Best way to cut open an oil filter?

[ZZman]

When I get my oil filter magnets I am going to want to cut the filters open to see what they collected.

What is the best or easiest way to cut them open without contaminating the filter with metal particles from the opening process?

Dremel tool?, Tin snips? what?

It does not have to be pretty.

 

[rg200amp]

I would say secure it in a vise, then dremel the top off.


I have yet to do it though.

 

[DrD]

you need a special tool - it's called an oil filter cutter (removes the end like a soup can) - Summit racing sells a couple versions that start around $40

 

[ZZman]

Like this I guess: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail...15&autoview=sku

**I would just as soon not pay for any other tools if possible.

 

[Pablo]

Proform 66490


$75.39

I paid about $30 for that same tool. And THAT seemed REALLY expensive. Works well though.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: ZZman
Like this I guess: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail...15&autoview=sku

**I would just as soon not pay for any other tools if possible.


I've got the $40 one
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail...15&autoview=sku

I'm happy with it but understand your aversion to buying unnecessary tools.

 

[Nyquist]

If you have a good bench vise, you could use a chain-link exhaust pipe cutter too.

 

[Gary Allan]

If filter cans were all under 3" ..then a pipe cutter would be the cheapest thing to use.

The $38 I shelled out for the Summit was a real reluctant purchase. I so needed to find one for $19.95

 

[Donald]

Can we just send them to Pablo?

 

[ZZman]

A pipe cutter like this one?: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5983

 

[ARB1977]

Originally Posted By: ZZman
Like this I guess: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail...15&autoview=sku

**I would just as soon not pay for any other tools if possible.

When you become a BITOG'er its a must to get a oil filter cutting tool to add to your collection...which reminds me i still need to get one.

 

[AcuraTech]

I use a cut-off wheel at work, I would imagine a Dremel would work also, but would take a little longer. I try to avoid special tools that only have one purpose and rarely get used.

Don't forget to have a good amount of rags underneath when you cut it open, the anti-drainback valve keeps about 1/3 of a quart inside the filter.

 

[Mr_Incredible]

Originally Posted By: ZZman
A pipe cutter like this one?: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5983


I have a Harbor Freight right behind where I work. I stopped and got one of those pipe cutters so I could open my filters.

Chewed them up. Wouldn't cut through the can without mashing it. Tried it on at least five filters, hoping to find the magic combination.

I reverted back to a carful hacksaw. It really isn't so bad, since the few hacksaw chips that make it inside the can are very obvious and easy to ignore.

Anybody want to buy a very slightly used huge pipecutter?

 

[kingrob]

I still use a vise and a hacksaw. If you cut at an angle you don't get as much residual. If you do, it's easily ignored as mentioned above.

 

[chevrofreak]

I use a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. I use a board or piece of cardboard to cut on. I set the filter on the board, threaded end down, and set the arbor of the grinder directly on the board to get it low to the base, and to keep it level. I turn it on and press it into the can as close to the bottom as possible and rotate the filter. It pours oil everywhere (you could drain it after a small cut in the can) but it keeps shavings out of the media because I cut low enough on the can, and is also keeps me from damaging the media..

 

[JTK]

I lucked out and scored this one from eBay for $10. It came from a Harley shop in PA IIRC. I don't know if someone fabricated a batch of these, or if it's an actual production run. There's no p/n's on it so it might be a one off. It's awesome. Only downfall is it won't open enough for very large filters. Some PH8A equivs or larger are no-go. Keep your eye on eBay and motorcycle shops!

Joel

 

[oilyriser]

Small nosed pliers can be used to slowly peel open a filter, by tearing away small bits of metal all the way around.

 

[Dualie]

I used to chuck them in my lathe and use a parting tool but now i just put them in my shop vice and use the summit tool.

 

[another Todd]

I agree, the Harbor Freight pipe cutter does not work on the thin metal of an oil filter. I have one and quit trying. Anything that grinds, or chews through metal (hacksaw, dremel etc.) is going to contaminate the filter. Stabing it and using a metal shear or snips would be better, an oil filter cutter of course would be best.

 

[mechjames]

i've just used an air powered cutoff wheel and a vice