Scootin159

17mm Hex Key Socket.

Looked all around this town, apparently even sears hardware doesn't stock them.

My idea then is this: Can I just go to the hardware store & buy a 17mm bolt and put two nuts on the other end (tightened into each other as to lock them in place), and just use the bolt head as the allen key? Will this work as well as a allen key socket if I just slide it into a 17mm socket?

Scootin159

If this doesn't work, Sears hardware does have a 17mm allen wrench for sale, but it's $15 just for the one wrench, plus not sure how much torque I could get with a 6" long wrench.

Sam Lin

My local Autozone had a set of 1/2" drive hex bits, the set had 3 sizes and one was the 17mm I needed. Total cost was under $10.

Sam

Scootin159

Cool, there's an autozone right near where I've got a doctors appointment tomarrow...I'll make sure to make a visit.

83na944

Try the local NAPA store. They stock a 17 mm allen wrench for VWs. Costs just a few bucks. Put the short end in the plug, and the long end in a 17 mm socket. Attach the longest breaker bar you have to the socket so that it flexes perpendicularly to the axis you need to rotate around. Push hard, it should come out. Don't try to use a hammer on the allen wrench, you may crack the plug (ask me how I know).

triscadek

Make sure you clean out the head of the bolt and don't drain the trans. until the fill plug is loose.

Others have learned these the hard way.

Hans

These plugs seem to come in 2 versions: 17mm hex and 17.5 mm hex.
I had both on my tranny.
You might want to measure them both before you move.
If you try to use the 17mm in the bigger hex there is a fair chance that something goes wrong with the plug.

Might want to try pick up a 7/16 nut ( ANSI B18.22) with double height. Hex size is 17.45 mm. Alternatively a 7/16 socket bit would probably be easier to get where you are....
TakeCare

Chris_924s

"If it's much more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, then Chris must have one hell of a time in his 924."

Dead on buddy!!

Paul C 944

I went to the hardware store and got a 17 mm double ended nut,.99 cents!
Put it in ,get your socket and your all set! I did also buy a 17 mm allen key at sears ,the double nut worked better!

Julian Allen

I think this Snap-on tool is probably the best value.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_d...store&tool=all

17mm 3/8 drive socket specifically designed for this purpose. Attach to a breaker bar or long ratchet and you're good to go.

Scootin159

Thanks for the help guys. Got it out w/ the Autozone part ($7 for a 3 pack of 14, 15 & 17mm) & a 4' pipe on the end of the breaker bar. Right now it's working on refilling...takes FOREVER for that 75w90 oil to flow through the 1/4" hose I'm using.