How do you remove the square head filler plug?

[Chevyman680063]

I'm trying to remove the filler plug/bolt on the rearend to add some more fluid but the square head on it is giving me a hard time. I tried removing it with several different size sockets and pliers but that's just wanting to round off the plug. So does anyone have any suggestions how to remove it or is there a socket or adapter that will remove a square head? Thanks for the help.

[Beetle]

Take a 3/8 ratchet with a 3/8 extension to give you more room to move the ratchet and just put it in the plug. No socket needed.

[midniteblues]

If you have the innie plug the 3/8 square head of an extention should work
if you have the outie square plug try a correct size open end wrench if you cant get enough torque to break it free a cheater pipe over the rachet or wench allways worked for me

[geezer#99]

Heat!! Small propane heaters will apply a little heat.
Or you could whack the head straight on with a hammer then put an open end wrench on it and turn it while hitting it with the hammer. The hammer helps jar it loose. Like a hammer wrench!!
Beetle's suggestion is for the style of plug that has a square hole in it.

[Chevyman680063]

It's the outward square plug.

[haysonj]

Originally Posted by Chevyman680063

I'm trying to remove the filler plug/bolt on the rearend to add some more fluid but the square head on it is giving me a hard time. I tried removing it with several different size sockets and pliers but that's just wanting to round off the plug. So does anyone have any suggestions how to remove it or is there a socket or adapter that will remove a square head? Thanks for the help.

Go to Sears and buy the correct socket for a square head bolt and use an impact

[AJII]

Crescent wrench has always done the trick for me

[Daddy'O]

Make sure there is no debris in the square. If there is it will limit how far the 3/8 extension will fit and can cause the rounding you're describing. They do make a proper tool for the plug - it's called a pipe plug socket. Not real easy to find locally though. I've heard of guys welding a bolt to the plug for removal if it was really stuck or severely rounded off before. Hope you don't have to go to those measures.

Just read where you have the outy not the inny. Try an Oklahoma speed wrench (AKA Cresent or adjustable wrench). You could also try vise-grips too.

Good luck!

[leddzepp]

Spray it with some PB Blaster, liquid wrench, etc. Use a pair of vise grips instead of pliers. Good luck.

[cdowns]

alota of good sugestions// turn counterclockwise to loosen

[OldCreek]

Originally Posted by cdowns

alota of good sugestions// turn counterclockwise to loosen

[turp mcspray]

Use a 12 point socket, or a 12 point box end wrench, or an open end wrench/cresent wrench.

[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Use a 12 point socket, or a 12 point box end wrench, or an open end wrench/cresent wrench.

The proper socket for a square headed plug would be a 4 or 8 point socket, the 12 point tends to round off the corners, I have learned this lesson before...
when you get the old one out throw it as far as you can, then go get a internal hex headed plug that you can use an allen wrench to take out.
good luck

[fakerwade]

Originally Posted by chevytruckluver

The proper socket for a square headed plug would be a 4 or 8 point socket, the 12 point tends to round off the corners, I have learned this lesson before...
when you get the old one out throw it as far as you can, then go get a internal hex headed plug that you can use an allen wrench to take out.
good luck

Ding, ding, ding!!! We have a winner!!! Eight point sockets are readily available.

[GuyO]

Yep, spray with penetrating oil - leave overnight. Open end or Cresent and if really rusted and you have a good bite, use a cheater if not a little heat from a small propane or mapp torch. Don't chew up the head with pliers.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by GuyO

Don't chew up the head with pliers.

If it's already boogered up and you still can't get it loose, try a pipe wrench. The more force you put on it, the tighter it will grip. And it's easy to slide a cheater pipe over the handle....