I know that a magnetic oil drain plug has been discussed before. But I have a slightly different question. I have a couple of small rare earth magnets laying around. Does anyone see a problem with sticking one on my drain plug to catch any metal in the oil. I would put it on the hex end of the plug (outside the oil pan), not on the threaded side (inside the oil pan).
Problem? Of course not since it's outside the oil pan. The question is will it work through the plug. Next time you change the oil, put the magnet on the plug and see if it has any pull on the inside as you hope.
Rare earth magnets as I'm sure you know are powerful as all get out, so it might very well transfer some of it's magnetism through the thick plug.