How to cut em' open

[webfors]

Hi Fellow filter lovers,

I've ordered two separate filter cutters from Summit Racing over the past year, both spec'd to work on my 3.5 inch Subaru filters, and both were too large when I tried them. Meaning, you couldn't compress the edge far enough to even get pressure on the filter, let alone try to cut it.

So, any tips? What's the next best method to open them. Are there tricks to use with slightly larger cutters to get them to work on smaller filters?

 

[bepperb]

I'm sorry the summit's don't work.

On Purolators a modified (to open wider) swing-a-way can opener works. Wix's have too thick a base plate, so the only way I've opened them is with a dremel grinding wheel. IIRC the can opener worked on the SuperTech as well.

Maybe (hopefully) someone has a better way. Mine are more art than science. And not beautiful art.

 

[chad8]

I bought a 4.5 inch angle grinder from harbor freight and some cut-off wheels for some other shop and tile work around the house. I can cut open even the thickest filter can In about 30 seconds with almost no mess.Total cost was about $20 because they run sales on them plus have 20% off coupons in bass pro every month.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91222

 

[Herz]

Me I use a vice and a hacksaw, sometimes I get perfect round cuts, but not always.

 

[Jakegday]

i use a dremel with a cut off wheel. i just recently got the dremel and need to perfect my skills. it takes me about 1 and a half cut off wheels to open 1 filter

 

[crw]

I was using a Dremel and cut-off wheels, but I was going through maybe four of them to get the whole thing cut. It is also tedious...

 

[Soobs]

I use a hacksaw and a few choice curse words.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

I used my woodworking lathe and an old hacksaw. Tricky part is getting the can centered on the drive points. A dremel and a few cutting discs works good too.

I have a few filters that I am going to post in a few days.

FWIW,
Dave

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted By: chad8
I bought a 4.5 inch angle grinder from harbor freight and some cut-off wheels for some other shop and tile work around the house. I can cut open even the thickest filter can In about 30 seconds with almost no mess.Total cost was about $20 because they run sales on them plus have 20% off coupons in bass pro every month.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91222


I like that option. Does it come with some cut-off wheels that do the job? Or is that something you need to buy separately?

 

[Robenstein]

I bought one from Speedway Motors. It handles everything I can throw at it.

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
I bought one from Speedway Motors. It handles everything I can throw at it.


Which one? I've bought two popular ones so far that all spec'd they could cut a 3.5 inch filter. Neither could come close unfortunately.

 

[webfors]

Both of these did not clamp down small enough for a 3.5 inch subaru filter:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900510/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LNG-77750/

 

[Robenstein]

this cuts down to 1.5 inches

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Oil-Filter-Cutter,2618.html

 

[webfors]

That one looks identical to:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900510/?rtype=10

Is this the one you have? If so, can you confirm personally that it will cut a 3.5 inch diameter filter?

 

[Robenstein]

It cuts the Bosch filter for my Scion Tc which is smaller than your 3.5 diameter filter. Mine comes in at 2.69 inches according to the purolator website.

 

[Gary Allan]

 

[webfors]

Hmm.. I guess my filter is smaller than 3.5. According to Purolator website it's 2.69 inches:

http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/resources/Popup/Pages/PartDetailPopup.aspx?partnum=L14612

Gary, where do you buy that nifty tool? And how much?

 

[Soobs]

Originally Posted By: webfors
That one looks identical to:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900510/?rtype=10

Is this the one you have? If so, can you confirm personally that it will cut a 3.5 inch diameter filter?


Assuming you're talking about the blue Honeywell Subaru OE oil filter, I think I know what your problem is. That filter has a 2.69" diameter, not 3.5".

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted By: Soobs
Originally Posted By: webfors
That one looks identical to:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900510/?rtype=10

Is this the one you have? If so, can you confirm personally that it will cut a 3.5 inch diameter filter?


Assuming you're talking about the blue Honeywell Subaru OE oil filter, I think I know what your problem is. That filter has a 2.69" diameter, not 3.5".


Yep, agreed. It is indeed 2.69 inches.

 

[daman]

that cutter will work it may not touch both rollers but with a firm steady hand just roll it around it'll work,i use mine on small filters all the time,no problem.