Nothing is more irritating than when you’re prepared to change your oil filter and find out that it’s jammed tight, and you do not have the right auto parts tool to get it out.
Below you will be able to find facts on oil filter wrench options which will allow yourself to do the task on hand.
Spin-on oil filters will be smooth, round canisters with knurling (flutes) all around the base. For an item so rather-simple looking it really is surprising just how tricky they can be to exchange.
While you might feel as if you should be able to unscrew them with both hands, remember that it is tricky to obtain a proper grip due to a film of oil. Additionally at issue happens to be the location and the tightness of the filter. That frequently means you need an oil filter wrench.
why you need an oil filter wrench
photo credit: akeg
The kind of oil filter wrench you use is determined by the location of the filter mount, how much clearance you’ll have surrounding the filter and how firm the filter is fastened. If for example the area is cramped, you’ll quite possibly should have a type that hooks up to the end of the filter such as a socket type or spider type filter wrench. If space isn’t a problem, than just a band type or a pliers wrench work great mainly because they’ve got long handles for added power. More often than not you are likely to test numerous models until finally you identify those that work well to suit your needs. A great deal is usually a matter of individual preference.
Quite a few oil filter wrenches for personal use are available for under $10.00. Although it isn’t highly recommended, in an emergency screwdrivers have been pushed using a hammer into the filter to allow for removal. Should you ever have to do this make sure you work at the bottom of the filter to avoid damage to the internal oil pipe.
One company (K&N) produces canister style filters that has a nut welded on to the end so a particular oil filter wrench is not necessary. Their own automotive and marine oil filters possess a 1″ nut welded to the top of the canister whereas their motorcycle and ATV oil filters include a 17 mm nut.
Oil Filter Wrench Categories
Band – This sort of oil filter wrench incorporates a firm metal band which is connected at both ends to a handle. The looped band is positioned around the filter and the handle is rotated counter-clockwise, that applies tension on the band, getting it to grip the filter.
This particular oil filter wrench is essentially a metal band that has a pivoting adjustment hinge with a handle. One sort of band wrench even offers an additional hinge for the handle. This particular type is preferred as it enables superior positioning in limited spaces.
There is also a 4-in-1 band oil filter wrench that features a single swivel handle assembly and four interchangeable bands that can be swapped out to fit filter types ranging from 2-3/8 to 4-3/8″.
Socket (End Cap) – Another frequently used type of wrench works with a metal or plastic socket-shaped cup. The cup is placed on the end of the filter, which engages the knurling. A socket type oil filter tool is utilized with a socket wrench and ratchet just like a regular socket. The socket type can get jammed on the filter and usually needs a hit to release it. Use a socket type tool if you don’t have enough space around the oil filter to use a band, strap, chain or pliers model.
Strap – A strap oil filter wrench has a nylon belt that is fastened to a metal bar. A 1/2″ square drive tool is used to turn the bar and that tightens the strap once you turn. The strap wrench gives the largest range of filter diameters of up to 6” (152mm).
Chain – A chain wrench is comparable to the strap wrench yet works with a chain instead of a nylon strap. The loop of chain is positioned around the filter, in conjunction with a hexagonal bar is rotated counter-clockwise by hand up until the chain is tight around the filter. The socket wrench is then utilized to turn the actual bar and tighten up the chain, which bites into the metal filter housing eliminating slippage. This wrench also offers a wide range of filter types.
Pliers – Pliers feature extended dual handles which allow for considerably better leverage to take off extra-tight filters. The large majority of pliers are manufactured from forged steel for extra durability and also have handles which are usually plastisol-coated for a good hold. One can choose from normal (non-variable jaws) in addition to adjustable jaws.
Standard Oil Filter Wrench Pliers give leverage for challenging filters. These come in a variety of sizes which includes a 3-5/8″ jaw that typically deals with a range of filters from 2-15/16 to 3-5/8″ (75 to 92mm) in addition to a 3-1/8 jaw that’s suitable for 2-3/4 through 3-1/8″ (70 to 79mm) diameter filters. Still another size works with filters from 3-1/8 to 3-5/8″. Larger filter pliers take out oil filters from 4-1/2 through 5-3/4″.
Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench Pliers cover an entire range of filter removals from 2″ to 5″ (50mm to 125mm) across. A ratchet and lock mechanism permit a number of settings to get a sure fit, putting a stop to slippage. They have got serrated jaws to grasp the filter significantly better.
Spider (Claw, Jaw) – Lastly, we have a type of adaptable gear-driven wrench that’s got 3 geared metal prongs, dual jaw plates, double clamping legs or a very similar configuration which is used along with a 3/8″ ratchet driver. When the driver is rotated counter-clockwise the prongs, jaws or legs clench the filter body tighter.
Filter diameters ranging from 2-1/2 to 3-3/4″ are often accommodated in two wrench sizes. This type is extremely efficient on tight filters and can be utilized in more enclosed areas similar to a socket type with the added function of fitting many different filter types.
For information and reviews on an individual Oil Filter Wrench, head on over to the #1 place for all Oil Filter Wrench questions.
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