Oil Filter Wrench

[hancock1701]

Hi guys,

So I've had this style of oil filter wrench (mine is not Tekton, link for reference only, got it from Pepboys) for a couple years now. It was working fine when I first got it, but now whenever I have it in the notch for smaller size (which is what I've always used) and squeeze, it'll slip out to the other notch for the bigger size.

I've given it many chances, but no luck. I think mine just no longer wants to work. Is the Channellock style better?

My style:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPR33O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Channellock:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009WG5SU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wamsutta]

I've always preferred the swiveling band type called "Swivoil" by KD tools, but now I think they've been bought out by GearWrench. They come in four sizes.

 

[martin666]

If you're mind is set on the pliers type, get the Channellocks, you won't be sorry

 

[OkRider]

I like the heck out of this one. Even wrote a review I liked it so much, and for me that is a rare thing.

http://m.harborfreight.com/automoti...h-66570.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

[James-W]

I have a set of filter removers that look a lot like giant sockets. They fit on the end of the filter and you use a ratchet to remove the filter. If needed you can also use a three inch, or a six inch, extension between the ratchet and the big socket. Works quite well unless you have a filter that one of the sockets won't fit on. I guess in that case you would have to go with something else.

 

[James-W]

I like the heck out of this one. Even wrote a review I liked it so much, and for me that is a rare thing.

http://m.harborfreight.com/automoti...h-66570.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

Oh - Oh, you just posted a link to Harbor Freight. The anti-Harbor Freight people will be all over you in a heartbeat.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

 

[OkRider]

Oh - Oh, you just posted a link to Harbor Freight. The anti-Harbor Freight people will be all over you in a heartbeat.

Lol!!! Let them knock themselves out.

 

[PureLeaf]

I have a bunch of different types and personally find its just related to the car that I'm working on and the position of the filter.

That one Skang linked is probably the one I use most often as you can throw an extension on it and that gives it flexibility in its use. Craftsman makes a very similar looking one as well with 3 little arms.

Each style of filter remover seems to excel in particular locations or spaces.

 

[Fedwrench]

The channelock oil filter pliers have an arc joint design. Because of this, they won't slip into the larger size opening like a cheaper pair of slip joint oil filter pliers.

Of course, you might be able to fix your pair. See if the adjusting notch is worn of if the rivet holding the jaws together has spread apart. You might be able to tap the rivet back together, or replace the rivet with a small bolt and nut if the notch isn't worn.

 

[Kent_B]

On my car, the oil filter is nestled snugly between the oil pan and a loop of exhaust pipe leading to the forward catalytic converter. Pliers won't reach it. This style and a 6" extension is the only combination that'll get in there,

 

[ChevyEFI]

I've always preferred the swiveling band type called "Swivoil" by KD tools, but now I think they've been bought out by GearWrench. They come in four sizes.

http://www.etace.com/Pictures/8100570.jpg

I have a 20 year old Lisle like that in traditional Chevy (Fram PH30) compatible size.

And I have one like this, which covers a physically smaller, (but wider range?) of sizes than the above. It's 3/8" drive and except for a little bit of hassle holding it open, it's good and reliable:

http://www.mytoolsforyou.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/lis-63600.gif

I've never pulled a filter that made me want pliers that fit perpendicular to the filter.

 

[bczygan]

Sometimes I just stab it with a screwdriver and twist it off...

Bill

PS, I hand tighten when I put them on. Shouldn't I be able to remove them by hand?

 

[drew03cmc]

Sometimes I just stab it with a screwdriver and twist it off...

Bill

PS, I hand tighten when I put them on. Shouldn't I be able to remove them by hand?

Theoretically, yes. It doesn't always work that way though.

 

[Vette10R]

I just picked this up, have yet to use it but heard good things. All my mechanic buddies use it...

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MST60A/3-JAW-OIL-FILTER-WRENCH/

 

[TreePointer]

I use that one, but on the rare occasion that it doesn't grab enough, I'll switch to the Craftsman model below. On really stubborn filters, the fingers will press into the filter enough to deform it and subsequently spin it.

Craftsman Universal Oil Filter Wrench

 

[1982fxr]

get the Channellock

 

[d.mcfarland]

If you like your plier type I would get the Channellock for less than $20 and you will know if you still like using that type with the upgraded item. If not, search for the socket style you like next. Neither are that much and you will always find a use for them.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

All of these suggestions look good to me. I would add that the textured tops of the Fram ultra synthetic (my favorite) and the Purolator PureOne (cheap and good) make any of the pliers work better.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Sometimes I just stab it with a screwdriver and twist it off...

This.

 

[Askme42]

Sometimes I just stab it with a screwdriver and twist it off...

Bill

PS, I hand tighten when I put them on. Shouldn't I be able to remove them by hand?

I hand tighten and never even that tight really with my hands. Just had one last week that I couldn't even get to budge with the channellock pliers. Had to stab a pry bar through it.

 

[hancock1701]

Thanks for all the suggestions guy. Good to know that other styles exist, so I can get them when my plier style won't do it.

 

[winlinmac]

Purchased on from Advance Auto Parts (Performance Tools Brand) for less than $10. Served its purpose well in-spite of denting the old oil filter. I would buy the cheapest Oil Filter and move on. Had I not purchased the one from Advance Auto Parts a year or so ago, I would have gone with the Channellocks. I don't see how one can damage such a tool unless its being used for the wrong purpose.

New Oil filters are typically hand-tightened when being put on.

 

[chrissalas1]

I currently use the facom u.48 and it is the best oil filter wrench i have used,you can even adjust the spring tension.
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=3409

 

[hancock1701]

Purchased on from Advance Auto Parts (Performance Tools Brand) for less than $10. Served its purpose well in-spite of denting the old oil filter. I would buy the cheapest Oil Filter and move on. Had I not purchased the one from Advance Auto Parts a year or so ago, I would have gone with the Channellocks. I don't see how one can damage such a tool unless its being used for the wrong purpose.

New Oil filters are typically hand-tightened when being put on.

That's what I did, got mine from Pepboys, and it was working fine for 2 years. Now it's just slipping. It probably can be repaired, but I'm gonna try the Channellock this time to see if it's better because of the different arc design (as mentioned earlier).

 

[Yv.]

Channellock.

 

[Bighead38]

I have a couple different styles and end up using the pliers style the most. I just recently found vise grip plier but haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

 

[Ign]

I've always preferred the swiveling band type called "Swivoil" by KD tools, but now I think they've been bought out by GearWrench. They come in four sizes.

I've recently done several oil changes on various vehicles and realized this is my go-to also. The "flex" head makes it really versatile for a lot of applications, but certainly not EVERY application.

 

[winlinmac]

I have the Vise Grip type as well, but never tried it, they do help in plumbing though, haha

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Seriously though, that's what I use. I have every filter wrench mentioned here for some reason and I've really only needed one of them after my wife took her car to some oil place. Other than that I am always able to unscrew every filter with my hand, but that might be in part because I don't crank them on there.

I find that the red handled ones pictured above really bite into the filter, so if you need it off it's not going to slip using that one.


-Nigel

 

[winlinmac]

The teeth on the red-handled ones really help
Nigel, whats your oil change frequency? I always find my oil filter stuck if I use my bare hands. Also, I always warm the car up before draining the oil and doing an oil change.

 

[mrvm]

New Oil filters are typically hand-tightened when being put on

Channellock is my go-2 oil filter wrench for hand tightened oil filters that have "locked" themselves onto the motor. Next would be a good cam action oil filter wrench.

 

[Agentwho]

Like others I have several types of oil filter pliers but it seems like my first go to is the craftsman adjustable http://www.sears.com/craftsman-adju...p-02820520000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2 I picked them up after someone borrowed and bent my cheaper similar style. They are hefty enough not the bend, the teeth bite really well and are long enough to get good leverage. Downside is the auto adjust system is a little wonky and can be a bit of a pain.

I also have the shorter style Channellocks and they are what I grab when there isn't enough clearance for the Craftsmans. They work well and stay right where you adjust them. Down side is with the shorter handle you get less leverage.

I've never had much luck with the mechanical gripping wrenches and have broken a couple of them trying to break loose tough filters. When nothing else works I find heavy duty fabric strap wrenches to be best. Super low clearance so they can work into tight spots. They will deform and crush the filter then spin it on off. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QVB71C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

In the end it comes down to personal preference/ need. Find what works best for you and go with it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Does the bottom part flex to tighten its grip as you apply torque ?

 

[neonlazer]

Does the bottom part flex to tighten its grip as you apply torque ?