Oil filter wrench designs

[MAJA]

Another earlier post got me thinking about oil filter wrench designs, what we use, and what filter it fits. The only archive item close to this is:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000873

What wrenches do we use? I have a bicycle chain type "strap design" that I bought years ago. I dont know made it, but could be made by anyone with a little mechanical ability. It has a flat iron handle about 6" long, with a chain about a foot long or so. I use it on ST3387A, ST5, ST16, and ST8A, which covers a large filter cross section. It could crinkle a filter a little. But this wrench was too small when I changed the filter on a 1994 Powerstroke.

 

[BeltwayBandit]

I have a Lisle filter wrench (one of the tools mentioned in the post you referenced) and it works great. It is great for getting to some filters where a strap wrench would be difficult to get on the filter. One example of this is the Toyota V6 with the filter neatly hidden under one of the exhaust manifolds. Put the Lisle filter wrench on the end of the filter and attach an 18" breaker bar and loosening the filter becomes a breeze.

Cheers.

 

[srivett]

I just use my hands. If I can't get it off like that I use a cheap rubber strap wrench. The strap wrenches are very strong, do not doubt them.

Metal tools are not recommended unless you want a long, messy fight. My two tools fit all filters but not all mounting positions.

If your mechanic puts a filter or wheel nut on too tight to remove by hand let him know.

Steve

 

[labman]

I am surprised you didn't find more on a search. This topic keeps coming up, and always goes on and on. I have tried a number of things. Finally I fell back on my 16'' Channellocks. Try a search on them and you should find several long threads. I have been able to reach everything except the cap on my Ecotec cartridge with them. In close quarters, you can quickly swing back for another bite. I put filters on like the directions say, and usually don't need to turn a filter too far before I finish the job by hand.

Nice thing about the big Channellocks is that they have hundreds of other uses too. When my son was little, he called them the big dinosour, and the Vice-Grips the little dinosaur.

 

[T-Keith]

A strap wrench seems to work best if you have to change the oil after someone overtightens them.

You shouldn't need a wrench at all if it's properly tightened.

-T

 

[kenw]

let's see:

I have a Sears Strap wrench that is a bit cumbersome to use in a tight spaces and doesn't work well at non-perpendicular angles...it also slips on oily surfaces. It's good for many things, oil filters ain't one of 'em.

I have a socket that fits one size only to get the filter of the wife's Highlander. She takes it to the dealer for oil changes frequently, and the monkees there must use an impact tool to install it....All my strap wrenches crush it before turning it...

I have a metal toggle-strap wrench (I'm sure this has a proper name) that works great. It is similar to the Lisle swivel strap wrench linked on some of the other posts, but without the swivel doodad and the strap is only 1/2" wide.

Unlke the Sears tool and normal strap/chain wrenches, the ends of the strap are fixed and don't come loose when you least expect it. The metal strap "bites" better and doesn't slip on oily surfaces like the Sears tool's rubber strap. It also works at non-perpendicular angles that are necessary on my Camrys with their mondo-bizarro upside down filters hidden under the exhaust manifold.....

And Mr Beltwaybandit, I'm wondering how you get an 18" long breaker bar in there? There's barely room for the &^%$ wrench in my 97 v6 camry. My channellocks that open large enough to work are too big to fit in the area, I can't get any swing once clamped. I'm also curious as to WHY you need an 18" breaker bar to loosen it? This would happen once, the second time the idiot who installed it would be wearing it as a lump in his throat....inserted from the other end.

No one has mentioned the univeral filter tool: a hammer and large screwdriver...

[ February 09, 2005, 10:35 AM: Message edited by: kenw ]

 

[Todd_96SRV]

quote:

---

Originally posted by srivett:
I just use my hands.

If your mechanic puts a filter or wheel nut on too tight to remove by hand let him know.

Steve

---

I agree with this, too frequently parts are overtightend for no reason. Filters should go on by hand & come off the same way.

Just my $.02

 

[hungdynasty]

The cheapest wrench, is a screw driver. Just hammer it into the top end of the filter and turn it, then no matter how hard it's tightened, it'll come off easily.

 

[1sttruck]

I use either one of the end cap wrenches if the filters are fluted, or a rubber strap wrench which can be hard to get into tight places. When installing make a mark on the end of the filter, snug it up until it's flush with the mounting surface, and then you can tighten the 1/4 or 1/2 or 3/4 or whatever additional turn that you're supposed to by clocking the mark. Obviously, don't make the mark in the center :^)

 

[Pete]

I like my Craftsman adjusting oil filter wrench, p/n 46955... As the socket is turned in the loosening direction, it compresses, fitting any size of oil filter. It goes for about $6 at Sears, check out craftsman.com and enter 46955 in the item# search box, in the upper, right of your screen...