Drain plug 8mm hex had stripped.
Tried the HD Husky nipple extractor...
https://www.homedepot.com/p/STARK-USA-Multi-Spline-Screw-Extractor-Set-Hex-Head-Bit-Socket-Wrench-Bolt-Remover-25-Peices-33604-H1/319376103?mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D25H-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-HandTools_2023&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-BNG-D25H-025_001_HAND_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PLALIA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-HandTools_2023-71700000117541823-58700008678130050-92700079618488909&msclkid=a839aa69399014bd235fcf963e2768a0&gclid=a839aa69399014bd235fcf963e2768a0&gclsrc=3p.ds
I bought the package with just 5... and while the one I used "connected"... "bit"... when I started to try to remove the plug the "bite" quit and started spinning. The next larger extractor in the 5 piece set... was too large. That aluminum is soft.
So... I did some more reading and decided to go with this:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/SER720
Following JFPs advice (from another forum and over a decade ago) I was gentle tapping, with a hammer, the largest extractor into the stripped hex hole. When I believed sufficiently was seated... i used a wrench to back out the plug. It didn't want to "agree" with me and, ever so slightly, I felt it some "give". I didn't want to further strip it out as this was my last resort before driving it down the hill to a guy I would trust with the removal... and oil change. So... I tried a technique I had read in an old thread...
I positioned my jack directly under and centered with the extractor sticking out of the plug. I placed a piece of wood on the jack and gently jacked it slightly into the extractor. This caused the extractor to better seat and, while I would turn the wrench... would hold it "up" and in position.
Started turning the wrench... and at the plug didn't want to release. Gave a little (just a little. just a little) more lift with the jack... and gave a little more effort to the wrench. "Pop". The plug released, and I finished the oil change. Hopefully this will help someone else.
Removed the extractor... tossed the old plug. On another, unrelated, note...
Lowering the car I noticed the nice "crows eyes" cracking at the driver side crease point of the vinyl window. I think I'm just taking it to a shop... cut out the vinyl window... sew in a custom fit black vinyl window. You know... same material as the top. No rear window. Thoughts?
