I once used a 3-pronged style wrench on a filter when nothing else would work. It worked AWESOME and got it off with little effort. And that was hands-down the tightest filter I have EVER tried to remove. I don't understand why you guys are hating on the 3-prong so much.
HELP, I have a filter, AND I CAN'T GET IT OFF!!!
- Thread starter joe_it
- Start date
- Status
I should revise and extend my remarks... The strap wrench should have an arm that swivels. Thus, if necessary, you can get a good grip around the filter, and also swivel the arm to avoid obstructions. Doing this, you might get only one millimeter of movement. Then you repeat that several times, and then it's loose enough to spin freely.
I've never used a device that goes over the end. (Never needed one.) Some of them really leave me skeptical, and it seems like you'd need an exact fit. The more beef the tool has, the better. YMMV.
As for temperature, I think it's easier to get the filter off a cold engine. Normally we think hot, as we heat the metal lid of a glass jar to remove it. But in the engine we have metal, a rubber gasket, and more metal... all of that expands when hot and should make it harder to remove. Just a thought.
I've never used a device that goes over the end. (Never needed one.) Some of them really leave me skeptical, and it seems like you'd need an exact fit. The more beef the tool has, the better. YMMV.
As for temperature, I think it's easier to get the filter off a cold engine. Normally we think hot, as we heat the metal lid of a glass jar to remove it. But in the engine we have metal, a rubber gasket, and more metal... all of that expands when hot and should make it harder to remove. Just a thought.
Last edited:
Those Lisle tools are excellent, but as Bill pointed out they don't have enough space in this app.
If you get a cup wrench that fits the filter well, you can use a strap wrench on the cup for more leverage. If the cup is slipping put sandpaper/matchbooks/toweling in there to get a sound fit.
You are facing the engine and your hands are between the radiator and the block under the exhaust manifold correct? If so, look at the cup wrench with the extension coming towards you.
If it is not straight at you, then you may want to photograph that and bring it to the original "master techs".
If they caused you a problem, don't give them an escape avenue.
If you get a cup wrench that fits the filter well, you can use a strap wrench on the cup for more leverage. If the cup is slipping put sandpaper/matchbooks/toweling in there to get a sound fit.
You are facing the engine and your hands are between the radiator and the block under the exhaust manifold correct? If so, look at the cup wrench with the extension coming towards you.
If it is not straight at you, then you may want to photograph that and bring it to the original "master techs".
If they caused you a problem, don't give them an escape avenue.
Just buy the correct size oil filter socket cap. It fits perfectly over the bolt like pattern on the bottom of the filter,
i bought pliers that expand to grip filters up to 4 1/2 inches diameter. on ebay they are $12 or so. at KMART, craftsman are $20.
these are 12 inches long so you can get good torque on any filter that is stuck. this tool is guarantteed to work!!!! stay away from straps!
these are 12 inches long so you can get good torque on any filter that is stuck. this tool is guarantteed to work!!!! stay away from straps!
Have you try doing it when the engine and oil are in ambient temp?
Originally Posted By: urchin
Just buy the correct size oil filter socket cap. It fits perfectly over the bolt like pattern on the bottom of the filter,
My experience is that they don't. Fit perfectly, or work every time for that matter. Some brands of filter fit the wrench, others don't. And even if it nominally fits, a really stuck filter will deform enough to let the wrench slip over the "flats."
And count me in the "I haven't seen a filter yet that I absolutely couldn't use a strap wrench on" crowd. I've seen some where all I could do was break it loose and then move it about 1/32nd of a turn until I could spin it by hand, but that's all I needed. Fortunately all the vehicles I currently own have very easy to get-at filters with plenty of room. I don't know that just having a filter in a terribly awkward spot would make me NOT buy a particular car, but usually an engine bay laid out that badly has other issues that all taken together would steer me away.
Just buy the correct size oil filter socket cap. It fits perfectly over the bolt like pattern on the bottom of the filter,
My experience is that they don't. Fit perfectly, or work every time for that matter. Some brands of filter fit the wrench, others don't. And even if it nominally fits, a really stuck filter will deform enough to let the wrench slip over the "flats."
And count me in the "I haven't seen a filter yet that I absolutely couldn't use a strap wrench on" crowd. I've seen some where all I could do was break it loose and then move it about 1/32nd of a turn until I could spin it by hand, but that's all I needed. Fortunately all the vehicles I currently own have very easy to get-at filters with plenty of room. I don't know that just having a filter in a terribly awkward spot would make me NOT buy a particular car, but usually an engine bay laid out that badly has other issues that all taken together would steer me away.
Originally Posted By: JOD
The Lisle tool looks neat. Here are the filter pliers some others have mentioned: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200308953_200308953
I've had great luck with the filter pliers removing some questionably placed, stuck filters.
I use pliers similar to those (I think mine are Snap-On) in the link and I have yet to come across a filter I can't remove with them, even on a couple brand new cars that were way beyond tight.
The pliers can actually dig into the can a little if it's slightly slick for a much better grip.
I do have strap wrenches, but they're in the toolbox gathering dust because they simply don't work as well as the pliers, especially in tight filter locations. The little plastic filter cap wrenches that I have that fit over the end of a filter never seem to be fitted to the ridges on the filter and are pretty much worthless.
The Lisle tool looks neat. Here are the filter pliers some others have mentioned: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200308953_200308953
I've had great luck with the filter pliers removing some questionably placed, stuck filters.
I use pliers similar to those (I think mine are Snap-On) in the link and I have yet to come across a filter I can't remove with them, even on a couple brand new cars that were way beyond tight.
The pliers can actually dig into the can a little if it's slightly slick for a much better grip.
I do have strap wrenches, but they're in the toolbox gathering dust because they simply don't work as well as the pliers, especially in tight filter locations. The little plastic filter cap wrenches that I have that fit over the end of a filter never seem to be fitted to the ridges on the filter and are pretty much worthless.
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: urchin
Just buy the correct size oil filter socket cap. It fits perfectly over the bolt like pattern on the bottom of the filter,
My experience is that they don't. Fit perfectly, or work every time for that matter. Some brands of filter fit the wrench, others don't. And even if it nominally fits, a really stuck filter will deform enough to let the wrench slip over the "flats."
And count me in the "I haven't seen a filter yet that I absolutely couldn't use a strap wrench on" crowd. I've seen some where all I could do was break it loose and then move it about 1/32nd of a turn until I could spin it by hand, but that's all I needed. Fortunately all the vehicles I currently own have very easy to get-at filters with plenty of room. I don't know that just having a filter in a terribly awkward spot would make me NOT buy a particular car, but usually an engine bay laid out that badly has other issues that all taken together would steer me away.
I'm one of those that can't use a strap wrench there isn't enough access room to get it on and turn it.
I have used the oil filter sockets on all my cars for over 20 years and have never had a fitment issue ...the nice thing about the socket is that you need little room near the filter to use it, and when you use a socket wrench extension along with the socket it works perfectly.
Originally Posted By: urchin
Just buy the correct size oil filter socket cap. It fits perfectly over the bolt like pattern on the bottom of the filter,
My experience is that they don't. Fit perfectly, or work every time for that matter. Some brands of filter fit the wrench, others don't. And even if it nominally fits, a really stuck filter will deform enough to let the wrench slip over the "flats."
And count me in the "I haven't seen a filter yet that I absolutely couldn't use a strap wrench on" crowd. I've seen some where all I could do was break it loose and then move it about 1/32nd of a turn until I could spin it by hand, but that's all I needed. Fortunately all the vehicles I currently own have very easy to get-at filters with plenty of room. I don't know that just having a filter in a terribly awkward spot would make me NOT buy a particular car, but usually an engine bay laid out that badly has other issues that all taken together would steer me away.
I'm one of those that can't use a strap wrench there isn't enough access room to get it on and turn it.
I have used the oil filter sockets on all my cars for over 20 years and have never had a fitment issue ...the nice thing about the socket is that you need little room near the filter to use it, and when you use a socket wrench extension along with the socket it works perfectly.
I have one of these type of strap wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63500-Range-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0002SR4O0
No clearance issues. Several manufacturers make them. NEVER fails!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63500-Range-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0002SR4O0
No clearance issues. Several manufacturers make them. NEVER fails!!!
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: urchin
I have used the oil filter sockets on all my cars for over 20 years and have never had a fitment issue ...the nice thing about the socket is that you need little room near the filter to use it, and when you use a socket wrench extension along with the socket it works perfectly.
They do work OK if they fit correctly. I must have 6 or 8 of these things laying around now because every filter has a different size. I've even see the same filter part number change so a different sized end-cap socket was needed to fit right.
I now use PureOne filters, and just tighten and remove by hand with the grippy coating.
I have used the oil filter sockets on all my cars for over 20 years and have never had a fitment issue ...the nice thing about the socket is that you need little room near the filter to use it, and when you use a socket wrench extension along with the socket it works perfectly.
They do work OK if they fit correctly. I must have 6 or 8 of these things laying around now because every filter has a different size. I've even see the same filter part number change so a different sized end-cap socket was needed to fit right.
I now use PureOne filters, and just tighten and remove by hand with the grippy coating.
*UPDATE* Well, I bought the Lisle filter that fit my 3" oil filter on my Camry. I could not believe how easy it worked, the filter came right off! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I was surprised how great it worked!
Thanks again for all of your feedback.
Joe
Thanks again for all of your feedback.
Joe
Originally Posted By: joe_it
*UPDATE* Well, I bought the Lisle filter that fit my 3" oil filter on my Camry. I could not believe how easy it worked, the filter came right off! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I was surprised how great it worked!
Thanks again for all of your feedback.
Joe
Rarely on this forum does someone proclaim something to be "better" or "superior" and have it actually be true. One of the exceptions is with this simple little wrench from Lisle that works wonders.
*UPDATE* Well, I bought the Lisle filter that fit my 3" oil filter on my Camry. I could not believe how easy it worked, the filter came right off! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I was surprised how great it worked!
Thanks again for all of your feedback.
Joe
Rarely on this forum does someone proclaim something to be "better" or "superior" and have it actually be true. One of the exceptions is with this simple little wrench from Lisle that works wonders.
Glad the OP solved his OF removal issue. The cam action oil filter wrench is a nice tool. The Lisle comes in two sizes, it appears the OP correctly purchased the smaller which fits up to 3&1/8" dia. filters, and currently goes for ~$11 at Amazon.
The good thing is (as noted by Bill in his linked thread) is it also readily available everyday at AutoZone under it's "OEM" brand (Part # 25128) for ~$6. Gave one as a Christmas gift. As far as I can tell it is identical to the Lisle 63600.
Originally Posted By: crw
As for temperature, I think it's easier to get the filter off a cold engine....
Totally agree. Oil filter is easier to remove when the engine is cold. As an example, during the winter, some including myself, have experienced a dripping of oil between the filter gasket and engine on summer hand tightened filters. The contraction of the metal and the rubber gasket makes the filter easier to remove.
The good thing is (as noted by Bill in his linked thread) is it also readily available everyday at AutoZone under it's "OEM" brand (Part # 25128) for ~$6. Gave one as a Christmas gift. As far as I can tell it is identical to the Lisle 63600.
Originally Posted By: crw
As for temperature, I think it's easier to get the filter off a cold engine....
Totally agree. Oil filter is easier to remove when the engine is cold. As an example, during the winter, some including myself, have experienced a dripping of oil between the filter gasket and engine on summer hand tightened filters. The contraction of the metal and the rubber gasket makes the filter easier to remove.
Lisle import filter wrench cannot fail unless there is not enough room.
Alternately there is the K-D wench (get the right size)
Alternately there is the K-D wench (get the right size)
- Status
Similar threads
