Stripped sump plug - alternative solution

[CovKid]

5.20 mins in. I've done this myself on stripped sump plugs. Works very well. So does the improvised copper washer which can also work on exhaust manifolds if you're stuck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5LWcTVeWR8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[what2do]

.....even ugly girls, am I right?

The man is a non stop oral delight!

[what2do]

Never thought to use copper wire, 'neat' trick. I've often used this method but instead of using the file to form the cutting edge, I run the hacksaw up the thread in about 4 or 5 places. Same same but different. Also, a very handy tip; with the cutting edges formed, i just wind in my bolt to clean up any rusty holes. This is avoids the possibility of damaging the threads when inserting a new bolt.

[keith]

Good trick.....but why does he insist on being 100% american.

[CovKid]

Ken Wilford is American (80-90 member) with some brilliant videos on Youtube, but yep, I know what you mean . Interestingly, the copper wire trick can be taken a step further with patience. I can think of quite a few gaskets I've made that way on a Sunday, by plaiting copper wire to form a complete circular gasket. Not convinced a spiral wire is as good as one where wire is crushed back on itself. Copper flattens easy so you get a more reliable seal. For quite a few years, Beetle tailipe gaskets were made of asbestos (I remember those) then concerns about the material made them switch to the endless wire basket type. Bit like home made carb gaskets - time consuming but quite satisfying to do.

I had a similar issue re-keying door locks this week when I hit one lock with a corroded grub screw. No choice but to drill it out but managed on the refit with a steel self-tapper ground off flush. Old handle so I considered it a one-off job anyway and therefore perfectly acceptable.

Once drove 60 odd miles in a bug with one sparkplug (on a stripped head) held in place with a wedged spanner. Its knowing what you can get away with in dire need but at the same time weighing up whether you want to do it right or face the same job twice.

[keith]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

[ghost123uk]

I have done similar too. It's finding a bolt that is just the right size. I have mostly done it on stuff that had Imperial threads, and one can often find a Metric bolt that is just that tad wider. I suppose the opposite would be true too.

[keith]

The bloke who had my Lambretta before me must have watched this video......many times

[kevtherev]

The bloke who had my Lambretta before me must have watched this video......many times

Worth three.