oil filter wrench
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Not sure what your filter looks like and how tight things are.
My best wrench is a big pliers looking thing I got from Griots Garage. A little expensive but if you can get it in there, it will remove any spin on filter and other things it wasn't meant for(Like sewer caps, jar lids etc).
Others that work good for me are steel strap and bicycle chain types which fit in tighter spots The chain type often damages the filter removing it.
I have used fabric strap types but don't care for them. In my opinion they are good only when nothing else will fit and the surfaces are non slip.
The kind that are shaped like a cap will fit almost anywhere but they are only good for one size filter.
The type that has clamping jaws that are used with a ratcet are OK for removing filters but the one I got is useless for tightening. I saw a Sears type that would work both ways but it was very old.
A screw driver punched thru the can works if you are desperate.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
My best wrench is a big pliers looking thing I got from Griots Garage. A little expensive but if you can get it in there, it will remove any spin on filter and other things it wasn't meant for(Like sewer caps, jar lids etc).
Others that work good for me are steel strap and bicycle chain types which fit in tighter spots The chain type often damages the filter removing it.
I have used fabric strap types but don't care for them. In my opinion they are good only when nothing else will fit and the surfaces are non slip.
The kind that are shaped like a cap will fit almost anywhere but they are only good for one size filter.
The type that has clamping jaws that are used with a ratcet are OK for removing filters but the one I got is useless for tightening. I saw a Sears type that would work both ways but it was very old.
A screw driver punched thru the can works if you are desperate.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by jim henderson
A screw driver punched thru the can works if you are desperate.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield, IL
I found a Channel Lock brand filter pliers at Farm & Fleet about 2 years ago, and being the Plumber/Pipefitter I am just had to buy them. I am super happy with the way they work. I use them on the truck and the car. They do ok for some tight areas as well. heres the link http://www.channellock.com/acb/store..._Pliers_C5.cfm
I have the 15 inch ones.
I have the 15 inch ones.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by jim henderson
A screw driver punched thru the can works if you are desperate.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 947
Likes: 1
I got a pliers type that works good on the 1995 filter. I bought them at walmart for about 7 bucks and they are made by valvolean.
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Brett Foote
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by redford
Remember, to cuss when you drive the screwdriver through the oil filter.
I have a pliers-looking thing (to borrow someone else's term) that I can even loosen the filter on a 4.6L modular in my wife's Cougar - and believe me, that thing's got NO clearance.
One small thing to mention: Are you taking the filter OFF or putting it ON? You shouldn't tighten it more than hand-tight (read the filter's instructions), and if it's not coming off by hand, be careful! And make sure you remove the old o-ring, because there's a good possibility it'll be stuck there if you needed a wrench/pliers to get it off
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Kansas, USA
Here's an opposing view. I've done my own maintenance for over 50 years. But one day I did read the directions. And, "behold" it did say to tighten the oil filter only "hand tight". Well I tried that .....ONCE.... the oil leaked all over the garage floor after start up. So its back to a full turn, thereabouts, after the filter touches the mating surface. No leaks and no problems followed that method. Correct me if I'm wrong. 
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by tigerman
Here's an opposing view. I've done my own maintenance for over 50 years. But one day I did read the directions. And, "behold" it did say to tighten the oil filter only "hand tight". Well I tried that .....ONCE.... the oil leaked all over the garage floor after start up. So its back to a full turn, thereabouts, after the filter touches the mating surface. No leaks and no problems followed that method. Correct me if I'm wrong.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Let me re-phrase that - tighten it WITH YOUR HAND.
Not "hand tight".
It's amazing how fast you can empty a 6 qt pan when you've squeezed the filter o-ring out by overtightening it
Not "hand tight".
It's amazing how fast you can empty a 6 qt pan when you've squeezed the filter o-ring out by overtightening it
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Oh, it looks like a pile of oil on your mother's hot (summer) asphalt driveway... which eventually turns to crud over the next 5 years as you watch it deteriorate...
That happened 25 years ago ...
That happened 25 years ago ...
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
As a mechanic I always tighten and loosen with my hands. Never had a problem with my own vehicles But customers vehicles are another story. A few needed the wrench and a few needed the monster channel locks or the screw driver.. Being able to max out a bathroon scale with both hands since I was 15 probably gives me an advantage.
My 92 year old russian grandmother had bigger hands than me..LOL
Dick
My 92 year old russian grandmother had bigger hands than me..LOL
Dick