Want a drain plug that stops drips and traps metal shavings? Pick a magnetic, well-coated plug sized to match your pan threads.
Use M12×1.75 or M14×1.50 for fit, choose stainless or zinc/nickel coatings for corrosion resistance, and swap in a new crush or rubber washer at each change.
Torque carefully (less on aluminum pans) and clean the magnet every oil change to keep leaks out of the garage.
| Dorman Magnetic Oil Drain Plug M12-1.75 (15mm) |
| Best Overall | Thread Size / Pitch: M12 × 1.75 | Purpose / Application: Engine oil drain plug (replacement) | Material / Construction: Carbon steel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| M12x1.75 Oil Drain Plug with 5 Gaskets |
| Best Value | Thread Size / Pitch: M12 × 1.75 | Purpose / Application: Engine oil drain plug (replacement kit) | Material / Construction: Iron/steel with zinc plating | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Magnetic M14x1.5 Stainless Steel Oil Drain Plug |
| Performance Pick | Thread Size / Pitch: M14 × 1.5 | Purpose / Application: Engine oil drain plug (replacement, magnetic) | Material / Construction: Stainless steel (magnetic stainless/aluminum construction noted) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Dorman Oil Drain Plug M14-1.50 (13mm Head) |
| Precision Fit | Thread Size / Pitch: M14 × 1.50 | Purpose / Application: Engine oil drain plug (replacement, pilot point) | Material / Construction: Durable automotive-grade metal (Dorman spec) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Dorman Oil Drain Plug M14-1.50 (17mm) |
| Reliable Replacement | Thread Size / Pitch: M14 × 1.50 | Purpose / Application: Engine oil drain plug (replacement) | Material / Construction: Durable automotive-grade metal (Dorman spec) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Dorman Magnetic Oil Drain Plug M12-1.75 (15mm)
Who is the Dorman Magnetic Oil Drain Plug best for? You’re someone who wants a simple, reliable fix whenever the original drain plug is lost or damaged. You’ll appreciate a direct replacement that matches fit and function for specific vehicles, so you won’t guess about compatibility. It’s made from carbon steel, has a 15 mm head and M12 x 1.75 thread, and weighs just 1.6 ounces. The built in magnet catches metal particles, helping protect your engine. Check fit by entering your vehicle info and hovering over the blue i for details. It’s backed by Dorman support and easy returns.
- Thread Size / Pitch:M12 × 1.75
- Purpose / Application:Engine oil drain plug (replacement)
- Material / Construction:Carbon steel
- Head Size / Hex Size:15 mm head
- Includes Washer / Gasket:Not specified (sold as plug only)
- Magnetic Feature:Magnetic (in product title)
- Additional Feature:Carbon-steel construction
- Additional Feature:Ready-to-paint exterior
- Additional Feature:OEM-compatible part numbers
M12x1.75 Oil Drain Plug with 5 Gaskets
Should you want a no-fuss replacement that fits many GM and Ford models and seals reliably, the M12×1.75 oil drain plug with five rubber gaskets is a smart pick. You’ll appreciate the zinc plated steel plug for strength and a smooth finish that resists cracks. Along with one plug you get five flexible rubber washers so you can swap seals without a parts run. Check OEM numbers and fitment for your Buick, Chevy, Ford, or Lincoln before you install. The rubber washers form a better seal than metal ones and cut chances of leaks. Keep spares near your tool tray.
- Thread Size / Pitch:M12 × 1.75
- Purpose / Application:Engine oil drain plug (replacement kit)
- Material / Construction:Iron/steel with zinc plating
- Head Size / Hex Size:Hex ~14.7 mm (0.58 in)
- Includes Washer / Gasket:Includes 5 rubber gaskets
- Magnetic Feature:Not specified as magnetic
- Additional Feature:Includes 5 rubber gaskets
- Additional Feature:Zinc-plated finish
- Additional Feature:Wide OEM compatibility list
Magnetic M14x1.5 Stainless Steel Oil Drain Plug
Should you want a simple upgrade that protects your engine without a lot of fuss, the M14x1.5 magnetic stainless steel oil drain plug is a smart choice because it actively captures tiny metal particles the oil filter can miss. You’ll get a universal, leak-proof replacement that fits cars, motorcycles, and boats using M14 x 1.5 threads, so check fit beforehand. The stainless steel and aluminum build is strong yet light and houses a powerful magnet that holds particles under 30 microns. It comes with five copper crush washers to stop leaks and is reusable. In case you need help, the seller replies within 24 hours.
- Thread Size / Pitch:M14 × 1.5
- Purpose / Application:Engine oil drain plug (replacement, magnetic)
- Material / Construction:Stainless steel (magnetic stainless/aluminum construction noted)
- Head Size / Hex Size:(head size not numeric in spec) compatible with M14 × 1.5 service sizes
- Includes Washer / Gasket:Includes 5 copper crush/compression washers
- Magnetic Feature:Magnetic (powerful integrated magnet)
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel body
- Additional Feature:Comes with 5 copper washers
- Additional Feature:Claims <30µm particle capture
Dorman Oil Drain Plug M14-1.50 (13mm Head)
Provided you want a simple, reliable fix for a lost or damaged oil drain plug, the Dorman M14-1.50 with a 13 mm head is a great choice because it matches the original plug’s fit and function on many vehicles while making installation quick and sure. You’ll like that it replaces the original directly and seats reliably thanks to its pilot point design. Check fit by entering your vehicle in the garage tool and using the Confirmed Fit bar. Should a blue circle i appears, hover to see vehicle specific remarks. Dorman builds it to strict specs and backs it with U.S. know-how.
- Thread Size / Pitch:M14 × 1.50
- Purpose / Application:Engine oil drain plug (replacement, pilot point)
- Material / Construction:Durable automotive-grade metal (Dorman spec)
- Head Size / Hex Size:13 mm head
- Includes Washer / Gasket:Not specified (plug only; pilot point design for seal)
- Magnetic Feature:Not specified as magnetic
- Additional Feature:Pilot-point seating design
- Additional Feature:Compact 13 mm head
- Additional Feature:OE-fit verified tool listing
Dorman Oil Drain Plug M14-1.50 (17mm)
Should you want a simple, dependable fix for a missing or damaged oil drain plug, the Dorman M14-1.50 with a 17 mm head is an excellent choice for DIYers and shop technicians who value a direct replacement that matches original fit and function. You’ll get part Dorman 090-033.1 with M14 x 1.50 threads and a 17 mm head that fits many vehicles. Check fit using the garage tool and the Confirmed Fit bar. In case an i in a blue circle shows, hover to read details. It’s built to strict specs, seals oil reliably, and comes with U.S. product support.
- Thread Size / Pitch:M14 × 1.50
- Purpose / Application:Engine oil drain plug (replacement)
- Material / Construction:Durable automotive-grade metal (Dorman spec)
- Head Size / Hex Size:17 mm head
- Includes Washer / Gasket:Not specified (plug only)
- Magnetic Feature:Not specified as magnetic
- Additional Feature:Larger 17 mm head
- Additional Feature:Built to strict specs
- Additional Feature:OE-fit verified tool listing
Factors to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil Drain Plugs
Upon selecting an engine oil drain plug, start via matching thread size and pitch so it fits securely in your oil pan. You’ll also want to check material and coating, head size for accessibility, whether it has magnetic particle capture, and the gasket type and seal to prevent leaks. These factors work together to keep your engine safe and make oil changes quicker and less stressful.
Thread Size & Pitch
Picking the right thread size and pitch matters more than you might realize, because a mismatch can lead to stripped threads, oil leaks, or a ruined oil pan. You need the plug to match the pan’s tapped hole exactly, for example M12×1.75 or M14×1.50, so the threads engage and seal. Metric specs show diameter×pitch in millimeters. SAE or UN uses threads per inch, so initially identify your vehicle’s standard. Whenever replacing a plug, measure major diameter and pitch with a caliper and thread pitch gauge or check the service manual. After you fit the correct plug, torque it to the manufacturer’s value for that thread size to avoid under or over tightening and protect the pan.
Material And Coating
Consider what your drain plug is made of and how it’s finished, because those choices decide how long it lasts and how well it protects your engine. You’ll pick steel in case you want strength and durability, but check for a protective coating like zinc or plating so it won’t corrode in wet, salty oil. Stainless steel gives you rust resistance and long life, though some alloys are softer than hardened steel. Should you want to trap metal shavings, choose a plug with a well-placed magnet and compatible ferrous material; magnet type matters for small particles. Coatings such as zinc, nickel, or phosphate help resist corrosion and ease installation, but thick or damaged coatings can change thread fit and torque. Match washer material to oil temperature and chemistry to avoid leaks.
Head Size Accessibility
Because you’ll be working beneath the car or beside the roadside, pick a drain plug head size that matches the tools you actually carry and the space you’ll be working in. Measure the spare wrench and socket sizes in your kit and choose common sizes like 13 mm to 17 mm so you won’t be hunting for adapters. Larger heads give more tool contact and cut the risk of stripping, while very small heads under about 12 mm can round easily when overtightened. Check clearance around the oil pan and pick a head shape that fits, such as hex, flange, recessed, or low profile. Match head size to the engine’s torque needs so the plug won’t fail during tightening.
Magnetic Particle Capture
Often you’ll want a drain plug with a strong magnet because it quietly catches tiny bits of metal that could otherwise circulate and wear your engine. You’ll appreciate that the magnet sits recessed in the plug head and grabs ferrous particles suspended in oil. Strong neodymium magnets pick up finer debris than weaker ferrite types, often down to tens of microns, so they remove bits some oil filters miss. Magnet size, strength, and placement all matter because they determine how much metal the plug collects before it starts to saturate. Whenever you change oil, clean the magnetic surface so buildup won’t abrade mating parts or reduce capture ability. Keep in mind magnets won’t catch nonferrous particles, so use them with good filtration and regular maintenance.
Gasket Type And Seal
Picking the right gasket or seal for your oil drain plug makes a big difference in keeping oil where it belongs and your engine running smoothly. You’ll choose between crush washers, rubber gaskets, metal washers, or integrated O rings. Crush washers made of copper or aluminum deform to seal and must be replaced every oil change. Rubber or elastomer gaskets flex and resist vibration, but they can harden or swell, so inspect for cracks or flattening and swap them whenever needed. Steel washers last but need precise mating surfaces and sometimes a sealing compound to avoid leaks. Some plugs have built in O rings that seal well provided the hardness and size match oil temperature ranges. Match inner and outer diameters to your drain hole for reliable compression.
Torque And Strength Specs
Whenever you tighten an oil drain plug, you’re balancing a few things at once: seal integrity, thread safety, and the strength of the plug and pan. Use the manufacturer torque spec to avoid stripping threads or warping the plug. For common M12 to M14 plugs that means roughly 15 to 30 Nm or 11 to 22 lb·ft. Choose steel or stainless plugs with high tensile strength so they resist shear and breakage under load. Provided threads are tapered or coarse, fit a new crush washer or gasket and use hand-tight plus a small wrench turn. For aluminum pans cut torque by about 20 to 30 percent and consider thread inserts or a torque limiting driver. Check specialty plugs to confirm added parts don’t change required torque.
Corrosion Resistance
You tightened the drain plug to the right torque, and now you need to contemplate about how long it will last in your environment. You want a plug that resists rust and keeps oil off your floor. Pick stainless steel or zinc plated steel for wet or salty roads. Look for protective coatings like zinc, nickel, or passivation and check plating thickness ratings because thicker layers last longer. Match plug material to the oil pan to avoid galvanic corrosion when steel meets aluminum. Should you drive near the coast, use 316 stainless or heavy duty plating. Inspect threads and sealing surfaces for anodizing, sealed magnets, or sacrificial layers that block corrosion and keep torque specs steady over time.
