Does anybody have a good idea on how to remove a stripped drain plug.  I understand now why you shouldn't buy cheap tools.

Take the pan off and take to a machinist or other shop, or essentially have someone hold it and use vice grips on it.
Cool.
Srinath.

Or go to sears and get a set of the stripped-bolt-removing sockets.  EzOut I think they're called.  Haven't used them myself, heard good things though.

Quote from: JeremichiDoes anybody have a good idea on how to remove a stripped drain plug.  I understand now why you shouldn't buy cheap tools.

So when you use the word "stripped" do you mean that the actual threads are damagaed or do you mean that you rounded off the head of the bolt so that the wrench will no longer fit?

As for tools you want to always use a closedor boxed end wrench of the proper size to do all work.  Also just because it kinds of fits the nut such as using a 1/2" wrench when you should use a 13mm or 9/16" for a 14mm does not mean it will work.  If you have a socket set macke sure it is a set of 6-point sockets not 12-point.  The 6-point has a better fit on the nut/bolt so it will not damage the nut/bolt.

If you have tools keep the standard and metric in different tool boxes so that you will not grab the wrong size tool for you repair.

Back to your damaged drain plug bolt:  If you rounded off the head of the bolt so that the wrench does not fit properly then you can try and use the good for nothing good vise grips.  Make sure they are "Vise-Grip" brand and not some cheap clone that will do more damage.

If you damaged the threads you are a bit screwed since to do a proper repair you will need to remove the oil pan lowere cover from tour bike and take it to a machine shop and have them fix it for you.  They might need to tap it out to another size and use a larger bolt to fix your mistake.