Torque Test Channel - Grippiest Oil Filter Tool

[rstcso]

I did a search and didn't find this posted on this forum.

He first states it's the mechanic's equivalent to a war crime to use a wrench to install an oil filter, but guesses maybe some mechanics are paid by the lb-ft.

 

[chexxers]

those "pliers" work great as long as theres enough room!!

 

[Dave9]

I have a couple sizes of the old school, swivel head, metal strap style. Obviously they've not been used on every vehicle out there, but never had a problem getting a (wiped clean) filter off with them. Then again I seldom do oil changes for other peoples' vehicles and on my own, I was the one who torqued the old filter on, so I'm not needing to move mountains getting it back off.

 

[rstcso]

those "pliers" work great as long as theres enough room!!

Well this is a bit embarrassing. The last few years, I haven't needed to replace a "normal" spin-on filter because the Audi's had a drop-in filter housing on the top of the engine. As soon as you mentioned pliers, I remembered I had at least one hanging in the garage. Turns out, I have two.

 

[tbm5690]

IMO this is the superior choice, which was not tested. Of course it's filter-specific, but it was like $3 so why not have one for every filter you service.

 

[Pablo]

You haven’t wrenched a filter off until you’ve had to use those huge mouth vise grips. These grip better than anything and if they actually tear the can, then have a nice time and don’t scratch the mounting surface

 

[Nessism1]

I'm in this camp.

Also have the band clamp type, and the hex head type. All work, but prefer the pliers type.

 

[rstcso]

IMO this is the superior choice, which was not tested. Of course it's filter-specific, but it was like $3 so why not have one for every filter you service.

I'm using Amsoil filters and bought this exact tool from Amsoil for the correct filter. It's an absolute, cheaply-made, stamped, PO$. I'd send it back, but it's not worth my time. I had this exact conversation today with my Amsoil servicing dealer.

 

[rstcso]

You haven’t wrenched a filter off until you’ve had to use those huge mouth vise grips. These grip better than anything and if they actually tear the can, then have a nice time and don’t scratch the mounting surface

Never had one of those, but have driven screwdrivers through filters several times.

 

[D60]

Watched a few days ago. Like PF, this is good entertainment but has only one foot in reality for daily wrenching real-world.

 

[Oliveoil2]

I’ve got a pair of 40 year old channel locks that have never failed me.

 

[Dborch41]

Never had one of those, but have driven screwdrivers through filters several times.

Sometimes that's what it takes as a last resort, but there's always that brief "no turning back now" pause before taking the first whack on the handle of that screwdriver. It's disconcerting to say the least.