13mm 6 point wrench

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We bought a 2006 Buick Lacrosse CX 3.8l with 37,000 - 38,000 miles , this last June . The dealer had the oil changed before we took delivery .

Does not appear to require Dexos oil . 3000 miles later , went to change the oil / filter , this last weekend . Took a while to locate the filter & how to get to it to remove & replace it . Then the drain plug came next .

Turns out it is 13mm . Took my 13mm 12 point combination wrench . VERY TIGHT ! Short version , ended up using my largest vice grips to loosen & remove the drain plug ( after which the hex head was pretty messed up ) .

Tried to find a 13mm 6 point wrench this last weekend . Found one , today , at Sears . Craftsman , made in China . Let us hope for the best .
 
Hope so . I replaced the messed up drain plug with a new one from O'Reilly . Will find out in 3000 miles .

Put Mobil dino oil in it . Bought a NAPA Silver filter which I will use next time .

Thanks , :)
 
I bet if you ground off the moved metal on the points the 12 pt would fit. If you rounded of the hex, then the plug was too tight. 1/4 turn past snug works with drain plugs, oil filters, and plugs
 
I'll give you a protip. NEVER, ever use a 12 point, unless there is a real compelling reason to do so. Amazingly, since I have done away with 12 points, I have never rounded off a nut in years. Like 10 plus years. Using a 6 point most of the time is the way to go.

Combination wrenches should not be near an oil change, in my opinion. I have used for years a 3/8 ratchet that extends to like 14 inches for extra leverage on those really tight plugs.
 
6-pt vs. 12-pt isn't the issue... what you want is off-corner engagement which goes by many names: Snap-On Flank Drive, Wright Grip, SK SureGrip, etc.

Most sockets, box-ends and some open-ends are manufactured this way nowadays. They'll seem a bit "loose" on the fastener and the idea is not to engage the corners of fasteners which leads to rounding/stripping.

flank%20drive-S.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
I'll give you a protip. NEVER, ever use a 12 point, unless there is a real compelling reason to do so. Amazingly, since I have done away with 12 points, I have never rounded off a nut in years. Like 10 plus years. Using a 6 point most of the time is the way to go.

Combination wrenches should not be near an oil change, in my opinion. I have used for years a 3/8 ratchet that extends to like 14 inches for extra leverage on those really tight plugs.


I've never rounded a bolt with a 12 point and honestly I always used box ends during an oil change. If you have the wrench squarely seated on the drain plug, you will have no issues.
 
when doing oil changes I always loosen the plug with a 3/8 ratchet and the proper size 6 point socket, I then snug the plug up with the ratchet socket/and then the plug gets torqued to spec...every time.....never had a problem
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
+1 Never had a problem with 12pt wrenches.


How many have you used on overtorqued or "seized" bolts?

You've seen more than many of us combined is why I ask.

It only takes one or two to say "never again" in DIY land. But I have to wonder if the success associated with your claim is due to being a pro and actually using the right tool for the job?
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Trav
+1 Never had a problem with 12pt wrenches.


How many have you used on overtorqued or "seized" bolts?

You've seen more than many of us combined is why I ask.

It only takes one or two to say "never again" in DIY land. But I have to wonder if the success associated with your claim is due to being a pro and actually using the right tool for the job?


I wont even attempt using a 12pt on a bolt or nut that has a damaged or rusted slightly undersized head (very common on parts like exhaust manifolds in the salt belt).
I cant remember a time i had trouble with an over torqued fasteners, use good quality tools that fit properly and keep it square on the fastener head.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
... use good quality tools that fit properly and keep it square on the fastener head.


I work in hydraulics with the many socket-head capscrews in some larger sizes. I enjoy getting friends who brag about the low cost tool set they bought and getting them to compare their wrenches vs a REAL (for me, JH Williams/SnapOn Industrial) wrench on say a 9/16 or 16mm Allen wrench in a vise. The slop will amaze you.

The other problem is in nuts from the box stores; I think they buy them specially to almost work with either metric or English wrenches.
 
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