Oil Filter Wrenches ??

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My new Jeep Grand Cherokee has a somewhat difficult oil filter location. I can't get at it with a conventional strap wrench. I bought a few of those K&N oil filters that have the nut spot welded on the end. But the problem with those are the nut is stamped sheet metal. And it has such profound rounded corners, the socket just rides up and over them. In short, they're basically useless.

I have a strap wrench that accepts a 3/8" socket extension, and I've use that with some success. But if I should ever get one that's stubborn to remove, that might not do it. So I'm thinking of getting a set of cheap cap wrenches, along with one of those star wrenches. I want to be equipped with enough options should any issues arise. The last thing you want is to be in a position where you have the oil drained from your vehicle, and you have to start running around trying to find a suitable wrench to remove it. These are the 2 types I'm thinking of getting. Has anyone used them, or else have any better ideas for options? I know Harbor Freight is all China, but I can't see the sense of paying more from Auto Zone or O'Reilly for what amounts to the same thing, (China or Taiwan).

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-end-cap-oil-filter-wrenches-94096.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/universal-3-jaw-adjustable-oil-filter-wrench-63281.html
 
I have two of these: http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=377&division=1&category=9

One in the larger size and one in the smaller size. I've never met a filter it couldn't get off, aside from ones that I physically couldn't reach with it. Typically, if it's hard to reach I just use a socket extension. However, if there's literally no room, I use one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html. Between the two, you should have your bases covered.
 
The ones from Lisle you linked are the ones I use most but the small one is even too big sometimes for small filters then I go to the pliers like the HF one.
There are a couple of others like the Hazet adjustable band and 3 finger one but its rare I need to use them, if I was shopping for ones today I probably wouldn't buy them.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
The ones from Lisle you linked are the ones I use most but the small one is even too big sometimes for small filters then I go to the pliers like the HF one.
There are a couple of others like the Hazet adjustable band and 3 finger one but its rare I need to use them, if I was shopping for ones today I probably wouldn't buy them.



I've never had an issue using the smaller one for small filters. Granted, the smallest I've attempted to use with it is the Fram 7317 or Fram 6607 (same diameter, I believe). I'm not aware of any smaller diameter filters than that. I wonder if a sheet of sand paper in between the filter and the wrench would help in that case, if one doesn't have the pliers? Just thinking out loud...
 
Changing oil since the mid 1970s so I have a large assortment of filter wrenches of various sizes and types.

Last one I bought was a Lisle spring loaded jaws one.
 
My favorite is oil filter pliers. That's all I use anymore. They even work on Toyota cartridge housings.
 
I buy the socket tool for each of my spin on cars.

Its far easier for me.

I used to mess with sandpaper on my hand to try to spin it off, but my hands are getting weak and the socket is so much easier.

The lisel ones are the best, but I have two cheap ones from Advance and they work fine.

Bring in one of your new filters to make sure you get the right size.

Obviously you can't use the KN filters with the nut anymore.
 
I'm currently using a filter with an end that can be spun off using a screwdriver, spanner or any other flat ish edge. Never needed to use it though, oil the gasket and HAND tighten and it will come off by hand.

The last resort is the screwdriver method but it's messy.
 
Is this a 5.7L V8? My father's 2013 has the 5.7L and the filter is kind of odd to get to. It is more of an issue because of the stupid plastic skid plate access hole, not the filter location itself.

I use one of the end cap wrenches. Fits right over the flutes on the end of the Wix oil filter.
 
I like the fixed end cap style. You don't have to worry about it slipping, or mess with adjustable jaws. I don't know about those ones from Harbor freight. I got a couple from O'reillys and Autozone. The thing with the Harbor Freight ones is that there are more different sizes of filters than the 4 cap wrenches they give you so how do you know one of those 4 will fit your application. Also they look kind of shallow in the picture, but it's hard to tell.
 
Originally Posted By: ThirdeYe
I have two of these: http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=377&division=1&category=9

One in the larger size and one in the smaller size. I've never met a filter it couldn't get off, aside from ones that I physically couldn't reach with it. Typically, if it's hard to reach I just use a socket extension. However, if there's literally no room, I use one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to-4-1-4-quarter-inch-oil-filter-wrench-36778.html. Between the two, you should have your bases covered.


Ditto for me - have never failed me.
 
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