What size is a drain plug socket?
When it comes to performing routine maintenance on your vehicle, such as an oil change, knowing the correct size of the drain plug socket is essential. Using the wrong size can lead to stripped bolts or other complications. In this article, we’ll explore the typical sizes of drain plug sockets and provide tips to ensure you’re using the right tools for the job.
Understanding Drain Plug Sockets
A drain plug socket is a tool used to remove the oil drain plug from the oil pan during an oil change. The size of the socket you need depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of drain plug it uses. While there is no universal size, there are common sizes that fit most vehicles.
Common Drain Plug Socket Sizes
Here are the most frequently used drain plug socket sizes:
- Metric Sizes: 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, and 17mm are the most common sizes for vehicles with metric bolts, which are typically found in European and Asian cars.
- SAE Sizes: 1/2 inch, 9/16 inch, and 5/8 inch are common for vehicles with standard bolts, often found in American-made cars.
- Hex or Allen Sizes: Some vehicles use hex or Allen-style drain plugs, which may require sizes like 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm Allen keys or sockets.
How to Determine the Correct Size
To find the correct drain plug socket size for your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It often specifies the size of the drain plug and the tools required for an oil change.
- Inspect the drain plug itself. Many drain plugs have the size stamped on them for easy identification.
- If you’re unsure, use a socket set to test different sizes until you find the one that fits snugly without slipping.
Tips for Using a Drain Plug Socket
Here are some tips to ensure a smooth oil change process:
- Always use a socket that fits perfectly to avoid stripping the drain plug.
- Apply steady pressure when loosening or tightening the plug to prevent damage.
- Consider using a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
- Inspect the drain plug washer or gasket and replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct size of a drain plug socket is crucial for performing an oil change efficiently and without causing damage to your vehicle. By consulting your owner’s manual, inspecting the drain plug, and using the right tools, you can ensure a hassle-free maintenance experience. If you’re ever in doubt or need assistance, don’t hesitate to visit Kevin’s Autos for professional advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size socket is needed to change an oil filter?
It really depends on the year, make and model of your car. Your best bet is to by a tool set that has SAE and METRIC sockets. If you have a Japanese or European car, you want to make sure the tool set has sockets for 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 15mm though 19mm, and 21mm if possible.
What size socket do I need for an oil drain plug?
What size wrench to use for an oil drain plug depends on the size of the oil drain plug itself, which is a long bolt head. There is no universal oil plug size, but they do come in just a few several standard sizes, such as ¼ inch (. 6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (. 9 centimeters), ½ inch (1.3 centimeters), etc.
What size socket is a drain plug?
What size wrench to use for an oil drain plug depends on the size of the oil drain plug itself, which is a long bolt head. There is no universal oil plug size, but they do come in just a few several standard sizes, such as ¼ inch (. 6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (. 9 centimeters), ½ inch (1.3 centimeters), etc.
What size socket do I need to remove a drain plug?
Place a 3/8-inch (0.9 centimeters) socket in the socket wrench, fit it over the drain plug's nut and turn it counterclockwise. The oil drain plug should open easily, draining the used oil from the engine. Make sure to place a bucket and some newspaper under the car's engine to catch all the draining oil.
What size is a power socket plug?
The plug has two round pins measuring 4.8 by 19 mm (0.189 by 0.748 in), spaced 19 mm (0.748 in) apart and with an aperture for the socket's projecting earth pin.
What is the average size of a plug socket?
Characteristics of BS 546 three-pin plugs
| Current rating | 30 A |
|---|---|
| Length, line and neutral pins | 1.125 inches (28.6 mm) |
| Diameter, earth pin | 0.375 inches (9.5 mm) |
| Length, earth pin | 1.437 inches (36.5 mm) |
| Distance, L and N pin centres | 1.437 inches (36.5 mm) |
What size socket do I need to take the oil?
Most common sizes you need are 7, 8, 10, 12, 18 and 19. Well I did a full PDI (obviously didn't change fluid yet), and didn't need more than 16. You need an 18 for the spark plug and the 19 for the oil. Pretty much everything else can use the smaller sockets.
What is a pipe plug socket?
Pipe Plug Sockets are perfect to use for the removal of manual transmission, transfer case, engine oil pan, differential housing drain, fill plugs and various other applications on both foreign and domestic vehicles.
What size is a standard oil drain plug?
Oil Drain Plug Standard M12-1.5, Head Size 17Mm.
Do I need a special wrench to remove oil filter?
You can remove an oil filter either by hand, using a belt strap wrench, or improvise using a bandana. Other alternatives include using a hammer and screwdriver or using a pry bar. There are several reasons why you may need to remove an oil filter without a wrench. The most common reason is to avoid expenses.
