What's everyone's take on the 'easy' oil drain plug solutions?

I was in the process of ordering some new washers for the oil drain plug when I remembered that they have these tool free drain plugs. I had been meaning to look into a couple years ago but never got around to it.

I'm thinking that if you do your own oil changes, it makes sense to get one of these things. Cleaner, faster and simpler.

Has anyone had bad experiences after putting these things in? I don't want to end up with a leaky oil pan. Recommendations?

Here are a couple pictures for reference:

 

I have a Fumoto on my 3rd Gen and it works great.

 

I second the fumoto. It's awesome.

 

I should have mentioned that I have 2007 Corolla. I recently got rid of Taco

Is the Fumoto available for vehicles other than the Tacoma?

 

Yes it is.

 

Yeah, pretty much all Toyotas have the same drain plug thread.

I've never been a fan of those easy drain deals though. Takes too long and I'm good at not getting my hands dirty anyway.

 

The main reason for me is that it takes the wear and tear out of the equation on the drain plug and the threading. I don't have one of those torque wrenches where you can adjust how much torque to use so that you can use just the exact amount as required by the manufacturer. So when I'm screwing it back on, I'm just estimating on how tight to get that thing. I'm pretty sure I over tighten it because I can get OCD with that stuff. I don't want to end up stripping the threading on the oil pan.

I've also dealt with the drain plug getting rounded out and making it difficult to get a grip on.

 

The quick drains are only $25 so what the heck, why not? I do all of my own maintenance and oil changes and I can't quite see the point of them for a normally driven truck. You still have to get under the truck to drain the oil. Maybe you don't have to clean off the drain plug and put a new washer on it? It's only $25 so if that seems like something to be avoided, I would buy one.

 

Rube goldberg. Just more crap to get knocked off the bottom of your truck.

Anyone rounding oil drain plugs should probably employ the assistance of jiffy lube.

 

Wear and tear on a drain plug , and just how in the hell do you round off a drain plug?! Finally, getting a torque wrench out for an oil change would make the torque nazis proud. Do you have a proper set of metric tools? The $25 is far, far, far better spent on getting tools vs some plug. And for the love of ocd, don't worry so much, for a drain plug tight enough is more than good enough.

 

I have the fumoto valve as well.

One thing to keep in mind, it does take longer to drain since it's coming out of a smaller hole. So, it's "quicker" in opening the valve, but the drain time will be slower. It is nice to put a hose on it and put it straight into a bottle.

 

Neat idea, but I would second both of the above opinions haha

 

I've held off on getting a torque wrench. I can't seem to justify it. Might have to opt for it this time.

 

Fumoto drain valves seem to have several websites. Which is the most trustable source?

 

I third the fumoto. I love mine.

http://fumotousa.com/

 

Future you will thank you, $45 won't seem like a lot when your dealing with a stripped bolt

The 1/2" 10-150 ft-lb will cover any basic maintenance you're doin including lugnuts

$49 TEKTON 1/2" Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench (10-150 ft.-lb.) | 24335

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Torque-10-150-Lb-13-6-203-5-24335/dp/B00C5ZL0RU

 

I have a Stahlbus. It works well. Doesn't drain as fast as removing the plug, but it is simpler for sure. I just attach the drain hose first to get it going and leave it for a bit. I think it actually takes a bit longer honestly, but I like the simpler no tools option. I have a ton of tools, but I have changed the oil in good clothes and been fine because I get far less on me. Even with the filter. I've figured out a way to thread a towel below the filter to catch all the oil. Overall I'm happy with the setup.

https://www.stahlbus-us.com/oil-dra...s-oil-drain-valve-m12x125x12mm-steel-set.html

 

I would most definitely not use a torque wrench on an oil drain nut. Do we know if the torque specs are wet or dry? Being well lubricated it would be very easy to over-torque it and fuck yourself. I always go by feel for that reason.

 

From my experience in automotive, these tend to leak. For the price (last I saw was about $20-25), you would have to round off anywhere between 5-10 drain plugs to equate the cost. It's just not worth the one minute it saves from unscrewing/screwing the drain plug.

I've always tightened it by feel, and have never stripped one. I guarantee I overtighten too, because I illogically stress about it coming loose. The far bigger issue would be cross threading, in my mind. That's pretty easy to avoid.

If you're that concerned, a harbor freight torque wrench can be had for the same cost as that "hassle free" drain plug.

To each their own though. If it's worth it to you, get one.

 

A HF torque wrench will be cheaper than a fancy drain plug