Oil filter wrench...what are you using?

[leadnbrass]

For some crazy reason everytime I change the oil in my wifes Honda Pilot I have a real hard time getting the filter off. I have used the slip on ratchet driven ones on other vehicles with no issue but for some reason the two I've bought still slip.

Whats the best wrench you can suggest?

Ive tried the ratcheting band thing but that slips as well and the big channel locks just crush the filter.

Suggestions?

 

[blacK20]

I have a selection of filter wrenches depending on situation and type of filter. Honestly if you are having a hard time taking it off every oil change, then chances are you are cranking it on too tight. Did you lube the seal before you put it on?

 

[pmohr]

90% of the time I go straight for this - http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...ord=oil+filter&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4

Lost the one I got off the SO truck, got this one and it's near identical, just half the cost.

 

[leadnbrass]

I have a selection of filter wrenches depending on situation and type of filter. Honestly if you are having a hard time taking it off every oil change, then chances are you are cranking it on too tight. Did you lube the seal before you put it on?

Yes, I run oil on the gasket and I'm now down to about 1/4 turn after snug...no other vehicles I own are problems.

 

[ajchien]

My Honda CRV and element, I use one of those cheap plastic cap types. Think I got mine from walmart $5. I just test fitted it on a honda sized filter before i got it. Should be the same filter for the pilot. I have a pliers type one just in case I'm doing someone elses car.

 

[treasureseeker]

I own two Honda's and haven’t used an oil fitter wrench on them in years. I use the Fram oil filters with the black coating like that of a truck bed protection and oil the filter's O ring. When I used the Honda fitters I used the filter wrench that is like a big socket.

 

[dwm]

I like the Lisle 63600 more than the three-legged types. I've only used it twice (my current cars don't have cartridge-type filters), but it's worked like a charm. Not sure it's the right size for the Pilot's filter (the 63250 is larger).

 

[dwm]

treasureseeker makes a good point... you could buy a filter that's easier to remove. K&N makes some with a hex on the end.

 

[bolecailey]

I find giant channel-locks to be easier than any oil filter wrench I have ever used, YMMV. Put grease on the rubber o-ring of the oil filter and it will be easier to get off. I have never found one hard to get off with this method.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

I use either the plier style for taking them off. or the cap style. The claw style I picked up from craftsman a while back. Its huge and Im not real sure that I like the fact that its spring loaded. But this thing will crush the filter before it will let go. Its pretty much all I grab to take filters off. Channellock makes some similar tho this that use ark joint. Thinking about getting a smaller set for the cars i work on.

The cup style are just cheep performance tool that I got at auto zone for like 3 bucks each. They work fairly nice and are made of somewhat heavy gauge sheet metal. They were the lowest profile cup style I could find and cheep to. I dont like plastic and i dont like the big heavy ones that fit like 4 different sizes. Really nice for doing oil on an sx4 or Malibu. I swear some car manufactures put oil filters in the strangest places.

Sorry forgot to add. I try to use my hand first If I can. But sometimes the filter is in such an odd spot or is stuck on so bad that I have to use the wrenches. But I put them on by hand untill the gasket makes contact then another 1/4-1/2 turn holds them on. But sometimes filters just stick (did oil in my dads sx4 and didnt have my plier style on hand) took me 2 hours trying to get that filter off. Finaly just said F@#c it and drove a screwdriver though it. But had I had my pliers style it would have been off in 3 seconds.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[wafrederick]

Some oil change places are terrible with this,install the oil filter on way too tight.Had a Jeep in a few years ago like this,oil filter was installed way too tight.I could not get it off and told the customer to take it back to the oil change place that did this.I do have one oil filter socket,for the Ecotecs in the newer Saturns,Cavaliers and has come in handy.My Grandma Rose has a Saturn with the 2.2 Ecotec engine and comes in for regular oil changes.I did it the other way before I purchased the special socket,an 1 1/4 box end wrench.The strap type oil filter wrenches do wear out overtime.

 

[neonnblack]

Just bought the plier type yesterday to do a friends car. Couldnt get his unscrewed for the life of us, it was on so tight that the pliers crushed the filter even at the bottom of it before it came loose.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I have a oil filter socket set that covers just about every size filter out there. It is made by Lisle. I think 8 sockets in all, I'd have to go back and count. I just use a 3/8 ratchet with them and I have no problems.

 

[LEVE]

I have a real hard time getting the filter off.

I'd agree that you're tightening the filter too tight.

I've got a Prius. According to a Prius Forum I frequent, people had lots of problems with the oil filter being tight enough. It'd either leak, or at some point ... back off enough to fall off the engine. I scared the bejezzus out of me.

The oil filter is nestled up in a "hole" where you can't get a strap type wrench on it. You're forced to use a ratchet/socket mounted cap style. When I changed the oil the first time I lubed the seal and did the 1/4 turn after tight using the ratchet/cap.

The 2nd time I changed the oil I almost had to destroy the filter to get it off. The cap was no good at all in removing the filter. I was surprised. There had to be a better way.

Now I hand tighten the filter and do not turn 1/4 turn after tight. It's not easy to hand tighten with the limited space, but it's doable. I turn the filter till I feel the filter is tight, seals and won't back off.

That's what I've always done on every other car I've ever had. So far... so good.

 

[kburns]

Don't use oil on the seal, instead use silicone grease. I've done that for decades and have always been able to remove the filters by hand. Also make sure you aren't over tightening them to begin with.

 

[LocoCoco]

I've personally never come across a filter that couldn't be removed with a wrench, but one method I've heard of is to drive a long screwdriver right through the filter and reef on that. Never tried it though.

...I use the Fram oil filters with the black coating like that of a truck bed protection...

I like those filters too for that reason. However, I keep reading bad things about Fram (low flow-rate and dissintegrating paper) so I'm hessitant to use them.



LC.

 

[j-guenth]

Oil filters should be hand tightened. I have never had a filter that I could remove with a filter wrench.

I use a silicone grease on the oil filter seal.

 

[Terry454]

I use the same Lisle 54920 set that Brandon does:

I instruct an adult education auto shop class and the students come in with all sorts of vehicles and filters so we need this set.

Terry

 

[HandyManny]

If you have the space to use them I recommend Channellock Oil Filter/PVC pliers. Adjust the jaws corretly and grip them close to where the filter is screwed on and you won't crush it. Some vehicles require a cap wrench, get the right size and it shouldn't slip, in fact in my extensive experience I notice that warm filters tend to swell inside and stick a little bit in a cap wrench. A good all around tool is a strap wrench.

Here's some tips to install so removal will be easier - smear a couple drops of fresh oil around the filter rubber O gasket before threading it on. Only get the new filter hand tight, just turn it until it's seated and can't be turned by hand anymore. Never tighten a filter with any tool.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

I like those filters too for that reason. However, I keep reading bad things about Fram (low flow-rate and dissintegrating paper) so I'm hessitant to use them.



LC.

Its kinda hit or miss and depends who you ask. There is a reason they call them the orange can of death. The orange cans dont have anti drain back valves (this is bad!) and have crappy bypass valves and also use paper end caps.

every fram filter but the xg uses paper and if the paper caps collapse it does 1 of two things. Best case allows unfiltered oil to circulate unrestricted in the oil system. worse case, paper clogs filter and oil system thus starving engine of oil and resulting in subsequent engine failure.

I like my purolators but many companies put out a fine filter. Not a big fan of fram but many people use them without problems. and I hear the xg line is an outstanding filter especially for the money. I tend to not like the sure grip stuff fram puts on the filters because then you cant use a cap wrench.

Why wont filter companies just learn? Ill gladly pay the extra dough to have a nut weleded on like k&n or aircraft spin on style.

 

[HandyManny]

Its kinda hit or miss and depends who you ask. There is a reason they call them the orange can of death. The orange cans dont have anti drain back valves (this is bad!) and have crappy bypass valves and also use paper end caps.

every fram filter but the xg uses paper and if the paper caps collapse it does 1 of two things. Best case allows unfiltered oil to circulate unrestricted in the oil system. worse case, paper clogs filter and oil system thus starving engine of oil and resulting in subsequent engine failure.

I like my purolators but many companies put out a fine filter. Not a big fan of fram but many people use them without problems. and I hear the xg line is an outstanding filter especially for the money. I tend to not like the sure grip stuff fram puts on the filters because then you cant use a cap wrench.

Why wont filter companies just learn? Ill gladly pay the extra dough to have a nut weleded on like k&n or aircraft spin on style.

Anti-drain-back valves have become the new selling point in filters. Truthfully if you have a filter mounted bottom down an anti drain back valve is a mute point. Even in vehicles that have them mounted horizionally, it's not really nessesary. Some engines have them mounted bottom up and thats where they may be most useful to have in a filter. But....ever try and drain a filter from all it's oil by letting it sit bottom up?? You still never get all the oil out, so what makes people think the filter will have to be filled all the way at start-up if the filter has no anti drain??

As far as Fram goes I don't understand all the bashing they get. I don't use Fram regularly only because I can get Purolator, Wix, and Motorcraft pretty easy and at a fair price. I have used Fram on occasion though. In fact my brother has only ever used Fram along with Penzoil in his vehicles and all those vehicles have lasted him well beyond 200K without any engine trouble due to oil or filter. Makes me wonder what all the bad mouthing is about.

 

[ezriderga]

treasureseeker makes a good point... you could buy a filter that's easier to remove. K&N makes some with a hex on the end.

That's what I use. Easy on, easy off.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Anti-drain-back valves have become the new selling point in filters. Truthfully if you have a filter mounted bottom down an anti drain back valve is a mute point. Even in vehicles that have them mounted horizionally, it's not really nessesary. Some engines have them mounted bottom up and thats where they may be most useful to have in a filter. But....ever try and drain a filter from all it's oil by letting it sit bottom up?? You still never get all the oil out, so what makes people think the filter will have to be filled all the way at start-up if the filter has no anti drain??

As far as Fram goes I don't understand all the bashing they get. I don't use Fram regularly only because I can get Purolator, Wix, and Motorcraft pretty easy and at a fair price. I have used Fram on occasion though. In fact my brother has only ever used Fram along with Penzoil in his vehicles and all those vehicles have lasted him well beyond 200K without any engine trouble due to oil or filter. Makes me wonder what all the bad mouthing is about.

afaik anti drain back valves are designed to minimize dry starts by keeping oil trapped in the head and keep it from draining down could be wrong tho but either way I like my purolators and im not a big fram fan. I said many people use them without problems. they can and have caused them tho. Would I run a fram? no but have others run frams for a long time without problems yes! but I cannot in fact run a fram in my personal car because there is a tsb out about them creating oil pressure problems and causing premature top end wear. But that is simply my opinion. im not flaming them im just telling what I hear.

 

[leod]

this: http://www.channellock.com/Category.aspx?zcid=109
and this: http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...4&blockType=L4

 

[midnightcruise]

90% of the time I go straight for this - http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...ord=oil+filter&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4

Lost the one I got off the SO truck, got this one and it's near identical, just half the cost.

That is the one I grab first 100% of the time... On rare occasions I have to use pan style where clearance is very tight.

 

[dicaeala]

90% of the time I go straight for this - http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...ord=oil+filter&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4

Lost the one I got off the SO truck, got this one and it's near identical, just half the cost.

I have the same one, and it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[toolman1967]

90% of the time I go straight for this - http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...ord=oil+filter&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4

Lost the one I got off the SO truck, got this one and it's near identical, just half the cost.

I have been thinking of getting that wrench. Glad to hear someone owns one and likes it. I use a selection of oil filter wrenches and it seems I always wish for something different.

 

[HandyManny]

afaik anti drain back valves are designed to minimize dry starts by keeping oil trapped in the head and keep it from draining down could be wrong tho but either way I like my purolators and im not a big fram fan. I said many people use them without problems. they can and have caused them tho. Would I run a fram? no but have others run frams for a long time without problems yes! but I cannot in fact run a fram in my personal car because there is a tsb out about them creating oil pressure problems and causing premature top end wear. But that is simply my opinion. im not flaming them im just telling what I hear.

Oh I hear ya loud and clear. If there's a TSB out on your vehicle against them I don't blame you for avoiding Fram.

 

[willysrule]

have a bunch of the socket style ones, and the "three finger" style, if they don't work I also have these..

make sure it has the swivel handle, the fixed handle ones don't fit many places...

for the reaalllyyy stubborn ones...

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Yes, I run oil on the gasket and I'm now down to about 1/4 turn after snug...no other vehicles I own are problems.

I also use these on most of the time. I have taken off some pretty tight filters with it. The trick is to keep it tight on the filter before you apply pressure with the drive tool. It's only dented a few filters that were on very tight but, not an issue as filter is being tossed anyways. Have some of the cap ones too but, tend to slip from time to time. Even more so on oily filters. I do also have the pliers that DARKSCOPE001 has pictured.

 

[Shipfittin]

I just tighten mine by hand and loosen them by hand.

 

[neverenoughtools]

I've settled on using the cap style filter wrench

 

[Aklass]

at home, I use a 3 leg filter wrench that I got from HF, and it works quite well. I use Napa Gold filters by Wix BTW =)

 

[bonneyman]

..I use the Fram oil filters with the black coating like that of a truck bed protection...

+1 on those black grip Fram filters.
I have a pair of Frams I got at estate sales. Older style without the black end. Alot more of a pain getting on and off. Then again, I got them for a buck or two each, so, I can't complain too much.

 

[tw33k2514]

On cars I've installed the filter on, I use my hand. On other peoples I use the cap style mostly.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I use the same Lisle 54920 set that Brandon does:

I instruct an adult education auto shop class and the students come in with all sorts of vehicles and filters so we need this set.

Terry

We have a set like that from NAPA at work, but every filter I tried to use it on it seemed to slip.
Don't seem to work very well.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[ptab01]

- I have the Craftsman 3 legger job from the link and a larger version off a tool truck, a standard oil filter wrench and last resort an old 12 " flat head screwdriver and my trusty 16Oz drilling mallet -AKA "Molly"

 

[mrbreezeet1]

at home, I use a 3 leg filter wrench that I got from HF, and it works quite well. I use Napa Gold filters by Wix BTW =)

Yeah, I have used the NAPA Gold on the Harley already.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[KEH]

Regarding the filter that is difficult to get off even after properly being installed, it might be the fault of the filter housing. Not likely but I have had it happen twice. Once was a 1966 Dodge with a 273 engine. A mechanic had to put it on a lift and drive a screwdriver through it to get the filter off. I had the Dodge dealer work on it and I assume he put a new housing on it, it never gave any more problems and I still have the car.
The other was the opposite problem, the filter wouldn't stay tight. It was on a Wisconsin v 4 Air cooled motor on a hay baler and it had an aluminum housing with the threads worn. Got a new cast iron housing and had no more problems with the filter.

KEH

 

[Stephenw]

With this group, no filter has beat me yet...