oil filter wrenches and tools

[RyanY]

The best filter wrench is the one that works every time for a particular application.

My Hondas and Toyota have plenty of space around the filter so they get the Hyper Tough version of the plier-style wrench linked in post #13. I am the only person to change oil in them so the filter is always tightened by hand; this is just a little too tight to remove by hand but not so tight that it gets mangled.

My Cadillac has a cartridge so it gets a 24mm socket, torqued to 18 lb ft.

I also service others' Toyotas with the cartridge and the Hyper Tough Toyota 64mm cap wrench works very well, torque to 18 lb ft.

I service a few others too, and the wrench choice depends on the configuration.

 

[TacoFergie]

I have had the Lisle 2 jaw wrenches for about 20yrs from when I started as a Toyota lube tech. There hasn't been a filter they haven't gotten off. At first they can be a little tricky to use, but once you get the hang of it they are super simple and work amazing. I have the small and large one. Even works on LS engines where the filter to oil pan gap can be pretty tight. They're a life saver for filters near exhaust manifolds.

The pliers style one do work great, but 95% of the cars I work on don't have enough space or are at an odd angle so they don't fit. The strap styles haven't always worked well for me personally.

 

[PF52]

I have had the Lisle 2 jaw wrenches for about 20yrs from when I started as a Toyota lube tech. There hasn't been a filter they haven't gotten off. At first they can be a little tricky to use, but once you get the hang of it they are super simple and work amazing. I have the small and large one. Even works on LS engines where the filter to oil pan gap can be pretty tight. They're a life saver for filters near exhaust manifolds.

View attachment 312310

That's the kind I use; probably the small one on the left. I tried to describe it in an earlier post but a picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[TacoFergie]

That's the kind I use; probably the small one on the left. I tried to describe it in an earlier post but a picture is worth a thousand words.

The only problem I've had with them is the spring has come off a couple times on each. But after curling the end further with needled nose pliers, they haven't popped off since. These don't deform the canister like the 3 jaw ones do, unless the filter is super tight. They work great for people who cut open the filter. Even on filters I install myself that aren't over torqued, I automatically just grab this tool to make my life easier.

 

[Arc]

For any oil filter I can't get off by hand, I use the hammer and screwdriver on

Of course, spin-on filters should only be tightened by hand, and don't forget to oil the gasket before installing. Cartridge filters get torqued to spec.

A screwdriver works every time.

 

[Jmoney7269]

I have the matco filter claw, a snap on bi directional claw, and a caterpillar filter srap thats made out of thick seatbelt material. Im undefeated against oil filters. I change them every day

 

[DWS507]

Back in 1971 when I bought my first car and changed the oil for the first time,my DAD said "be careful,don't over tighten".You can probably guess what I had done.I was up the creek without a paddle.The regular strap type wouldn't work,I bought one with webbing,no go.I didn't know about pounding a screw driver thru it.Some how my DAD was busy!After a while he told me about a bicycle chain type vise grip tool that worked.The lesson was learned,I have never needed the chain tool.Since ,,,I've matched filters with tools when I've changed cars.A quality wrench,no matter the type that works and what you prefer is important. A backup plan is important, but following the directions on the box and tightening carefully works for me.One of my Camry's had a filter,a plastic type would fit with a choice of using a ratchet in the indent or a wrench on the hex.,that was a great filter wrench.All of these previous tips on getting a good,clean,dry grip on a bulky filter can be a game changer no matter the wrench you prefer

 

[K20FA5]

I’ve been very happy with this one. It works on most of the cars I’ve tried. When it doesn’t, I use my old channel lock style to break it free.