Tool Review: Performance Tools Coil Spring Oil Filter Wrench

[1320stang]

I purchased one of these about a month and a half ago for changing the oil filter on my '03 SportTrac. It mounts straight up & down like a SBC but it's a ways up past the frame and I couldn't use a conventional clamping oil filter wrench and I've never had much luck with the cup style ones.

I bought it at a local tool warehouse here in OKC for about $6 https://goo.io/nJwYmJ and finally had the chance to use it a few days ago. The SportTrac filter is sorta large, I had to uncoild the end of the spring to slip it over but it performed GREAT!! I'll be trying it on my wife's Windstar this weekend, the filter on it sits over the K-member and is hard to get a conventional filter wrench on it as well.

 

[bmwpower]

How does it work?

 

[kartracer55]

How does it work?

The coils tighten around the filter. I never had a need for one myself but I have used them a few times and they are pretty hand tools.

The other tool I would recommend is something along the lines of the one on the bottom of the page..
http://matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2125&select=&page=3
These are pretty serious, and have a 1/2 drive on them for big PITA filters. I use it on cars, but Im sure they make a smaller (and hopefully cheaper) one specifically for cars.

For 6$, I might invest in a coil too!

Jim

 

[Uncle Buck]

I grew up with that filter wrench, it is still my favorite.

 

[Elroy]

Elroy has a Blue-Point filter wrench just like it. If you have the room to "screw" the wrench onto the filter then the filter is coming off. Elroy doesn't give a damn how tight the filter is. That type of wrench really grabs !That is IF the filter is the correct diameter to fit the inside of the "spring". They also won't crush the can like a strap wrench will.

 

[sha_ba_do_bang]

Why do you put your oil filter on so dam tight? You shouldn't need a wrench to take it off if you change your oil all the time

They are only for taking off filters that the idiots at walmart/jiffy lube/dealerships/everywhere put on as tight as humanly possible

 

[Uncle Buck]

Why do you put your oil filter on so dam tight? You shouldn't need a wrench to take it off if you change your oil all the time

They are only for taking off filters that the idiots at walmart/jiffy lube/dealerships/everywhere put on as tight as humanly possible

Even following most filter manufacturers directions of 2/3 - 1 full turn past initially seating the filter I have almost always found the aid of a filter wrench helpful? I am not lacking in strength either.

 

[SuperKid]

That seems useful. I've seen some wierd positions for oil filters. I usually just use a standard filter wrench, but I have run into some times that I could've used that.

As far as filters being on too tight, the oil that goes through the filter is very hot. Thus causing the filter to expand and contract constantly. This expansion and contraction will cause the filter to tighten itself on to the engine. Also, chances are, you aren't the only person that's changed the oil on every car you'll ever see.

 

[bluesman2a]

Why do you put your oil filter on so dam tight? You shouldn't need a wrench to take it off if you change your oil all the time

They are only for taking off filters that the idiots at walmart/jiffy lube/dealerships/everywhere put on as tight as humanly possible

Only time I need one is for when afore-mentioned idiots forget to lube the gasket of the new filter with new oil before they put it on. Ever tried to get a BAKED ON filter loose? Those are serious PITA's.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Only time I need one is for when afore-mentioned idiots forget to lube the gasket of the new filter with new oil before they put it on. Ever tried to get a BAKED ON filter loose? Those are serious PITA's.

Me too, but I still use a filter wrench on removal every time. Perhaps you guys do not tighten yours tight enough!

 

[zr1nsx]

About 18 years back, a good friend was doing a 1st oil change on a new 87 IROC Camaro. It was stuck big time. He had used a variety of wrenches trying to get it off and finally went with driving a screw driver through the filter. This just accelerated the rate a which he was destroying the thing. Called me up and I went over with my Blue-Point version of this filter wrench. 5 minutes later we were finished. It has been the only filter wrench I ever use since then. I've never had a filter this wrench couldn't break loose. I have 2 sizes of this wrench which will fit the very small filters used on my lawn tractor as well as the large truck style filters. Quite possibly one of the best "saved your ***" tools I've ever purchased.

 

[Elroy]

What he said

What Elroy said

Elroy doesn't give a damn how tight the filter is. That type of wrench really grabs

Elroy says: Yep they work