low profile oil filter sockets

[mech-tech]

I recently did an oil change on a 2009 Chevy Cobalt which was my first encounter with the plastic oil filter cap style. I was able to use a Proto 1-1/4" 6 point chrome socket which just barely fit, but the problem I had was the plastic nut on the cap got a little scuffed up which isn't a big deal but for a 6 year old car the plastic cap wasn't scuffed up before I removed it and it had always been to the local oil change shop since it was bought new. Are the typical low profile oil filter sockets from Lisle, OEM, and everyone else made to grab the plastic hex different than the typical socket made for bolts? I don't mind spending the $10 on the socket but I got enough tools as it is (I can't believe I just said that). Are those sockets designed any better for their intended purpose than a 1-1/4"(32 mm) 6 point socket?

 

[fivespdcat]

Like you said, that filter cap is really a 32mm metric. As for the sockets, I have the Gearwrench set and it's really nice. The set ran about $30.

 

[E46erak]

Unless you need the tool to be low profile (for clearance), you could use any other tool of the same size. For example, axle nut sockets come in sizes similar to those oil caps, instant dual purpose! I do have the Lisle low profile socket for my E46 though; I'm quite happy with it.

 

[JJThrasher]

Depending on the Ecotec and the car some of them have the manifold over the filter and you need a low profile with a swivel. That said on some a normal socket works. I have the 6 piece Gearwrench set. 32mm is the Ecotec size.

 

[Tim C]

We use a snapon socket made for those ecotec 2.2 engines at work, it's tapered on top so it clears the intake better. I've used a regular socket on them before but you can't get it perfectly squared up on some cars and it'll scuff them like you said. The right tool fits better on that car I believe. On other cars and trucks where there's no clearance issues I just use regular sockets everytime. On 6.0 powerstroke fords for instance I just use my 36mm axle nut socket as stated above.

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[mach2mack]

I have a Mac set

 

[mech-tech]

Yes this engine had the intake manifold in the way. I wouldn't mind cutting down a cheap socket to fit, provided it bites the same as the special filter sockets do. Why are those sockets so thick walled for such a low torque application?

 

[Greg85mcss]

I have a matco socket made for those & it was about $15. I work with guys with the otc & gearwrench sets & the shop has lisle. All are good. I think gw is the best deal.


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[Fedwrench]

Yes this engine had the intake manifold in the way. I wouldn't mind cutting down a cheap socket to fit, provided it bites the same as the special filter sockets do. Why are those sockets so thick walled for such a low torque application?

They're probably thick walled because, their steel might not be the best since designed to remove a plastic cap
Most of the filter sockets I've used feature off corner engagement combined with their low profile make for a winner-winner chicken dinner.
Check out what cripe has to offer. The Gearwrench set is a bargain if you shop around. In fact, they're such a bargain, that it's not worth it to me to try to cut a socket down but, that's just me.

 

[mjoekingz28]

On my 06 2.2 Cobalt, I did my first cartridge filter change which was also the first time I used my added socket trays from Sears. I bought a 22,23,24,25,26 and a 27,28,29,30,32,36mm. I think those are the sizes in the packs.

Anyway, I used the 32mm (not sure if 1 1/4 is the same or maybe close enough) with, IIrC, a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter and a 3" extension. Also, IIRC it was a metal oil filter cap which closely resembles a fluted metal oil filter socket for regular oil filter canisters.


It was on pretty tight, maybe 15-22lb-ft. Dont think it spilt a drop!






Btw, 1.25 X 25.4 = 31.75

 

[Bagherra]

damn bmw X5 of mine uses wide 86mm filter socket...

 

[csargents1546]

I believe lisle makes a socket specifically for that. Typically less than 20 dollars. Check tooltopia.com.

 

[Dustball]

I searched YouTube for Cobalt oil change to get an idea of what the filter socket looks like-