Channellock Oil filter pliers alternative uses

[Grokew]

Today I was having a hard time opening a dill pickle jar. I tried all the usual tricks, like hitting the side of the lid against the counter top, hitting the bottom of the jar while holding it upside down, and using a rag, nothing worked.

My siter gave me a channellock 209 for Christmas. I took it, adjusted it, and used it to open the pickle jar. It was so easy.

I will try to find a stainless steel version to keep on the kitcen drawer as a jar opener.

What other unusual uses have you found for oil filter pliers?

 

[nh_yota]

Gotta be careful that you don't clamp down too hard and crack the mouth of the jar. BTDT.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a pair and they're useless on the oil filters on every vehicle I've owned for 20 years- no access for them. The last time I used them was on a kitchen sink repair LOL- on the nut that holds the "basket?" to the sink. Sorry for the terminology error, I'm not a plumber, but to remove the part that you see when you remove the strainer/plug!

 

[Joe Fast]

I've used them for repair/replace kitchen sink strainers.

 

[gmcgeo]

I rarely use the oil wrenches on oil filters, i can usually spin them off by hand just the way i put them on.

They are only to be put on hand tight anyway.

I don't even own a oil wrench

 

[qqzj]

Next time when you can't open the jar, just run the hot water on the jar lid for a while. Same as mechanics use flames to heat up the bolts

 

[MJD1]

They work good for coolant resivoir caps and the pipe thread fuel caps used on some equipment.

 

[Meursault74]

Next time when you can't open the jar, just run the hot water on the jar lid for a while. Same as mechanics use flames to heat up the bolts

noooooo, there's a drought, can't waste water like that.

I keep a cheap rubber strap wrench in the kitchen for stubborn lids.

Something like this

Rubber Strap Wrench Set, 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this 2Pc Rubber Strap Wrench Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[cjarvis]

I've used them for repair/replace kitchen sink strainers.

Me too. They work quite well for this.

 

[JradM]

I've used them for lids too - but just in the shop. Never thought to bring them in the house. Last time I think it was some PVC glue that had dried out a bit and couldn't be done by hand. Large vise grips probably would work too, but the three-grip aspect of the Channellock filter pliers is better to avoid deforming the lid on those metal cans.

I've also used mine for oil filters. The small ones were perfect on my Hyundai Elantra. I've used them on my F150 too - but more awkwardly. They're great on tractor filters of all types where usually the area isn't so cramped.

Clearly not all cars play nice with this style of filter plier, but it's still a nice option to keep around.

BTW, I don't need pliers to remove oil filters from cars I've serviced either - but good grief I've seen some tight filters from "quick lubes" and even dealerships. A couple of times I've even had to cave-in and just drive a screwdriver through the filter to loosen them. Not to mention all the overtightened drain plugs... Do these auto techs think the plugs and filters are holding the engine together?

 

[xlowxyotax88x]

I've used them for lids too - but just in the shop. Never thought to bring them in the house. Last time I think it was some PVC glue that had dried out a bit and couldn't be done by hand. Large vise grips probably would work too, but the three-grip aspect of the Channellock filter pliers is better to avoid deforming the lid on those metal cans.

I've also used mine for oil filters. The small ones were perfect on my Hyundai Elantra. I've used them on my F150 too - but more awkwardly. They're great on tractor filters of all types where usually the area isn't so cramped.

Clearly not all cars play nice with this style of filter plier, but it's still a nice option to keep around.

BTW, I don't need pliers to remove oil filters from cars I've serviced either - but good grief I've seen some tight filters from "quick lubes" and even dealerships. A couple of times I've even had to cave-in and just drive a screwdriver through the filter to loosen them. Not to mention all the overtightened drain plugs... Do these auto techs think the plugs and filters are holding the engine together?

As a tech no we don't, but I can put an oil filter on and after it comes back for the next oil change the filter cannot be removed without some kind of filter wrench, I think they may have changed the rubber composition in some of the filter, same filters about 10 years ago never had this issue.

 

[Bessy]

I bought the two piece set a few years back, and since then the smaller pair has found its way to the kitchen drawer for jar opening purposes... OP you're right, a stainless version would be way better for food related duties, as the small pair in the kitchen would have been amply useful holding the hub as I screwed the retainer screw into my new rotors. 10" cobras did the job, but I'm going to break down and buy a 12" pair now because I maxed out the jaws on that job.

 

[Tools4Me]

I have all three sizes. I use the small and medium ones for oil changes on the two vehicles I maintain that have spin on filters. Quick and simple. I also find them perfect for connecting and disconnecting pvc unions when doing maintenance or repair work on artificial waterfall/ponds or swimming pools (up to 3" pipe size mostly). They can reach into tight areas much more easily than a pair of large Channellocks and they are faster than something like a strap wrench. They also work great for removing the protective caps from welding gas cylinders. Sometimes the caps are put on a bit too tight at the welding supplier, or they become a little hard to remove if the cylinder has been sitting for a while.

Many oil filters that are spun on correctly or slightly overtightened when installed will later end up too tight to be removed by hand, especially if the oil filter was last changed while the engine was hot, because filters will often tighten up noticeably as an engine cools down. I have encountered quite a few super tight filters that felt like they would have to be almost destroyed to get them off. In most cases, running the engine until it's up to normal operating temperature enabled the filter to pop loose and start spinning much more normally using regular filter removal tools. The key is to realize that trick and try it before the filter gets too messed up from attempts at loosening it cold.

 

[ex-x-fire]

They work good for coolant resivoir caps and the pipe thread fuel caps used on some equipment.

And those big Chrysler oil filler caps.

 

[plinker]

The large set can be used to loosen/tighten some plastic fuel tank lock rings and Davco filter housing lock rings, though the proper wrench is better for that.

 

[mv213]

I have a pair in the motorhome for connecting the stinky slinky to the dump tube. For some reason it’s really hard to get it fully tight by hand. Which led of course to the inevitable “poop water shower”. But only once.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have a pair and they're useless on the oil filters on every vehicle I've owned for 20 years- no access for them. The last time I used them was on a kitchen sink repair LOL- on the nut that holds the "basket?" to the sink. Sorry for the terminology error, I'm not a plumber, but to remove the part that you see when you remove the strainer/plug!

It's rare I run into something they won't work on. I work on mostly trucks and equipment though.
Sometimes it's because the filter is too big.

 

[JradM]

As a tech no we don't, but I can put an oil filter on and after it comes back for the next oil change the filter cannot be removed without some kind of filter wrench, I think they may have changed the rubber composition in some of the filter, same filters about 10 years ago never had this issue.

I jest. I've worked as a tech before. There was no aspersions intended... BUT, the only times I've had to deal with overtight filters and drain plugs are when I've had to get someone to do it for me - be it because the machine was under warranty, I'm busy or my wife is driving and needs it done, etc.

Not all techs know what they're doing - I worked with a couple I didn't trust at all. I've seen some horrendously overtight filters and plugs and it's no fun.

 

[xlowxyotax88x]

I jest. I've worked as a tech before. There was no aspersions intended... BUT, the only times I've had to deal with overtight filters and drain plugs are when I've had to get someone to do it for me - be it because the machine was under warranty, I'm busy or my wife is driving and needs it done, etc.

Not all techs know what they're doing - I worked with a couple I didn't trust at all. I've seen some horrendously overtight filters and plugs and it's no fun.

I've had my share of people touched it that shouldn't be near it and I've also worked with some as well lol

 

[Grokew]

I have a pair in the motorhome for connecting the stinky slinky to the dump tube. For some reason it’s really hard to get it fully tight by hand. Which led of course to the inevitable “poop water shower”. But only once.

That *****. I don't know anything about motor homes or that connection type. I must ask, would teflon tape or liquid teflon (pipe dope?) Help with sealing it? Does it requires a gasket that is somehow missing?

 

[Ton ton]

I use these oil filter pliers from channel lock on water filters on a regular basis.

 

[mv213]

That *****. I don't know anything about motor homes or that connection type. I must ask, would teflon tape or liquid teflon (pipe dope?) Help with sealing it? Does it requires a gasket that is somehow missing?

No, it’s only a quarter-turn connector that has ears and slots. I was having a hard time turning it all the way home as it was new and stiff. I didn’t realize it wasn’t completely tight. It’s a mistake you only make once. Most RVers have similar stories, it’s like a rite of passage.

 

[Grokew]

That's interesting. Is the hose connector used to flush the thing by pushing water in, or just to drain?

 

[mv213]

That's interesting. Is the hose connector used to flush the thing by pushing water in, or just to drain?

Yes. That’s not my setup just a googled pic to show the ‘ear and notch’ connector on the hose. Lesson learned, make sure the notches FULLY engage the ears.

 

[TJMtl]

I use mine for plastic couplers on my pool equipment.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Another kitchen sink basin nut user here.

 

[setfocus]

I've used some ****** filter pliers over the years. And the snapon filter pliers I have, could be blue point (blue grips), are my favorite. They have just 2 slip joint settings, joint has never lossened or slipped to the other joint when used, go small enough for the little Honda filters, and grab well. At one point I loaned them to the shop oil drain along with my craftsman metric 6 point dog bone wrench for 2-3 years

My mom had a kitchen gadget when I was a kid that was basically filter pliers for opening jars. They didn't always work, depending on the lid size

 

[Grokew]

I've used some ****** filter pliers over the years. And the snapon filter pliers I have, could be blue point (blue grips), are my favorite. They have just 2 slip joint settings, joint has never lossened or slipped to the other joint when used, go small enough for the little Honda filters, and grab well. At one point I loaned them to the shop oil drain along with my craftsman metric 6 point dog bone wrench for 2-3 years

My mom had a kitchen gadget when I was a kid that was basically filter pliers for opening jars. They didn't always work, depending on the lid size

How deep was the oil container? 3 years is quite a long time to wait before retrieving them. Did the handles survive?

 

[setfocus]

They weren't left submerged in oil. They hung on the wheeled oil drain. Like this

Oil drain

And everyone in the shop used them for oil changes. The very end of one of the grips tore off and that's it

 

[Mgdoug3]

As a tech no we don't, but I can put an oil filter on and after it comes back for the next oil change the filter cannot be removed without some kind of filter wrench, I think they may have changed the rubber composition in some of the filter, same filters about 10 years ago never had this issue.

My jeep is this way. I install the filter by hand and 4,000 miles later it does not want to come off without pliers. All the filters on my truck and tractors spin off by hand. I just learned to not even try to remove the Jeep filter without pliers. I think the rubber must swell up because it'll take 3/4 to a full turn before I can easily unscrew the filter.