Filter Cap wrenches and Fram's

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blupupher

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My F150 has a filter that is a pain to get to:



It is not bad to get off with a filter end wrench like this:


But there just is not enough room to get a good grip on it by hand. Does a cap wrench fit on Fram Filters with the coating on the end of them?

Last time I went to Walmart I was going to check but they did not have any of the end cap wrenches in stock.

After swearing off Fram filters years ago, I am now thinking of using a TG2 or maybe a PH2 (but may just get a Wix made Supertech filter instead for 1/2 the price). But if I get the Fram I just want to make sure I can get it off.
 
I usually use Bosch filters but switched to an OCOD. Had trouble getting the OCOD off as the teeth rounded over on me. Took a little extra work to get it off so I switched back to Bosch. We're probably overtightening our oil filters.
 
Originally Posted By: blupupher
My F150 has a filter that is a pain to get to:



It is not bad to get off with a filter end wrench like this:


But there just is not enough room to get a good grip on it by hand. Does a cap wrench fit on Fram Filters with the coating on the end of them?

Last time I went to Walmart I was going to check but they did not have any of the end cap wrenches in stock.

After swearing off Fram filters years ago, I am now thinking of using a TG2 or maybe a PH2 (but may just get a Wix made Supertech filter instead for 1/2 the price). But if I get the Fram I just want to make sure I can get it off.


The problem with a cap wrench is that it only fits one filter size.

Get something like this which will fit many different sized filters
http://m.harborfreight.com/universal-3-jaw-adjustable-oil-filter-wrench-69021.html
 
Last edited:
Those "end cap/cup" wrenches are vague at best. It seems there are differences between the final dimensions of any called for filter from different manufactures.

I asked about the Motorcraft 820S filter size on this board because I had a 93mm generic cap/cup wrench for my friends. I since went to the store and fitted it onto several makers filters for that application. The variation was more than I expected.

I suggest trial and error (you have no choice there, really).
Sticking with one brand of filter when you find your wrench bites it well.
Consider a wrap of masking tape to take up slack.
The old masking tape trick will often allow you to get it by hand. You don't have to be neat. Booger the tape on haphazardly-even twist it so the glue side is showing.

In the grand scheme of things we call this a "First World Problem". Kira
 
The cap wrenches that are sized to a diameter and flute number dont fit the grip-type frams...
 
I have had issues with the cap wrench on the coated Fram's years ago on my trailblazer. I then stopped over tightening and the problem went away. The fit is not great but it still worked.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
The cap wrenches that are sized to a diameter and flute number dont fit the grip-type frams...


I have a Fram XG3387A and the Pennzoil filter wrench #19905 fits it just fine. Just sayin'
grin2.gif
 
Originally Posted By: BrianF
I have had issues with the cap wrench on the coated Fram's years ago on my trailblazer. I then stopped over tightening and the problem went away. The fit is not great but it still worked.




The problem is that by a 1/4 turn after gasket seat my filter is on good enough to my standards....especially since I know it will swell and tighten after being heat-soaked. But the filters I use specify like, 1/2-3/4 or 3/4-1 full turn. By then (next OCI) it is real tight and removing by hand is a strain since it unscrews so slowly. Think a minute of straining to remove it turns it a millimeter and it takes an inch of movement before it spins freely.
 
Originally Posted By: Bud_One
This is the oil filter wrench I use. I have not had any issues removing any filter.
3/8" drive



I have a 2002 F150 Fx4 and it is tough but I could get with the typical oil filter band wrench that tightens over it. I hate that filter location with a passion but it is doable. The way I did it was angle myself, enter from behind the drivers side with head going toward the front end of the vehicle and using my right arm (closest to the tire) and move my arm and wrist so that I could get the filter wrench on it.

Aside from that, the Lisle Tool above is by far the best. I have it and it is amazing how awesome it is. It's like $12 bucks at advanced auto. Save yourself a headache and get it.
 
hammer and screwdriver this time

But in the future, there is no need to use one of those cap wrenches if you tighten it properly. They are only needed to remove filters that had been way overtorqued! Only tighten the oil filter by hand!

Also consider using Fram Ultra, with its textured grip end.
 
Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28

The problem is that by a 1/4 turn after gasket seat my filter is on good enough to my standards....especially since I know it will swell and tighten after being heat-soaked. But the filters I use specify like, 1/2-3/4 or 3/4-1 full turn. By then (next OCI) it is real tight and removing by hand is a strain since it unscrews so slowly. Think a minute of straining to remove it turns it a millimeter and it takes an inch of movement before it spins freely.


Thats more than 25 minutes to remove a filter!
 
I decided to splurge a bit and buy Channel Lock branded oil filter pliers. I have found that they work for all my oil filter configurations, including the housing for my GF's Lexus cartridge filter. I was also able to use it on the large plastic nut that secures the fill tube underneath the toilet tank. Such a handy item.

Usually, though, I am able to loosen regular spin on filters by hand when I'm wearing rubber gloves.
 
Originally Posted By: CharlieBauer
Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28

The problem is that by a 1/4 turn after gasket seat my filter is on good enough to my standards....especially since I know it will swell and tighten after being heat-soaked. But the filters I use specify like, 1/2-3/4 or 3/4-1 full turn. By then (next OCI) it is real tight and removing by hand is a strain since it unscrews so slowly. Think a minute of straining to remove it turns it a millimeter and it takes an inch of movement before it spins freely.


Thats more than 25 minutes to remove a filter!




Just an estimate. I went many years using just my hands, then about 2010 broke down and got a fluted cap wrench as my first. It was like lifting weights getting tight filters removed by hand. I remember it clearly, it was cold and I was under the Saturn and you can only get only hand on the filter. Back then I hated buying specialty tools as I felt they cluttered up the tool space and you never really use them much.


Ayway, the Lisle is cool. There are two.
 
The filter pliers will not fit, just not enough room. Same for me not taking it off by hand, I just can't get a good grip on it to remove it. The grippy stuff on a Fram probably won't make a difference since I just can't physically grab it hard enough and turn it.
I already have both a 93/15 and a 93/36 cap wrench, so that is why I was asking if it fit. I wish I had bought one of those "one size fits all" type, but did not think about it, band wrenches have always worked for me in the past, and works on my Scion.
I was at Advance Auto getting a new battery today and checked, and a 93/15 does fit a Fram. It is tight, but it fits.
Still not sure what filter I am going to get, but at least I know that Fram fits the end cap wrench.
 
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