I cannot get this thing off- I don't have a socket big enough, but my crescent wrench is stripping it- what size socket do I need to pick up tomarrow? I'm assuming its metric.
thanks
Luke

Once you do get the appropriate tool, give the side of the plug a few *gentle* taps with *light* hammer and punch or other tool -- like tapping the edge of a tight jar lid on the counter to loosen it. You obviously don't want to whang on the thing so hard you distort the pan, you get the idea, I hope. Depending on how well rounded the plug is now, you may need to do a little filing to get a nice fit on your socket. You probably will want to get a new plug/copper washer for it, too, if you haven't already.

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'81 GLT 245 W/245K; '83 DL 175K

A 1" six point should certainly do it. The OEM plugs are originally 25mm,slightly different, and a quality 25mm socket fits more precisely. But if it is now stripped/rounded, it may not make any difference.
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Gary Gilliam Sumerduck VA, '94 940 na Regina 150k, '86 240 180k

1" Go figure.
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '86 740 GLE turbo diesel, '82 Mercedes 300SD for sale

In my case, I took the need for a 25 mm. / 1" wrench for oil changes as an opportunity to buy a set of SAE (inch sizes) combination wrenches at an economical price. Still using them today.

Buying either a 1" or a 25 mm. wrench separately would likely cost nearly the same as the whole set of combination wrenches. If you insist on only a premium brand, all bets are off. My set is a no-name brand.

craftsman is the best bet if you ask me. I am a true believer in the premium brand tools such as SK and Matco, but my pocketbook is not so strong a believer as they cost up to 10x what craftsman will run. they are reasonable substitutes and have a lifetime warantee....I have yet to break even one craftsman socket....I have gone through dozens of off branders though...And we repeat the mantra yet again "always use 6 point tools on 6 point fasteners unless it is completely impossible" hey maybe even spring and get some of those nifty geared/racheting box-end wrenches....good luck and pray for no stripped threads.....I hate it when people over tighten things