Which oil Filter Wrench do you use?

[thedoc46]

So on Sunday, I had to do the first DIY oil change on my wife's VW Tiguan 2012 SEL. 35k, owned since new.. but VW always done previous oil changes as part of their 'free' maintenance agreement, at the time we bought the SUV.

So this one was the first time i was doing it. But man, that oil filter. Don't know how much torque was applied from the last VW tech who put it on, but it broke TWO of my oil filter removal tools. Also went out to buy another two, (different types) which didn't help. Used so much strength that it punctured the canister from clamping pressure alone.

Then took to it with a screwdriver, going thru both ends, pulled using all my strength and snapped the screwdriver.... TBH, I was starting to get nervous here.

Broke this tool

This did not move it, just punctured it.

Also used one of these universal type of removers (but mine was hard plastic, and it just chewed the 3/8" socket, anyway broke that.

I only had success by using a nail setting tool, which was about six inches long... Left about 1 1/2" out the end, and with a stubby hammer (cos there's not a lot of room in there) started smacking it. Eventually, and it wasn't looking good at first, as it started chewing the metal of the canister rather than moving the filter, anyway, eventually i saw it move half an inch and said to myself GOTCHA !!!! A picture speaks a thousand words... I've only hand tightened the replacement, so hoping i shouldn't have to go thru all those lengths to do a 30min oil change next yr. But I am two of my filter removal tools down, thanks to this one job. so in the market for another couple to go on top of what i already have..... What are your favorite oil filter wrenches? Guess you can never have enough oil filter removal tools.. Get that one pesky one, and you can be in for a bit of a ride !

 

[pendragon1998]

I exclusively use Mobil 1 filters, so i just use a Steelman 95985 Oil Filter Cap Wrench, 14 Flute x 76mm. I don't really need one, since I hand tighten, but it makes it easier to put on and take off oily filters (Mobil 1 filters are slick and hard to grip).

 

[exmaxima1]

Channellock 460

 

[StuartH]

Lisle 63600 with a wobble extension works well for me on my truck. It depends a lot on the access to the filter what will work best, though.

 

[Hammer1963]

There is definitely one plus to changing your own oil and that is you control how tight the filter will be put on. My guess is that the previous tech did not apply fresh oil to the sealing gasket before installation and then proceeded to over torqued the filter. Peace of mine and the horror stories about filters being to tight have kept me changing my own oil. What tool do use when I over tighten, a huge pair of Channel Locks!

 

[Sugarfryz]

Bluepoint claw I got from the truck

 

[[memphis]]

My Amsoil filters are slick, I can almost never get them off after a year and I don't reef them on.

The best tool EVER

Lisle 63600

Got my **** out of a pickle on an old cavalier! I have a band style as well but this is my go-to now

 

[Bcom]

This is what i use. It squeezes the filter more when you try to twist it. So the tighter the filter is,the tighter this tool will squeeze. Hasnt failed yet

 

[Kenskip1]

Believe it or not I have had to use my belt. Yes the one that goes around my waist.Simply wrap the belt with the end going through the buckle, slip it over the filter and pull in the proper direction.Works every time unless you have a cheap belt.Ken

 

[BillK]

I use a regular band type wrench like the one in the picture. I have two different sizes. One thing I noticed is that it look like you were trying to turn down near the bottom of the filter which is the weakest part. I always get the band up near the very top of the filter where it is a lot stronger.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

This is what i use. It squeezes the filter more when you try to twist it. So the tighter the filter is,the tighter this tool will squeeze. Hasnt failed yet

I have one from Craftsman like this one less the Plasticote.... last resort for those stubborn filters. I have also used the ViseGrip chain pliers... same story, works like a charm if enough room to use..

 

[JoeMA]

Otc 4440

 

[LB-1911]

Proto JFF120
Yes it is a few $$'s

 

[Infinia]

So on Sunday, I had to do the first DIY oil change on my wife's VW Tiguan

welldone on the 1st one, it's the toughest
I usually get the plastic one designed for the specific aftermarket filter. The best ones have a metal 3/8 insert, they wont get chewed up at all. I have a small collection of 3 sizes, each identified with a unique code letter. FWIW Ive never had luck with any of those "universal" tools.

Just put the new filters on by touch, pretty much one half turn past the seal 1st seating or what feels tight and secure.

 

[L5wolvesf]

I've used 2 types. The one you pictured (black plastic end cup shaped) but mine have a metal insert where the 3/8 ratchet plugs in. So the plastic doesn't deform.

I also have a jaw style wrench which is my usual tool. It grabs the filter pretty tightly so unless there are access issues it is very good.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have a variety, as a change oil on a variety of things. I have several sizes of the band style from Lisle. I also have 2 sizes of the Channellock filter pliers. I also have a large pair of Blue Point filter pliers. Then there's the Blue Point filter wrench similar to the OTC and Proto versions posted above. I also have a few rebranded Lisle strap wrenches. The type with a long square tube for 1/2" drive and a cloth strap to wrap around the filter. Then for major cases I have a pair of the Vise-Grip chain pliers.

All work good in the spots they were made for. If you'll be changing the oil from now on you shouldn't have to worry about it. But I have found the Lisle strap style wrench works well for tight areas when a filter is a little to snug. It has length to allow area to maneuver, which also allows you to use the torque of a 1/2" ratchet. I've experienced it pulling in right enough to dent the filter, when the filter was too tight. However, if it just dents and you're replacing it anyway, doesn't really matter.


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[anndel]

Snap On, Lisle 63600 or a large Channellock to remove. Hand tight to replace.

 

[Pasha]

Lisle 63600

It's the epitome of oil filter wrenches.

 

[countryroad82]

Since I change my own oil, I rarely need a wrench. But in case I go full retard or buy a new car I have cup style, regular filter wrenches, a few strap wrenches, and then if none of those work a few sets of big friggin' Channellocks.

 

[ex-x-fire]

If it starts to crush, try getting close to the base of the filter.

 

[gungatim]

If it starts to crush, try getting close to the base of the filter.

this. I worked at an oil change place in high school. probably changed 200+ filters per week, and have seen every manner of stuck filter.

I used 2 tools exclusively, the normal strap wrench or a cup wrench when access was an issue. shallow cap wrenches vs. a full cup wrench do not grip enough filter. using pliers like in that picture is a no-no as well.

you need to grip as close to the base as possible.
you need to oil the gasket on the new filter.
you do not need to over-tighten, which is easy to do on import filters with an o-ring set in the filter instead of the usual thick gasket.

some of those filter wrenches posted are just gadgets, especially the first one that looks more like some sort of band clamp. I can't imagine any reason use something so clumsy and in-efficient.

 

[Brian_WK]

I use a vise grips

If that doesn't get it I use a 10 inch punch and hammer and drive it through the filter. I usually get punch a hole in the filter before removing any ways to get the oil to drain.

Brian

 

[ChaseDE]

Always hand tight but sometimes you get an issue, always put oil on the o-ring and remember to get the old o-ring off if it sticks so you don't double them up*.

For very stuck filters I always use a 18" rigid pipe wrench with sharp jaws....


*my dad always told me to check this and i usually did. the one time i forgot was during a mobil one synthetic oil change on my 96 Deville.....8 quarts all over the driveway upon startup. never forgot again.

 

[jumbojak]

I'm in the Channellock camp too. Never reach for a pair of cobras when they're handy though. You will destroy the filter, like that! *snaps fingers*

 

[skruft]

If it is a regular spin-on filter, I use good quality old fashioned strap wrenches. I have accumulated all the other wrench types too but never seem to need them.

One time many years ago I had a filter to remove that was far too tight. Nothing worked. Eventually I had to use the old fallback solution, knock a hole through the filter and turn it with a bar through the hole.

Of course on very old or very new cars there are filters of other types.

 

['52Chevy]

This is what i use. It squeezes the filter more when you try to twist it. So the tighter the filter is,the tighter this tool will squeeze. Hasnt failed yet

I use one similiar to this almost exclusively. Especially for my Subaru since the oil filter is literally surrounded by exhaust pipes, there would be no room for a strap wrench. This style has yet to fail me though.

 

[Pho20]

I use one similiar to this almost exclusively. Especially for my Subaru since the oil filter is literally surrounded by exhaust pipes, there would be no room for a strap wrench. This style has yet to fail me though.

Does anyone have a link to one of these from a quality brand?

 

[stikman56]

I've never found anything easier for removal than the special big plier things they make for them. I install by hand,so nothing more needed.

 

[bczygan]

Removal - A screwdriver hammered through it's heart.

Install - Hand tighten until the veins in my hand bulge, then twist it in a little more.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have one of the pliers type filter wrenches, if that fails, I have a number of strap wrenches

 

[aka Larry]

I put mine on with my hand and take it off the same way. Maybe I've been doing it wrong?

 

[TigerDude]

I use the Lisle end-cap type like the plastic one you showed in 65mm for both bike & car. Works like a champ, lets you use a torque wrench.

 

['52Chevy]

Does anyone have a link to one of these from a quality brand?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-universal-oil-filter-wrench-auto-adjustable/p-02820523000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

This is the exact one I have, Made in USA haven't had any issues at all with it.

 

[WWheeler]

I much prefer the cap / socket-style when I have one that fits and can get a ratchet to it, but just as often I'll grab the appropriate sized swivel gripper. Last, but not least, I'll go for the channellocks ...

It's been many a year since I tried using the auto-adjustable or locking chain filter wrench, but they have served me well when I needed them. They still deserve their place in my filter wrench drawer.