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- Nov 29, 2009
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I can never get one to fit and I have a whole kit
Are oil filter cap wrenches useless?
- Thread starter The motor guy
- Start date
I mostly use the Lisle grabber cap wrenches or a strap wrench.
I prefer a strap wrench with a wide and grippy rubber strap for plain spin-on oil filters. Even with a strap wrench you can easily collapse the oil filter housing if you use too much force. If that happens I stick a big flaming screwdriver through the canister and use the screwdriver like a T-handle.
No, but a whole set can be a bit of a waste, so I just buy the ones I need. I have two dedicated ones, one for Honda and one for Toyota. The rest get either a strap or the one @JeffKeryk posted.
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I know what you're talking about. Almost bought one when the autoparts guy said they're useless. He must over tighten his filters
I use them all day long. Wonder if there are better brands that fit better? Mine work on all but the tightest ones.
I think most people overtighten them.
I think most people overtighten them.
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Walmart has one for around $5 that works quite nicely for me, and fits all sorts of filter sizes... everything from a Motorcraft FL-1 to a Fram 6607.
Also, it is designed so it only loosens...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-To...0?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1600&from=/search
Also, it is designed so it only loosens...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-To...0?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1600&from=/search
To the OP's point: Each cap wrench in a cheap set seems to cover 3mm.
They actually translate rotational force against the flutes and separate themselves from the filter.
Toyota has proprietary oil filter housing wrenches? What kind are they?
They actually translate rotational force against the flutes and separate themselves from the filter.
Toyota has proprietary oil filter housing wrenches? What kind are they?
Useful, "if" the cap wrench is correct size. If not, then can be difficult to useless. Also, can be rendered useless on Fram with sure grip coating. Often times will just slide on the grippy stuff. The cam action cap wrench shown (made by Lisle) in second reply is a more versatile option.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
i use cap wrenches, i have one for the fram 3675/10575 size as that covers my truck and 99% of the ones i service, i have one for 3593a size filters for my accords etc. they work great and i prefer them over anything other than a set of filter pliers. i like not damaging the filter. makes C&P’s easier.
Many years ago I worked on a friend's car. I didn't have a strap wrench so I taped the filter housing with duct tape and made sure to fold half of the tape over while wrapping, That way much of the adhesive was facing the wrong way. Gripping the friction-enhanced filter, I could easily unscrew it because my hands did not slip while applying a good amount of force. That worked only because the filter was so accessible on the Legacy.
I've had good luck with end cap filter wrenches, but it is important to be using the right sized cap wrench. Some of them are awful close in size, and it is easy to find one that "fits", but isn't the right one.
I also have a filter wrench somewhat similar to the one @JeffKeryk uses. It works great, when I need it. But I can usually turn off the oil filter on my Outback, by hand.
Strap type filter wrenches are probably the most effective method to remove a filter - assuming you have enough clearance to swing the handle around the filter. I use this style of strap filter wrench on the big oil, fuel and coolant filters, on the Cummins in my motorhome. Super effective, and significantly reduces the amount of clearance needed around the filter.
It can be a little cumbersome to get the strap wrapped around the filter, and hold the square tube in place while attaching a ratchet, especially with an 8" extension. It is tricky, at least on bottom mounted filters, and gravity is not exactly helping you keep the strap in place..
I also have a filter wrench somewhat similar to the one @JeffKeryk uses. It works great, when I need it. But I can usually turn off the oil filter on my Outback, by hand.
Strap type filter wrenches are probably the most effective method to remove a filter - assuming you have enough clearance to swing the handle around the filter. I use this style of strap filter wrench on the big oil, fuel and coolant filters, on the Cummins in my motorhome. Super effective, and significantly reduces the amount of clearance needed around the filter.
It can be a little cumbersome to get the strap wrapped around the filter, and hold the square tube in place while attaching a ratchet, especially with an 8" extension. It is tricky, at least on bottom mounted filters, and gravity is not exactly helping you keep the strap in place..
In addition to all said above - it is best to buy the METAL set of filter caps vs the PLASTIC sets. I started with a 36pc plastic set and it didn't fit well on most filters and slipped a lot because of the plastic flexing. Bought a smaller 16pc metal set and it has been perfect ever since. I only use 3-4 of them on a regular bases so buying just the sizes you need might be cheaper. The adjustable ones with fingers work decent removing filters but never use one to install or it will damage the can for sure. I know most people tighten filters hand tight. I tighten hand tight + 1/4 or 1/2 turn with a wrench.
4WD
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They work or they don’t - then grab the band style
I use a pair of these.
Ive never had a problem with properly sized cap wrench.
I've used some of that rubber grippy tool chest liner material to take up the slack on any oil filter wrench that wasn't a perfect fit. I have the right wrenches for all the oil filters my vehicles use now.
I have 3 cap wrenches:
One for Mazda SkyActiv oil filters.
One for Ducati motorcycle oil filters.
And the last oil filter cap is used for both my Alfa Romeo MO-339 oil filters, and also the oil filter canister for my Porsche Cayman.
Pretty wild that the last one perfectly covers those two products.
I also have a tool similar to what Pterostylis posted a picture of for when I buy a brand new vehicle, and the oil filter or oil filter canister needs to come off for the very first time. I have teeth marks etched into the Cayman's canister from the very first oil change on it, back in 2015.
One for Mazda SkyActiv oil filters.
One for Ducati motorcycle oil filters.
And the last oil filter cap is used for both my Alfa Romeo MO-339 oil filters, and also the oil filter canister for my Porsche Cayman.
Pretty wild that the last one perfectly covers those two products.
I also have a tool similar to what Pterostylis posted a picture of for when I buy a brand new vehicle, and the oil filter or oil filter canister needs to come off for the very first time. I have teeth marks etched into the Cayman's canister from the very first oil change on it, back in 2015.
