Suggest an Oil Filter socket...

[CMOS]

If you have velcro strips put 2" strip inside the socket
When you push it on the oil filter it will force the other side flutes to grip better and also reduce slipping

Place the velcro around the entire inner circumference?


CMOS

 

[RonD]

Place the velcro around the entire inner circumference?


CMOS

No, just on one side, and just a few inches of velcro or similar strip
The point of this is to force a tighter fit when tool is pushed on to the end of the filter
Velcro will slip less than metal on metal of course but the main purpose is to get a tighter fit for better grip on the exposed flutes

 

[Shran]

I've got several sizes of the 3 finger variety, a bunch of the cup ones, several band types with swivel handles, and the big channel lock type. I also have a chain one that you can run with a 3/8 drive tool.

3 finger ones are my favorite. Some filters, thinking of my wife's Prius for example, are inset in the oil pan a bit... impossible to get with a strap wrench.

I've used the screwdriver trick many times with varying success. Definitely a last resort but it has gotten a few very stubborn filters off.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

You should not use a wrench to install an oil filter. Just get it as tight as you can by hand. Make sure your hand is dry, meaning no oil, water, or sweat on it. If you need to, ask GI Joe to use his kung-fu grip.

What helps a lot is getting filters that have a rough outer texture to help grip. You might then be able to get it loose by hand when the filter isn't too hot. I have a "finger" wrench similar to the one in PJToledo's picture if one is a little too tight for that.

The screwdriver trick was common in the 1970s, but filters for American cars were made of thicker metal then. In the 1980s those started getting made a lot cheaper. I tore off the body of a filter on a Toyota once and never removed one that way again.

I used to like K&N filters with the nut on the end, but recently there have been complaints in other forums about poor overall quality and leaks around the spot welds that attach the nut. I use an Amsoil oil filter on my Ranger and can usually get it off by hand. It seems to have slightly greater capacity than the normal aftermarket filters.

 

[CMOS]

My last oil change I put the filter on by hand alone, so I'm hoping for an easier event this Sunday when I do the next change.


CMOS

 

[JohnnyO]

I have a claw-type filter wrench that I got years ago for another vehicle. It looks like this:

Amazon.com

Also you can simply buy K&N oil filters that have a 1" nut welded on the end.

 

[CMOS]

Got this one on order for the next change (not tomorrow's). Looks like a better quality than the last one I had.

CMOS

 

[mikkelstuff]

The problem with most of these oil filter removal tools is that there is no room to use them in my 2002 4WD Ranger 3.0L. The only way I see to change the oil filter is with a long ratchet extension and a flex socket connector to the near worthless plastic oil filter tool reaching through the fender well. Then I still have to reach around the left front tire to extract and reinstall oil filters.

I'm thinking if I tightened a geared hose clamp around the outer diameter of the plastic filter tool, it might hold. However, this pricy Motivx tool looks promising.

 

[CMOS]

Well, between the humidity and my sweaty hands I could not get the old filter off with my strap wrench so I just completed the oil change.

I will change the filter early this week when the new Oil Filter socket arrives.

Dammit!


CMOS

 

[CMOS]

Now that I'm DONE with the oil change the Filter wrench arrives. Got to say it's one heck of a fit. I estimate only about .010" of play between the filter and the socket. Really nice.

CMOS

 

[Josh B]

Have you run the engine since changing the oil ?

 

[CMOS]

Have you run the engine since changing the oil ?

Yessir.


CMOS

 

[mikkelstuff]

OK CMOS. Despite the price, I've ordered one for myself. Got to be worth it!

 

[CMOS]

OK CMOS. Despite the price, I've ordered one for myself. Got to be worth it!

It's a really good fit. I think this is machined rather than stamped forged.

CMOS

 

[ThatOneGuy]

I’m pretty sure we’ve all done that once. It may have been that at one time it really worked but the meta used to make them then may have been thicker too. I’ve yet to see it work for anyone who posted about it in a good number of years and yet people still keep trying to make it work.

Hey I made it work you use the screwdriver to peel the filter open then use a flathead and hammer to chissel the rest off
That's how it's supposed to work right?