Are oil filter cap wrenches useless?

[D60]

I love 'em and use 'em whenever possible. But I agree the seemingly endless variation of sizes and flute counts is tiring and there's no reason for it.

My favorites are for the FL-820S for 3V Fords and for the 57620 for CTDs. At least on the 6.7 CTD you have to go straight up in a narrow passageway. I can often snug them by hand but I can rarely loosen by hand. A universal design is more bulky, but can work here.

And don't just get steel. The stamped sheetmetal ones are terrible. You want thicker wall steel that is either machined or forged.

 

[oldcodger]

I hate them. Each time I have used one it sticks to the filter and you have a hard time separating it from the filter, all the while you have to stay over the pan to keep from dripping oil all over. I like the spring loaded ones shown by Hemibenny'

 

[JeffKeryk]

I have a better question. Why are there so many different size filters? Standards make life simple.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I use an end cap that fits the Fram 10060 with grip material. No problems. Filters on Chevy LS engines are recessed into the corner of the aluminum pan. The end cap wrench works best on those.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Haven’t really had much luck with the cup sockets. Filter pliers or the 3 jaw-claw are my go to.

 

[Hall]

I can never get one to fit and I have a whole kit

I have bought a cap wrench and check the fit on the filter in the store and all's good. Then the next oil change, I use a different filter and they vary enough to not fit. I think I have (2) different cap wrenchs for 6607/7317 filters and between a Fram with the rubber texture or a Honda OEM filter or a WIX or an O'Reilly MicroGard, it's still hit or miss.

 

[Leo99]

Both my toyotas take a cap wrench. My camry had the stupid canister and the Rav4 had a filter with little room around it.

 

[D60]

I have a better question. Why are there so many different size filters? Standards make life simple.

I agree.

It's never going to happen but it's certainly not without precedent. We've decided on 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive. We've settled on standards like MT (Morse taper) and JT (Jacobs taper).

Do we really need a 72mm with 14 flutes, a 73mm with 30 flutes and a 74mm with 14 flutes? I feel like these could all become one, standardized size!

Finally, I guess this is score one for stuff like the Pentastar where you just use a 24mm socket. There's a concept - a basic, common socket to perform automotive service. Who'da thunk??

 

[incognito_2u]

Would be great if most filter manufacturers design them with a nut on the bottom of the filter making it easier to remove, Ala K&N.

 

[barkingspider]

I got the multi pack from harbor freight. One fits the oil filter on my matrix, one fits my kids Lexus filter cap, one fits my old avalanche, and one fits my GMC canyon.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Would be great if most filter manufacturers design them with a nut on the bottom of the filter making it easier to remove, Ala K&N.

Fram textured grip should be the industry standard

 

[Hall]

Would be great if most filter manufacturers design them with a nut on the bottom of the filter making it easier to remove, Ala K&N.

Fram textured grip should be the industry standard

No objection to either but neither will ever happen for $$$ reasons, sadly

 

[04silverado6.0]

I never can get the cheaper stamped metal ones to grab. Some of these posted look great.

 

[4WD]

I have a better question. Why are there so many different size filters? Standards make life simple.

Little seems standard on engines - my Jeep jumps into the oil pump high stage with a light throttle - whereas my GM’s only do that at heavy throttle demand (that seems more normal to me) …

 

[hrv]

I use the cheap one that Wal Mart sells for my 7317 Fram filter and it works with no problems...I usually dont need it as I just tighten it by hand and when I chage it with gloves on are able most of the time to take it off...with engine cold...

 

[himemsys]

As long as I use Fram (which I have exclusively for years), the textured surface means I can remove them by hand. No tools.

 

[Elkins45]

I have a better question. Why are there so many different size filters? Standards make life simple.

Probably the same reason a 15/32 wrench exists.

 

[PF52]

I mostly use the Lisle grabber cap wrenches....
View attachment 240559

I'm a big fan of that tool also.... Mine must be a Lisle also but I've had it so long I no longer remember.

 

[Astro14]

I can never get one to fit and I have a whole kit

I have two. One for Mercedes. One for Volvo. They fit perfectly.

Neither came from a kit, however. They are made for a specific application.

 

[Kira]

design them with a nut on the bottom of the filter

Hastings had a filter (115A, corresponding to a Ford FL-1A?) with a nut.
I bought one for my '77 Celica and was happy.
By the next oil change, the nut was no longer included, and I was sad.