Freak accident!

[oilnoob425]

I was changing oil today and when I was going to take off the filter it wouldn't go. It happened before altough I always put a little oil on it before putting the filter on(probably too much tightening). So no problem, while ago I bought AM PRO filter wrench cup at AAP just for such occasions, so I got my ratchet with extender, put a filter cup on it and unscrewed the filter. But guess what? The ---- cup got stuck to the filter like glue and wouldn't let go! I really don't know why it happened, perhaps because thic cup wrench made out of ---- thin metall, I don't know. I tried different methods and all failed considering filter was covered in oil and so my gloves. It was relly hard and frustrating. I almost gave up and was gonna toss the filter along with the cup. Finally I thought of hammer! I got my hammer out and started smashing on the filter until it would let go of my cup. It was really a pain in the ---- experience.
Did anybody else had this happen to them?

Now I know what to do for next time but I'm seriously considerin buying Import Car Filter Wrench made by Lisle Corp. It seems like a great deal because my cups won't fit every filter and I don't wanna using same kind of filters all the time, while Import Car Filter Wrench is adsustable to different size filters. The only problem that may arise is that you have to open this wrench to fit on the filter. It has a spring. So my question is, how hard is that to open that wrench? Will I be able to do it easily with only one hand, because filter location in my Civic is very bad. It's accsesible with only one hand and almost immposible not to get messy when taking off.

Anybody here have any experience with that Import Car Filter Wrench ??? Thanks.

 

[paulo57509]

I have had this happen, but I didn't have to use a hammer to get the filter and cup separated.

That's why I try to avoid sheet metal cup wrenches when possible. I like those thick, black plastic (fiberglass re-enforced??) ones hanging on the wall next to the Frams at Wal-Mart.

No experience with the alternate tool you describe.

 

[PW01]

I've had the cap wrench get stuck on a filter also. I've found that a small standard screwdriver will easily pry it loose.

 

[Merkava_4]

I picked up a solid graphite cup wrench last night from Kragen's. It's called FloTool and it fits the filter real nice like a socket on a bolt head. It's Made in USA too. I'll try to get some pictures of it up later on today.

 

[truav8r]

I think we've all had a filter wrench hold on a little tight to a filter.

But I'm not sure what the "freak accident" part of your experience is??

 

[XPR]

Never had that happen to me. Maybe you could try a different style of filter wrench than the cap style.

 

[jazztrumpet216]

I have a tool that looks a large, circle shaped wrench that grabs onto filters very nicely. It's adjustable for the smallest or largest of filters I've needed to change. I haven't found a job it can't do.

 

[oilnoob425]

Quote:

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I think we've all had a filter wrench hold on a little tight to a filter.

But I'm not sure what the "freak accident" part of your experience is??

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you should be there

 

[oilnoob425]

Quote:

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Never had that happen to me. Maybe you could try a different style of filter wrench than the cap style.

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Believe me i tried. unfortunately I can't. it's really cramped space where filter is located, no room. cup style works the best.

Thanks to the guy who recomended walmart's plastic cups because I'm on my way to the get a cup and I was gonna buy another one at AAP. Well to the walmart I go.

 

[oilnoob425]

Quote:

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I have a tool that looks a large, circle shaped wrench that grabs onto filters very nicely. It's adjustable for the smallest or largest of filters I've needed to change. I haven't found a job it can't do.

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Where did you get it?! Because I'm from Milwaukee too! I think you talking about that Lisle wrench, I mentioned in my initial post.

 

[Panzerman]

It happens about everytime to me, I use a screwdriver or a HAMMER, sometimes both. The wonderful engineers at Ford made the oil filter on my wifes Lincoln up high and this little straight up path to it, something like the exhaust port on Deathstar, the only way you can reach it is with those socket head type oil filter sockets and a foot long extension, what really sucks is the Motorcraft filters have a different design then all the rest and I had to get two filter end sockets, since sometimes I use MC and sometimes Purolator regulars, and worse yet the filters are made by the same maker, Purolator.

 

[flatlandtacoma]

If you install your own filter correctly, you should be able to remove it by hand with a little muscle. I keep a cheap rubber strap wrench around for those occasions I can't get a filter off by hand. Works great.

 

[Merkava_4]

 

[Lonnie]

And if it comes to a stand off, which can happen every now and then if you do enough oil changes there is always the screw driver and hammer. I had one stick on a brand new Toyota and after pounding a screw driver threw the filter and giving it a big tug it made a loud pop. It was really tight.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I use one of those adjustable cup wrenches or a plier-style filter wrench, the filter would never get stuck to either of those

Try one of these sometime:
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Import-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0002SR4Q8

It tightens as you turn, but loosens as you let go.

 

[flatlandtacoma]

Fits ALL filters. Cost $1.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I hated those strap style ones, I could never get it tight enough on the filter.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Next time, all you need to do is go into your wife's pantry and grab a cheap store brand sandwich baggie. Put the hollow end of the end-cap wrench in the baggie first - then use your fingers to push it smooth against the side-wall of the end-cap before grasping the bottom of the filter.

That will allow it to slide off alot easier. Sometimes I get 2-3 uses out of one baggie.

 

[Merkava_4]

At the risk of sounding pornographic -

I inserted a 3/8'' drive extension into it today. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice and tight it fits; very good workmanship I'd say.

 

[ziggy]

When i was 19, i had one of those oil metal caps, for a oil filter. It was on a 1985 Isuzu hatchback.. witha fram filter one day,c hangine oil i couldnt get the cheap metal cap off! Got it from NAPA or woolworths. SO!! I drove all over the place, work ect, with it stuck on the oil filter