Tip on the right tool

I get about three full turns using my hand. Do you?

I use my fingers to start the plug. Less chance of cross threading.

Make sure the threads are clean and not buggered up and turn a little counter clockwise until you feel the plug seat. It should turn easy for the first few spins before it get tighter, I use small water pump pliers.

On a Suburban they are a PITA to get started right without cross threading. I use the needle nose vice grip method to start mine. Wrapping the nut with masking tape and shoving in the socket is another method that works.

I wonder how many get cross threaded when getting winterized and ultimately leak?

gbopp wrote:
I use my fingers to start the plug. Less chance of cross threading.

Fingers don't work with mine unless you have extremely skinny fingers, no room between the burner and the gas valve to get fingers in...

Do you have an Atwood or Suburban water heater? I'm guessing it must be a Suburban if you can get a socket on it.

I have not found an ideal tool for my Atwood yet. I wish someone would make a 15/16" stubby offset box end wrench (and sell it for less than the cost of a nice dinner out). Vice grips likely will chew up the end of the plug before too long.

Sometimes I find it helps in starting screws, etc. to turn them backwards a rotation or so before going forwards to get everything lined up properly and not cross-threaded, as Farmboy666 also suggested.

None of these work? Amazon

I use a socket on my Atwood with a long extension.
Start the plug with your fingers. If threads are clean it makes it easier.
Suburbans are a pain as the anode makes them ackward t balance to get iron threads started.

I got rid of the nylon plugs, they would be hard to get stated after I had one break off then had to cut it out in pieces with a hack saw blade.
Went to Home Depot and bought a brass plug. It starts a lot easier now with 17mm socket with a 6 inch exstention and 3/8 ratchet. Only need to snug it so it doesn't leak, also use Teflon tape. No problems.

Ditch the plugs altogether and put a valve in lieu of the plug.
Once installed no tolls required.