Oil Drain Plug Repair Kit: Options and Use
A stripped oil pan thread does not mean a new oil pan: a repair kit cuts a larger thread and fits a new plug and washer to match.
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A stripped oil pan thread turns a routine oil change into a leak and leaves the drain plug spinning instead of seating. An oil drain plug repair kit fixes that without a new oil pan: the kit cuts a slightly larger thread in the damaged hole, then fits a new plug and washer to match. This guide covers how the repair works, how to pick the right size, and the kits for a home garage.
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DAYUAN 114Pcs Oil Pan Thread Repair Kit Sump
A 114-piece oil pan thread repair kit in M13 to M22 sizes with 6 taps, 36 drain plugs and 72 copper washers, in hardened steel, with a 1 year warranty.
Pros
- 6 taps, M13 x 1.25 to M22 x 1.5
- 36 drain plugs, 6 in each size
- 72 copper washers included
- 1 year warranty stated
Cons
- Uneven washer counts: 24 M13, 12 in each other size
- Copper washers only, no aluminum washers
- Carry case not stated
- Plug plating is not stated
OMT 150pc Oil Drain Plug Repair Kit in M13 M15 M17
A 150-piece metric oil drain plug repair kit in M13, M15, M17, M20 and M22 sizes with taps, crush washers, drain plugs and a carry case, with a 1 year warranty.
Pros
- 150 pieces, the largest kit here
- Carry case included
- Zinc-plated hex sump plugs
- 1 year warranty stated
Cons
- Plug and washer counts per size are not stated
- Tap pitches are not stated
- Aluminum washers only, no copper washers
- Tap hardening is not stated
BILITOOLS 84-Piece Oil Drain Plug Repair Kit
An 84-piece oil drain plug repair kit in M13, M15, M17, M20 and M22 sizes with 6 taps, 18 sump plugs, 30 copper washers and 30 aluminum washers.
Pros
- 6 taps with pitches stated
- 30 copper and 30 aluminum washers
- 18 sump plugs included
- Fits passenger cars and light trucks
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Carry case not stated
- 84 pieces, the smallest multi-size kit here
- Plug material is not stated
M13*1.5 Oil Drain Plug Repair Kit,Oil Pan Drain
An M13-only oil drain plug repair kit with 1 tap, 6 M13 screws and 12 aluminum washers in a storage case, for converting an M12 drain hole to M13.
Pros
- Converts an M12 drain hole to M13
- Storage case included
- Carbon steel tap with sharp cutting edges stated
- Covers oil pans, transmissions and differentials
Cons
- M13 x 1.5 only, no other size
- 6 screws and 12 washers only
- Warranty within 3 months
- No copper washers included
What an Oil Drain Plug Repair Kit Does
An oil drain plug repair kit restores the thread inside the oil pan drain hole after the original thread strips or wears. The tap cuts a slightly larger thread in the damaged hole, and the kit supplies a new drain plug and washer sized to that new thread. The AKWDSL listing names over-torquing and tool slippage during oil changes as the cause, and states its kit works without dismantling the pan.
How to Pick the Right Size
Check the manual for the drain plug size your vehicle uses before ordering. The multi-size kits here cover M13, M15, M17, M20 and M22, with the BILITOOLS and DAYUAN kits listing 6 taps: M13 x 1.25, M13 x 1.5, M15 x 1.5, M17 x 1.5, M20 x 1.5 and M22 x 1.5. Pitch matters as much as diameter: M13 alone comes in 1.25 and 1.5 pitches in these kits, so match both figures to the plug you need.
The AKWDSL kit is the exception: it covers M13 x 1.5 only and converts an M12 drain hole to M13. Pick a multi-size kit when you work on several vehicles, and the M13-only kit when the job is one M13 x 1.5 thread.
Oil Drain Plug Repair Kit Picks for the Garage
Each kit below supplies the tap, plug and washer for its sizes, so match the kit to the drain plug size before ordering.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Support the vehicle on rated stands on solid, level ground and never rely on a jack alone, and follow the lift points in the owner’s manual.
Before You Start: What to Check
- Confirm the size and pitch. Check the manual and the old plug, then pick the tap that matches both figures.
- Coat the tap with engine oil. The AKWDSL listing calls for engine oil as a lubricant on the tap.
- Thread the tap in vertically, slowly. The AKWDSL listing describes threading the tap vertically into the drain hole to cut the new thread.
- Fit the new plug with moderate torque. Over-tightening can strip the fresh thread again.
- Use the washer the kit supplies.
FAQ: garage tools
What size oil drain plug repair kit do I need?
Check the manual for your drain plug size, then match the size and the pitch. The multi-size kits here cover M13, M15, M17, M20 and M22, with M13 in 1.25 and 1.5 pitches. The AKWDSL kit covers M13 x 1.5 only and converts an M12 hole to M13.
Can I fix a stripped oil drain plug thread without removing the oil pan?
Yes. The AKWDSL listing states its kit repairs the oil pan without dismantling it: the tap cuts a new thread in the drain hole in place, then a new plug and washer go in.
Do these kits include new drain plugs and washers?
Yes, each kit includes both. The DAYUAN kit has 36 drain plugs and 72 copper washers, the BILITOOLS kit has 18 sump plugs with 30 copper and 30 aluminum washers, and the AKWDSL kit has 6 screws and 12 aluminum washers. The OMT kit includes drain plugs and crush washers, with no count per size stated.
Will these kits fit my car?
The OMT and DAYUAN listings name passenger cars and light trucks, including Audi, VW, BMW, Ford, Honda, Toyota and Volvo. The AKWDSL listing states its kit works on most cars, SUVs and trucks. Check the manual for your drain plug size.
Related: oil pan drain plug size guide, how to change oil, oil change DIY kit and our engine and shop equipment hub.
