Most practical tool for cutting oil filters

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: rationull
Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
OK, so what do you guys find in these oil filters that is so interesting (other than their construction)?



Well, I'm hoping to find two things, specifically:

1) What the filter looks like after two OCIs.
2) Another outlet for my obsessive/compulsive behavior.

Not sure what to expect from (1) but (2) is a sure thing!


I don't cut many filters any more. I've just seen so little in them that I only do it occasionally -- mainly to satisfy my OCD drives. . .

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: TallPaul
I made the mistake of buying a huge pipe cutter that would fit the filter. Sucks. Tends to crease the canister rather than cut as the pipe cutter is made for heavy piping, not the thin oil filter canister. I am back to using a hacksaw and out some $25 for a tool I may never use.

The Summit filter cutter may be the best bet if you're going to cut a lot of filters. I have never used one, but would expect a tool designed specifically for cutting filters should perform.

If you are going hacksaw, make a jig on your work bench. Just nail two pieces of 2x4 or whatever is handy down with just enough space to snugly fit the filter between and so the end can hang off the edge. Put a pan under the edge as the often drip when you cut off the top, and wear a leather glove on the left hand which holds the filter down while cutting, just in case you slip. Works great and the metal bits from cutting the can don't seem to get into the filter element to confuse things.


I'm still using the pipe cutter (when I cut...). While it's not ideal, it works. I've found the key is very gradual increasing of the cutting pressure. Works for all but the Fram which seems to collapse and crease under even the lightest pressure. Go figure.

 

[Buffman]

The one I got off ebay was similiar to the summit unit but $10 cheaper. Works great. used it on about 6 filters so far. Barely anything pressure is needed to cut through filters

 

[Jim Spahr]

When you get bored from cutting open oil filters, why not try fuel filters for a new slant on your OCD? See the thread in the Maintenance or the Gen Auto Topics/ some interesting discoveries that may be caused by the E10 Ethanol gasoline formula. The black deposits may be your hose linings and gaskets being desolved. Use extreme caution to drain FF before cutting and don't make sparks.

 

[Dualie]

I have been doing this for years. But im phasing out anything around here that runs on spark. That and theres all kind of cool stuff in a diesel fuel filter

 

[iloveoil]

punch a hole with a screwdriver (flat), then cut the filter housing with tinsnips. works for me....not real pretty for pictures, but you get the point.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: iloveoil
punch a hole with a screwdriver (flat), then cut the filter housing with tinsnips. works for me....not real pretty for pictures, but you get the point.


+1.

 

[ZZman]

Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
OK, so what do you guys find in these oil filters that is so interesting (other than their construction)?


You might find alot of dirt or sludge in them.

I run oil filter magnets so I like to see what metal particles were captured.

 

[Dualie]

everything from sludge to various metal particles. its like a window into the engine block without the hassle and bother of throwing a connecting rod.