Gus and Group, If you want to get away from the special tool and the chances it will strip out. I have an oil drain plug that is SS and a brass that uses a standard 17mm wrench or a crescent. No hang ups and anyone can take it off. John Hervey www.specialTauto.com << The oil drain plug socket is a Snap-On tool, part number 111104 from delorean.com. I keep mine in the glovebox. I had a local lube shop offer to drill out the pan and install a "normal" plug. I passed! However, one could weld some square stock into the drainplug, making it male and removable with "normal" tools. And if you screw up, new drainplugs are about $4. I was turned away from a lube shop once, because my car was too exotic (Volvo?) and too expensive (less than that Lexus over there!). A letter to the shop owner got me an apology letter and a promise to stock my correct oil filter. Gus Schlachter VIN# 4695 Austin, TX >>