re: tranny plug(ged), and tool tricks

["Dave C." <conner@grinten.cfm.ohio-state.edu>]

On Dec 22, Ken wrote: "I'm using a Craftsman allen wrench"

You can adapt that Craftsman allen wrench, or any other allen wrench, for
use with a socket wrench...
Take a hacksaw and saw off part of the long end of the allen wrench.  
For the 17 mm tranny plug, a 1.0 - 1.5 inch (3 cm) piece works well.  Then
use this in your 17 mm socket.  This also allows use of a torque wrench on
the plug.  This trick also works with other allen wrench sizes. 
 Also, screwdriver bits for power drivers can be driven with a socket
wrench, allowing more options for getting at fasteners with difficult
access, and more effective torque application.  A 1/4 inch drive ratchet
wrench is one of my handiest tools.

BTW, I also mangled one of these fill plugs...the inaccessible one on the
final drive, 89 100 with auto trans.  Split the sides off the plug, and had
to have it drilled and extracted with an easy out.  Fluid level was OK though.

Dave C.
Columbus, OH
89 100, 87 5KS, 86 4KQ