I didn't think I'd like them either until I started working at a Ford dealership and noticed all the other techs using them. I borrowed them a couple times from a co-worker and realized how much better they are than I thought. Bought my own next time I was at Harbor Freight.

 

I like these strap wrenches, I have 2 different sizes one for import cars and a larger version for my trucks.

 

A friend at Oreilly's ordered this Lisle 61590 with 93mm 36 flutes for 7.99. It fits nicely just like all my old ones used to. So, I can verify it works. Already ordered that Flotool one, so I guess I'll have 2 to choose from.

 

We've had a few different ones like that since I was a kid. I have actually had the worst luck with those style filter wrenches. Don't know why.

 

 

I am with 95fiveoh, once you try the pliers style, you will never go back. The strap-type wrenches bend more oil filters than anything, at least in my experience. The problem with the strap-type is that the more force it takes to break the filter loose, the more force that is being applied to the body of the filter, which tries to crush it.

Just like My4fordtrucks, I have a giant pair of channel-locks that I used to use on stubborn filters. That's how I knew the pliers-style was for me when I first saw it. The ones I have fit into tight spaces and grip the filter better than my channel-locks.

 

I've heard 3/4 turns after the gasket contacts rather than 1/2 - 3/4 turns. I can't always get to 3/4 turns very easily by hand so I use a wrench to make it easy.

When I go to remove a filter after putting it on 3/4 turn past contact I usually can't get it loose by hand. And especially since I like to change oil when the engine is warmed up I definitely want to use a wrench.

I just have a cheap metal strap wrench. It doesn't deform the filter at all tightening it, because I'm really not tightening it much at all. And I've never had any trouble getting a filter loose with it the way I tighten them. Occasionally I'll get a little denting, but it always comes off.

 

I've always used nothing but the metal strap filter wrench, and I have yet to have it actually "smash" a filter, as long as you keep wrench toward the end of the filter(not in the middle of it) it will never crush it.

 

 

That is my experience, I never have any problem with my own vehicles where the filters are tightened by hand but I have managed to destroy one of these strap wrenches on a filter that was stuck bad, I think I broke off the screwdriver I stuck through the filter as the next step too, that one just didn't want to come off.

 

What does it matter if you crush the filter? You are replacing it anyways.

 

The strap wrench doesn't work so good when the filter is collapsing underneath it.

 

I started using the PROTO 2304 wrench in 1964 while working in a service station and it is still works the best for me.
I use it on my Ford Motorhome and all of my Ford trucks.
If need be you can use an 1/2" drive extension with it to reach the filter or work in an are where you cannot use the handle type filter wrenches.
You can also use an open end or box end wrench if need be to turn the filter.
Most of the time I just use an 1/2" ratchet with it.
You can not tighten a filer with it as that is the release direction for the tool to unclamp the tool.
Never use grease only motor oil on the gasket and hand tighten only.



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I have one of those too. I needed it for one vehicle (I forget which) and haven't used it for many years. It seemed to work well, assuming you have room off the end of the filter. A lot of my vehicles seem to have the filter pointing toward the frame and there's not a ton of room to get this filter wrench on. But it's great if you can only get at the end of the filter.

Mine works to both tighten or loosen a filter. As you turn it one way it will grip down. Turn it the other way and it opens up to a point, but then grips down again. So you just need to turn it farther if it's opening up.

 

Yours may but mine will only take the filter off.
If you can get the band type over the end of the filter then the PROTO 2304 wrench will go on also.
You may have to use an open wrench with it if it is that close.