Cant hand tighten filter
- Thread starter Noobie
- Start date
I suppose you could try it and see if it crushes the can at all. A cap style or strap style wrench (Google them) might be a bit safer (more surface contact) if you have access to use them. Filters that have the indentions on the dome end (most) should be pretty strong in that area.
Using a wrench doesn't mean that you have to over tighten it. Just a different means to the same result. You owe us no explanation for your methodology.
Using a wrench doesn't mean that you have to over tighten it. Just a different means to the same result. You owe us no explanation for your methodology.
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You'll damage the can. Hand tighten only (I believe Fram says that right on the box).
What is happening that you can't hand tighten the filter?
What is happening that you can't hand tighten the filter?
Those 3 jaw style ones only operate counter clockwise, its the way the teeth are designed. So you cannot even tighten them if you tried. Just go hand tight with gloves or something grippy.
Why can't you tighten it by hand? 
If you can't for whatever reason, I'd just get the K&N filter with the nut on it and tighten it to whatever spec is recommended by the mfr, if there is one. Otherwise, 3/4 turn after the gasket makes contact.
I think it's 3/4 a turn after the gasket makes contact (or whetever it says on the filter). Simply follow the same rule with a wrench
If you can't for whatever reason, I'd just get the K&N filter with the nut on it and tighten it to whatever spec is recommended by the mfr, if there is one. Otherwise, 3/4 turn after the gasket makes contact.
I think it's 3/4 a turn after the gasket makes contact (or whetever it says on the filter). Simply follow the same rule with a wrench
I would use a cap wrench as previously suggested. I bought one off of Amazon to tighten the oil filter on my Cummins Ram. My arms just aren't long enough to get a good grip and feel comfortable about how tight it is... If you do use something to tighten, for goodness sake don't overtighten it or you will have bigger problems!!!
Just my $0.02
Just my $0.02
+1 if you always use the same filter/maufacture then take a new filter to Napa or auto parts and get the proper CAP wrench.
Is there a problem with the filter or do you have weakened hand strength? The rule is 3/4 turn after the gasket makes contact. A strap type wrench works pretty good.
A strap wrench might be an option if this is a clearance problem.
Try this. Clean the new filter really well with brake cleaner and use one of thos silicon jar lid remover pads ( u can buy them at walmart for less than 5 bucks) you wont overtighten and the silicon will help grip the filter housing.
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For a while after I broke my left wrist - my dominant hand - I used a rubber strap wrench to tighten oil filters the last 1/4 turn. I still use the strap wrench for removal of oil filters.
Reason i cant hand tighten is due to the filter location, by the time i reach the oil filter can, im standing on a small ladder, back bent over, arm fully extended and i can barely grab the filter with like half the length of my fingers, i managed to get it 1/2 turn but nothing more and after running the engine for some minutes i noticed a slight amount of fresh oil seeping through.
Ive changed it in the past with a rubber strap wrench but it broke, got a different one from amazon but the rubber strap stretches too much and im unable to tighten the filter because it slips.
Now i got a two way 3 jaw oil filter wrench but im a hit hesitant to use it thats why i am asking if anyone has done it with one of those.
Oil filter in question is a Fram Ultra XG3614.
Ive changed it in the past with a rubber strap wrench but it broke, got a different one from amazon but the rubber strap stretches too much and im unable to tighten the filter because it slips.
Now i got a two way 3 jaw oil filter wrench but im a hit hesitant to use it thats why i am asking if anyone has done it with one of those.
Oil filter in question is a Fram Ultra XG3614.
Put a couple wraps of grip tape around those fingers and it will tighten the filter before you have any real pressure on the can.
Rubber gloves will work if the outside of the filter is oil free. So will mechanics gloves. The FRAM Ultra and Tough Guards are good filters however, that grippy stuff poses a problem for cap type filter sockets. Change over to WIX 51348 or NAPA Gold 1348 and get you a filter socket that fits. Your problem will be solved.
Good luck trying to hand tighten most tiny filters in tight places anymore, when you can't wrap your hand around them, like when they where quart sized. It's pretty simply to just use the 3/4 turn torque/angle method on everything. I make it easy even with oily hands using a cap, or band wrench with an index mark and eyeball it from there.
