Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[BlacknTan]

You don't use a wrench to tighten an oil filter. That should be done by hand only. You use the wrench to remove it and who cares if it dents the casing.

I agree completely!

But I've often had to remove filters that were probably tightened with a wrench, and it can be interesting. And once the can is dented, it can be a bear to remove an overtightened filter.

 

[Dargo]

I agree completely!

But I've often had to remove filters that were probably tightened with a wrench, and it can be interesting. And once the can is dented, it can be a bear to remove an overtightened filter.

I've never paid to have the oil and filter changed in any vehicle of mine, so I've always done my own. About the only times I've had issues is when I am changing the oil for the first time. Besides the ole stripped threads in the oil pan fun, I've found oil filters on so tight that even driving a screwdriver through them and using the screwdriver as a "T" handle to loosen them I've just ripped cheap Fram cans in half. That's when a wrench like this one from HF has helped by being able to grab the filter right at the base and allow more torque to be applied removing the contrary (improperly installed) filter. At the price, if I break the tool I'll just toss it and buy another.

 

[Gary Fowler]

You guys all know that the whole problem with removal of oil filters is the design engineer. If they would just put the danged thing where you could get too it with both hands or any kind of tool, most of these problems would go away. I seems to me that most engines have the oil filter crammed into the most inacessible spot that they can possibly find. It seems that most of my equipment, you need an octopus to change the filter because you cant get any type of wrench on it, even the old oil filter strap is hard to slip over the end and then you cant get a straight pull on it and I end up bending handles, scraping knuckles etc. especially on the first filter removal. I think the manufacturers have a trained gorilla screwing those things on. When I put one on, I use one hand tightening and dont put out on it much at that. Just check it after it is hot for leaks. I also oil the rubber gasket good before installing. I can usually then spin it off by hand when oil change time comes, that is if I can get my hand into the location. It doesnt take much torque to seal one.

 

[patrick_g]

You guys all know that the whole problem with removal of oil filters is the design engineer. If they would just put the danged thing where you could get too it with both hands or any kind of tool, most of these problems would go away.

(SNIP)

I use one hand tightening and dont put out on it much at that. Just check it after it is hot for leaks. I also oil the rubber gasket good before installing. I can usually then spin it off by hand when oil change time comes, that is if I can get my hand into the location. It doesnt take much torque to seal one.

1. There is an annual banquet where awards for various automotive achievements are recognized and rewarded.

The one most coveted is the burned or skinned knuckles award which goes to the automotive engineer responsible for the layout most likely to give a DIY mech burned or skinned knuckles. They try to put stuff the average DIY guy will try to work on himself such as filters, alternator changes, water pump changes, and the like in an arrangement where without the special factory tool you will have a devil of a time getting a fastener loose and trying will likely cause your standard tool to slip. They compute where your knuckles will go during that slip and make sure to have something hot, sharp, or preferably both there for you on which to impale your hand.

2. When I lack specific reliable instructions regarding filter installation I just lube the seal/gasket and spin it on till slight resistance is felt as the gasket touches and then give it a quarter turn more. Works for me (so far.) I have NEVER had a filter that I installed leak.

I have had trouble removing filters that I didn't install. Back in the days when I could pick up a bathroom scale and squeeze it with both hands till it went past its max reading (well over 300 lbs) I had a filter that challenged me. I finally carefully placed my hands, one atop the other, around the filter and methodically gripped down on it the best I could and then began to try to turn it. I felt a little slippage and heard a little tearing sound and my palm felt funny. I removed my hands. I had begun to tear the layers of flesh in my palm but the filter didn't budge.

I went to HF and bought an assortment of filter removal tools. Most of them work just fine most of the time.

The canister style fuel filter (non spin-on) of the 1997 Dodge Cumins diesel is a bear to get to and messy to change. I paid a Cumins shop $85 (Dodge wanted $90) to change my fuel filter. I wanted to watch so I could learn. The mech never looked at what he was doing. He used 1/4 drive ratchet with extensions, universals, and wobble sockets and did it by feel while smiling and maintaining eye contact with me.

I went to the parts department and bought a kit to remote the filter up above the engine on the driver's side. It then used the same filter as the 1996 Dodge Cumins diesel, a spin on. There is a filter minder pressure gauge on the adapter so you can change filters based on empirical observations instead of guessing from miles driven, months of use, how dirty was the fuel?, and so forth.

The last several winners of the burned and skinned knuckles award should be shot and their estates given to the guy who developed the remote kit I bought.

Pat

 

[Egon]

Take it easy on the engineers. They have to listen to the fashion designers who in turn listen to the penny counters.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Take it easy on the engineers. They have to listen to the fashion designers who in turn listen to the penny counters.

Any penny counter I've listened to always said something to the effect of "we don't have time to make good cars, we're too busy making money."

Of course the word "cars" in that statement can be replaced by the appropriate product relevant to whatever industry the penny counter is involved in.

I seems to me that most engines have the oil filter crammed into the most inacessible spot that they can possibly find. It seems that most of my equipment, you need an octopus to change the filter because you cant get any type of wrench on it, even the old oil filter strap is hard to slip over the end and then you cant get a straight pull on it and I end up bending handles, scraping knuckles etc. especially on the first filter removal.

Maybe if enough of us write letters, we can get Harbor Freight to start selling trained octopuses. (octupi?, octupodes?)

 

[SuperNinja]

I actually not only used them but, for this use, thought they had a good feel to them! Here's the socket set I liked - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices The little plastic holders for the sockets are breaking off, so I need to get a better holder for the sockets, but they seemed to work fine and the little ratchet has a good feel to it.

I love Harbor Freight.

But some of their sockets do leave a bit to be desired.

These are a couple sets that I bought:

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


Those sockets work fine so far, but they do still have a couple problems.

1. Just like you mentioned, the plastic holders are total crap, and will break sooner or later. (Mine are already broken, from bouncing around in a plastic tool bin in my truck) I will probably buy some other holders for them.
2. The sockets are colored, but the coloring wears off easily.

I could probably exchange them for a new set, but I doubt the holder or paint will be higher quality.

 

[BigE_]

For a few bucks more, I buy their impact sockets for regular use. I figure if they are designed to hold up to an impact wrench, they should last a lifetime under normal use. The only downside is that the larger wall thickness can make them harder to get into places.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

...The only downside is that the larger wall thickness can make them harder to get into places.

BTDT!

 

[dex3361]

Any body have any thoughts on these. I bought a set but I am concerned on the accuracy of the values.
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices