTools-_-999957949:Kobalt&CAWELAID=&kpid=999957949&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=549&k_clickID=2dc899fa-d7eb-4833-aa98-70af28fd9a20

 

[NoJacketRequired]

I've found that applying heat using an electric heat gun (not propane torch) really helps these guys come out without fuss and muss. Only takes maybe a minute or less of heat application and they come out quite easily.

 

[cerlawson]

Short of welding on something, I'd try heating it as hot as you can without causing a fire nearby, with propane torch. After cooling you should try to get it off with what ever tool you have, such as vice grip wrench. If no go, heat it again. The heating expands it and due to restrictions it actually gets squashed, making it smaller diameter.

 

[Tooljunkie]

I caved and bought the 5/16" square off the snap on truck a couple weeks ago. Needed to set bands in another transmission. I dont regret it for a second. After so many times of improvising i had enough.

Glad you got the plug out,was picturing a drill and a set if easy-outs. Followed with a tap.