30mm socket for Jag oil drain plug

[texchappy]

I need to get a 30mm socket to fit the oil drain plug on my 1994 Jag XJS 4.0L. I've narrowed it down to...

Stahlwille: $21
Facom: $17
Hazet: $30
Snap-on: $38

I like the look of the Hazet the best. Any input on the choice? I want 6 point and it's pretty shallow so I'm thinking a shallow socket would work best.

Also, is there a better option than these? Looked at ratcheting box end but that size gets way up there. There's a pretty good amount of room but not enough that I'd want to use an open or box end. Socket and Ratchet seems like the easiest solution but I'm no experienced mechanic so I'm open to different ideas.

 

[kevin47]

I used to have the oil changed the dealer...Until that day they "stripped" the plug hole...And it started leaking...Had to go back to tell them about it...They Didn't even have the balls to tell me they'd F***ed up...!

 

[kiatech]

You had to make a thread to help you decide?

 

[kevin47]

You know they "loan" tools at your local auto supply store...Why invest in something you use once or twice a year...? Just saying...

 

[king nero]

this is just another good reason to own your own 30mm socket

 

[kevin47]

You had to make a thread to help you decide?

You get all kinds here...I thought this place was for important stuff...But appearantly it's not...Just read on...

 

[texchappy]

You had to make a thread to help you decide?

Yes I did because I haven't used a couple of the brands I'm looking at and was hoping to find some experienced replies.

 

[kevin47]

30, shermty...I use a "cresent" wrench...

 

[texchappy]

Ok, I give up. Guess looking for help is not part of what this website is about.

 

[Murphy4570]

30mm for an oil drain plug????

You've gotta be kidding me.

 

[pipsters]

Sears.com for under $8...

My old VW had a 30mm on the filter.

 

[bw77]

Craftsman 12pt is $8.
Worked to remove the crank pulley bolt on my Volvo.

 

[stonesfan68]

That's a big drain plug!

I just bought a 30mm Proto impact socket at Grainger to remove the crankshaft pulley off of my 2.5T Volvo engine. I paid $10 for the socket with my company's discount. The socket is made in the USA. Part # J7430M.

 

[texchappy]

30mm for an oil drain plug????

You've gotta be kidding me.

Nope, not kidding

Not the best video but if you skip to about :35 then you see this bad boy:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/brNBP8GtlZ4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[theamcaddict]

My first choice for this application is SK 40030. http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/SKT-40030.html


or


http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-34080.aspx

Snap on will also do.

 

[Jim C.]

I'm not really sure how a shallow socket on a ratchet is more shallow than a common open end or box end wrench. You mentioned potentially using a ratcheting box end wrench but were concerned with the cost. It seems that a ratcheting wrench that size would still be more shallow than a socket and ratchet setup, however, the head might be rather large. Are you concerned with the depth of the tool, or the head size of the tool? Is the plug recessed? If so, then head size would matter. As for sockets, those you've listed are all good choices. If that's all you're going to use it for is that oil pan plug, then pick the one with the best clearance to fit your needs considering the ratchet you'll be using it with.

Jim C.

 

[kevin47]

Ever hear of using rubber gloves...? Your wife will thank you...lol

 

[4xdog]

Ok, I give up. Guess looking for help is not part of what this website is about.

You gave up on GJ TWENTY ONE minutes after asking a simple -- trivial, even -- "opinion" question to which you'd already indicated you'd answered in your own mind?

Jeez... sit tight for a bit, buddy. There is no more helpful forum on the 'net than this one!

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

just buy whatever you like the best. they are all good enough (over kill) for OIL DRAIN PLUG.

 

[kevin47]

Remember what I said about the "dealer" and stripping plugs...See ya then...lol

 

[tyndall]

Ok, I give up. Guess looking for help is not part of what this website is about.

You're asking what the best socket is for a large, low torque bolt that will get used a few times per year at most. The answer is any that will fit. The fact that it's a Jag is irrelevant.

A Harbor Freight socket will work as well as a Snap-on - for that purpose. Unless you have other uses for it, or want it to match the rest of your sockets, brand doesn't matter. I'd buy a cheap socket and equally cheap ratchet and just leave them with my filters, oil and filter wrench.

 

[Subyroo651]

Just use a couple of rocks.. That thing is huge

 

[texchappy]

Thanks for the responses all. Lemme go through some of your questions jim

I'm not really sure how a shallow socket on a ratchet is more shallow than a common open end or box end wrench. You mentioned potentially using a ratcheting box end wrench but were concerned with the cost. It seems that a ratcheting wrench that size would still be more shallow than a socket and ratchet setup, however, the head might be rather large. Are you concerned with the depth of the tool, or the head size of the tool? Is the plug recessed? If so, then head size would matter. As for sockets, those you've listed are all good choices. If that's all you're going to use it for is that oil pan plug, then pick the one with the best clearance to fit your needs considering the ratchet you'll be using it with.

Jim C.

Shouldn't be too much problem with the depth of the tool. The plug is not recessed and is vertical at the back of the pan but at the bottom. I'm not sure a large 1/2 ratchet and a deep socket would fit but the same ratchet with a standard socket would fit.

For all who suggested C'man - that's what I used to use almost exclusively until the last few years I've gotten some Chinese versions that just weren't all the good. I'm a little gun shy of them

Just a note: I order almost everything on line as I'm mobility impaired.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I'd buy decent priced socket and invest money on torque wrench for oil drain plug.

 

[texchappy]

Sorry if I reacted gruffly, tough morning.

Reason I asked is
I am more concerned about messing up the head of this monster (rounding, etc) than breaking the tool. Wanted a good, safe grip.

Oh, and I think part of the reason for the big drain plug is that this engine takes 8.5 quarts of oil.

 

[Skyline]

Just a note: I order almost everything on line as I'm mobility impaired.

And you're changing your own oil??? Good for you.

 

[texchappy]

Yep, still changing my own oil - though sometimes I need help from a friend of mine. That's why getting the right tool for the job is important for me. The more I can rely on the tool rather than trying to figure a 'work around', the easier it is for me to finish and tackle other projects.

 

[Kracin]

Yep, still changing my own oil - though sometimes I need help from a friend of mine. That's why getting the right tool for the job is important for me. The more I can rely on the tool rather than trying to figure a 'work around', the easier it is for me to finish and tackle other projects.

you should focus less on wondering what brand of socket to use, and more on the best way to do it.

its a socket, and that bolt isn't torqued down like a head bolt or lugnut/bolt


like it was said before, buy a craftsman socket for 8 bucks, and spend the rest of your money on an inch/lb torque wrench so you don't have to worry about stripping threads on such a large bolt.

 

[texchappy]

you should focus less on wondering what brand of socket to use, and more on the best way to do it.

its a socket, and that bolt isn't torqued down like a head bolt or lugnut/bolt


like it was said before, buy a craftsman socket for 8 bucks, and spend the rest of your money on an inch/lb torque wrench so you don't have to worry about stripping threads on such a large bolt.

Good point that I missed before. Thank you.

 

[texchappy]

Am I thinking right in saying:
1/2" drive is the common size for 30mm sockets
3/8" drive is the common size for in/lb torque wrenches (in the range I need)
Therefore, I'll need to put a size adapter between them.

Correct? or am I missing something?

 

[srmofo]

I Have Used My Axle Sockets On Those. ...And Land Rover lugnuts

 

[TheJohn]

Am I thinking right in saying:
1/2" drive is the common size for 30mm sockets
3/8" drive is the common size for in/lb torque wrenches (in the range I need)
Therefore, I'll need to put a size adapter between them.

Correct? or am I missing something?

I'm sure SOMEONE makes 30mm 3/8 drive socket, but probably not that easy to come by. But yes, you can get an adapter.

 

[5mall5nail5]

I Have Used My Axle Sockets On Those. ...And Land Rover lugnuts

The most expensive OE lug nuts I've ever seen. Two piece lugs... so dumb. And big.

 

[woody 73]

Someone posted an SK 30mm socket for $14.90 in change plus shipping, that would be my first choice; although the others that the op listed are all top notch the cost plus shipping would kill it for me.

 

[willhollin]

Facom do a 30mm low profile 3/8" drive socket for this purpose.

http://www.primetools.co.uk/product/104179

Not sure on individual part number though.

 

[wedge40]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...et&sprefix=30mm+so,aps&rh=i:aps,k:30mm socket

 

[texchappy]

That's a pretty cool little kit will holin. They don't seem to be available separately but it's not too bad a price for all of them. Some of the others seem handy to change oil filters.

 

[texchappy]

I ended up with the Stahlwille 30mm socket. As Kracin advised, I went ahead and got a CDI in/lb torque wrench. Also picked up a Hazet double open end wrench in 30x32mm just in case. Part of me just wanted to try out new brands and thus the Stahlwille and Hazet.

 

[toolaholic]

I ended up with the Stahlwille 30mm socket. As Kracin advised, I went ahead and got a CDI in/lb torque wrench. Also picked up a Hazet double open end wrench in 30x32mm just in case. Part of me just wanted to try out new brands and thus the Stahlwille and Hazet.

You'll love the hazet wrench. I have a 20x22 deep offset I used to remove and install 22mm upper control arm nut on dakota r/t pick up. Real nice wrench.

 

[RKA]

A little late, but you can usually pick up these "oil change sockets" on eBay (like the facom sockets above). I like them because they are shallow and 3/8" drive despite the large socket size. I tend not to get too carried away torquing with a 3/8's (smaller clearance for the ratchet head is a bonus).