A crush washer seals your oil drain plug by compressing one time to stop leaks. The best 2026 options include bulk copper and aluminum packs plus exact-fit sets for brands like Subaru. The right pick depends on how often you change oil and whether you want universal sizes or a direct match.
Here are five solid crush washers that can help keep your drain plug dry and your driveway clean.
| 325-Piece Copper Metric Crush Washer Assortment Kit |
| Best Assortment Kit | Material: Red copper | Washer Size: Assorted metric sizes (M5–M14) | Outer Diameter: Varies by size | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| VOTEX Oil Drain Plug Crush Washers 20-Pack |
| Best OEM Alternative | Material: Soft-tempered aluminum | Washer Size: M14 / 14.3 mm ID | Outer Diameter: 22 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Wevdn 14mm Oil Drain Plug Gaskets (10 PCS) |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Material: Copper | Washer Size: 14 mm ID | Outer Diameter: 20 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 16 Pcs Oil Drain Plug Gaskets for Subaru |
| Best for Subaru | Material: High-quality material | Washer Size: 16 mm ID | Outer Diameter: 20.5 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 510PCS Aluminum Oil Drain Plug Crush Washer Assortment |
| Best Bulk Assortment | Material: Aluminum | Washer Size: Assorted sizes (M6–M24) | Outer Diameter: Varies by size | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
325-Piece Copper Metric Crush Washer Assortment Kit
Should you want a well-rounded assortment kit for oil drain plug sealing, this 325-piece copper set fits the job. You get 10 metric sizes, including M5, M6, M8, M10, M12, and M14, so common drain plugs and banjo bolts are covered.
Why it works:
- Premium red copper resists heat, corrosion, and wear.
- The flat crush design spreads clamping pressure, cuts friction, and helps stop leaks.
What you’ll like:
- A transparent storage box keeps sizes visible.
- The chart speeds up grabbing the right washer.
- It suits automotive, marine, hydraulic, plumbing, and DIY jobs.
Basically, it’s organized insurance against drips.
- Material:Red copper
- Washer Size:Assorted metric sizes (M5–M14)
- Outer Diameter:Varies by size
- Thickness:Varies by size
- Quantity:325 pieces
- Compatibility:Automotive, motorcycle, marine, hydraulic, plumbing, DIY
- Additional Feature:Heat-resistant copper
- Additional Feature:Transparent organizer box
- Additional Feature:Detailed size chart
VOTEX Oil Drain Plug Crush Washers 20-Pack
For a reliable OEM-style alternative, this VOTEX M14 20-pack suits DIY oil changers who want dependable sealing without overpaying. You get soft-tempered aluminum washers, 22 mm outer diameter, 14.3 mm inner diameter, and 2 mm thickness, sized for M14 drain plugs and built to create an oil-tight seal.
Why it stands out:
- It fits a long list of OEM references, including 94109-14000 and 90430-12031.
- You get 20 washers, enough for several services.
- Wisconsin-based support helps with fitment questions.
But take note the fine print: seller states AS IS, with Amazon’s 30-day return policy. Still, that’s plenty practical.
- Material:Soft-tempered aluminum
- Washer Size:M14 / 14.3 mm ID
- Outer Diameter:22 mm
- Thickness:2 mm
- Quantity:20 pieces
- Compatibility:M14 oil drain plugs; multiple OEM references
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:Soft-tempered aluminum
- Additional Feature:Wisconsin-based support
Wevdn 14mm Oil Drain Plug Gaskets (10 PCS)
Wevdn’s budget-friendly pick suits you best whenever you need a simple, dependable 14 mm copper crush washer set.
You get 10 high-quality copper gaskets sized:
- 14 mm inner diameter
- 20 mm outer diameter
- 1.2 mm thick
That fit differential and transfer case drain plugs, provided you verify dimensions initially. The copper resists corrosion, heat, cold, and wear, so you get a flat, tight seal that lasts and leaks less than many plastic or steel alternatives. And because the design mirrors the original gasket profile, installation stays straightforward:
- Remove the old washer.
- Match measurements.
- Torque the plug properly.
Done, no mystery puddles later.
- Material:Copper
- Washer Size:14 mm ID
- Outer Diameter:20 mm
- Thickness:1.2 mm
- Quantity:10 pieces
- Compatibility:Differential and transfer case applications
- Additional Feature:Differential/transfer case use
- Additional Feature:Smooth wear-resistant surface
- Additional Feature:Better than steel
16 Pcs Oil Drain Plug Gaskets for Subaru
Need a solid, best-for-Subaru drain plug seal replacement? This 16-piece set fits Subaru part 803916010 and gives you a simple, wallet-friendly way to refresh your oil drain plug seal at home.
You get:
- 16 crush washers
- 20.5 mm outer diameter
- 16 mm inner diameter
They’re built from high-quality material with professional manufacturing, and that crush washer design helps create a dependable seal as you tighten the plug. It fits Outback, Impreza, Forester, BRZ, XV, Crosstrek, WRX, and ASCENT. Installation is easy:
- Remove the old gasket.
- Slide on the new washer.
- Reinstall the plug.
Done, and no shop waiting room coffee.
- Material:High-quality material
- Washer Size:16 mm ID
- Outer Diameter:20.5 mm
- Thickness:Not specified
- Quantity:16 pieces
- Compatibility:Subaru Outback, Impreza, Forester, BRZ, XV, Crosstrek, WRX, Ascent
- Additional Feature:Subaru-specific fit
- Additional Feature:Professional manufacturing
- Additional Feature:Easy DIY installation
510PCS Aluminum Oil Drain Plug Crush Washer Assortment
This 510-piece kit stands out as a smart bulk assortment for anyone servicing multiple drain plug sizes. You get 18 aluminum washer sizes from M6 to M24, packed in a labeled plastic box, so grabbing the right gasket doesn’t become a treasure hunt.
Why it works:
- Polished aluminum resists corrosion and oxidation.
- It seals better than rubber in harsh heat, cold, and humidity.
- It helps reduce friction, spread clamping pressure, and prevent leaks or loosening.
You’ll get big counts where you need them most, including M6, M8, M10, and M12. And with flat and internal tooth lock styles, it covers automotive, hydraulic, electrical, and household jobs nicely.
- Material:Aluminum
- Washer Size:Assorted sizes (M6–M24)
- Outer Diameter:Varies by size
- Thickness:Varies by size
- Quantity:510 pieces
- Compatibility:Automotive, electrical, hydraulic, ship, household/commercial appliances
- Additional Feature:18 assorted sizes
- Additional Feature:Labeled compartment box
- Additional Feature:Harsh-environment ready
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crush Washer for an Oil Drain Plug
When I choose a crush washer for an oil drain plug, I focus on a few basics that save a lot of hassle later: correct size match, material and sealing ability, resistance to heat and corrosion, kit quantity, and vehicle compatibility. And should even one of those be off, a simple oil change can turn into a slow leak, a stripped plug headache, or an extra trip to the parts store, which nobody needs. I’ll walk you through how I check each point so you can pick the right washer the first time.
Correct Size Match
A correct size match comes down to three dimensions I always check initially: inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness. Get those right, and the washer sits properly instead of acting like a tiny leak invitation.
I recommend this quick checklist:
- Measure the drain plug shank and thread size, then match the washer ID to that shank, or go just a hair larger. For an M14 plug, that usually means about 14 mm ID.
- Confirm the OD fits the seating surface or recess so it lays flat and seals evenly.
- Match thickness to the application, usually around 1.0 to 2.0 mm, so it compresses correctly without gaps.
And always match the nominal metric or imperial standard. Whenever replacing one, use the exact OEM ID, OD, and thickness. Eyeballing it is comedy, not maintenance.
Material And Seal
Material choice is where the seal either earns your trust or starts planning a slow drip.
I look for metals that actually deform under drain-plug torque, because that crush is what creates the seal. My quick guide:
- Copper: very malleable, so it conforms well and makes a dependable metal-to-metal seal.
- Aluminum: light, compressible, and common, though softer than steel and less happy after repeated crush cycles.
- Thickness: around 1.2 to 2 mm gives more material to compress, which can help on larger plugs or repeated service.
But material alone won’t save a bad fit. I always match the inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness to the plug and groove so the washer compresses evenly. Get that right, and leaks usually lose their favorite hiding place fast, thankfully.
Heat And Corrosion
Fit gets the washer seated, but heat and corrosion decide whether that seal still behaves after thousands of miles and a long list of hot-cold cycles.
I look closely at material here:
- Copper handles typical engine heat, roughly 150 to 250°C, extremely well. Its thermal conductivity moves heat quickly, and its softness helps it keep sealing.
- Aluminum fights corrosion in many cars, but oxidation can create a brittle surface over time, which hurts sealing, especially after reuse.
- Stainless steel shines around salt or marine exposure. But it’s harder, so it doesn’t crush as easily into tiny imperfections.
I also watch heat cycling. Repeated expansion and contraction can work-harden softer washers, especially aluminum, making leaks more likely. For harsh chemicals or salty roads, I replace the washer every oil change.
Quantity And Kit Type
One simple choice saves a lot of annoyance later: I match the washer quantity and kit type to how many vehicles I service and how frequently I’m under one.
For me, the smart breakdown is simple:
- Small packs, about 10 to 20 pieces, work for occasional oil changes.
- Bulk assortments, often hundreds deep, make sense for frequent maintenance.
I also decide between:
- Single-size packs for one exact drain plug diameter, like M14 or 14 mm.
- Assorted kits whenever I need multiple sizes on hand.
And I always prefer labeled boxes or compartment trays, because similar washers love to impersonate each other.
If I need broad coverage, I look for common metric ranges such as M5 to M24. But I still weigh cost per piece against waste. Cheap extras aren’t bargains.
Vehicle Compatibility Check
Before I grab any crush washer, I verify that it actually matches the vehicle, because close enough at the drain plug usually turns into a slow drip later.
I check five things:
- Thread size and sealing diameter. Common plugs are M10, M12, and M14, so the washer’s inner and outer diameters must fit the plug and sump groove.
- Thickness. Around 1.2 to 2 mm can matter a lot, because crush washers seal by deforming, not by hopeful consideration.
- Material. Copper, aluminum, and steel each differ in softness, corrosion resistance, and reuse limits.
- OEM references. I read the service manual for exact dimensions or part numbers, including differential and transfer case plugs.
- Reuse rules. Some vehicles want a fresh washer every oil change, no arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Crush Washers Be Reused in an Emergency?
Yes—I’ve reused one once, like patching a bike tire with tape; it held 20 miles. You can reuse a crush washer briefly in an emergency, but I’d replace it immediately because leaks and poor sealing can follow.
Do Copper and Aluminum Crush Washers Perform Differently?
Yes—they perform differently. I’d tell you copper usually seals better under higher heat and repeated torque, while aluminum crushes easier and resists corrosion well. I’d match the washer to your plug material and manufacturer specs.
How Do I Measure My Oil Drain Plug Washer Size?
I measure your oil drain plug washer via checking three dimensions: inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness. I use calipers for accuracy, or match the old washer and plug against your vehicle’s service manual.
Are OEM Crush Washers Better Than Aftermarket Options?
Yes, I believe OEM crush washers are usually better because they match your plug and pan exactly, seal predictably, and meet factory specs. I’d choose quality aftermarket ones only if they match material, size, and fit.
Can a Wrong Washer Cause Oil Leaks or Stripped Threads?
Yes, I’d tell you a wrong washer can absolutely cause oil leaks, and should it be too thick, thin, or hard, it can also stress the drain plug, damage sealing surfaces, and contribute to stripped threads.
