Oil filter wrench

[Dmacleo]

I have one of these.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200814536_200814536?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Hand%20Tools%20%3E%20Wrenches&utm_campaign=Performance%20Tool&utm_content=89068&cmpid=53403384&agid=3200075895&tgtid=pla-4577335628336525&prdid=89068&msclkid=70aefd850c011dcdca379d6bf5c866b8&gclid=70aefd850c011dcdca379d6bf5c866b8&gclsrc=3p.ds

It "does" fit most all sizes and works very well. But can be tricky when only one hand can fit to work it.

that would work (as I did use strap wrench before buying a grasp\claw type) on my gc2400 oil but not on the mf1532 I service. also hyd filters are a whole other subject. fwiw no strap wrench works on my 2010 mercury marquis LOL

 

[hosspuller]

Hydraulic filters are another subject ... The large cans 6 -8 inch diameter are too much for most filter wrenches. The cans collapse BUT... Caterpillar sells a branded strap wrench that is very good. It doesn't collapse the can. Unbelievably, purchasing it at a Cat dealer (p/n 185-3630) is less expensive than elsewhere (Amazon).

Amazon.com: Caterpillar Filter Strap Wrench 185-3630: Automotive

 

[ruffdog]

Hydraulic filters are another subject ... The large cans 6 -8 inch diameter are too much for most filter wrenches. The cans collapse BUT... Caterpillar sells a branded strap wrench that is very good. It doesn't collapse the can. Unbelievably, purchasing it at a Cat dealer (p/n 185-3630) is less expensive than elsewhere (Amazon).

Amazon.com: Caterpillar Filter Strap Wrench 185-3630: Automotive

Interesting.....I bought the Gearwrench strap wrench but have not tried it yet. I'll keep the Caterpillar one in mind. THNKS

Amazon.com: GEARWRENCH 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Heavy-Duty Oil Filter Strap Wrench, 3529D: Home Improvement

 

[Frankenkubota]

The filter wrench that is form fitted to the end of the filter, (the cap style), is the easiest, most convenient way to remove them. especially in a tight spot. It must fit precisely, to work. But, when they do they work great.

There are about 20 different ones now, and the only way to know for sure is to take a brand new filter out of the box in the store, and find a wrench that fits it. some fit better than others, so try any that seem to be the right size.

I have most of them now, so I usually have one that fits.

When this fails, I move to the more aggressive crushing type wrenches.

make sure you take the new filter with you to buy the wrench! i have a universal set that fits nothing i own. thank goodness i still have the 50 year old strap wrench!

 

[Cougsfan]

I agree that there is not one tool that will work in all cases. I have strap wrenches, chain wrenches, multiple sizes of end cap wrenches, fancy ratchet powered clamp on end wrenches. I have still had to resort to the screw driver driven through the filter approach at times. The one on my Triumph motorcycle is the worst. It is a half sized filter in a recessed hole to where only the end is exposed. What a pain. K&N started making a filter for that bike that has a large hex nut pattern stamped into the end of the filter so you can use a 15/16" box end wrench to remove.

Someone made the comment that people put them on too tight. So true. But it also seems they tighten themselves. I have had filters that I have put on myself just hand tight that require major torque to loosen. One trick I have learned is that sometimes they seem to be less tight if you let the engine cool completely,

 

[5030]

Owning 3 Triumphs, I can relate. They all get the screwdriver removal method.

 

[sea2summit]

The one on my Triumph motorcycle is the worst. It is a half sized filter in a recessed hole to where only the end is exposed. What a pain. K&N started making a filter for that bike that has a large hex nut pattern stamped into the end of the filter so you can use a 15/16" box end wrench to remove.

I feel your pain, my BMW is the same way

 

[PILOON]

My CUT filter is also very inaccessible.
My best working filter wrench is simply about 12 inches or so of old seat belt material and a pair of vice grips.
I wrap the belt, clamp the vise grips such that when I lever the strap tightens snugly and lever away.
My filter is so snuggly tucked in there that nothing else can clear it but that thin belt webbing.
Also I have a pair of HD rubberized gloves that I've dedicated to those messy jobs.

As I've mentioned elsewhere, I discovered a quick squirt of WD40 floats all that messy dirty oil off of my hands. Simple soap and water then leaves them 'finger eating clean'.

 

[5030]

My CUT filter is also very inaccessible.
My best working filter wrench is simply about 12 inches or so of old seat belt material and a pair of vice grips.
I wrap the belt, clamp the vise grips such that when I lever the strap tightens snugly and lever away.
My filter is so snuggly tucked in there that nothing else can clear it but that thin belt webbing.
Also I have a pair of HD rubberized gloves that I've dedicated to those messy jobs.

As I've mentioned elsewhere, I discovered a quick squirt of WD40 floats all that messy dirty oil off of my hands. Simple soap and water then leaves them 'finger eating clean'.

Supposedly good for your joints as well...

 

[MoKelly]

Maybe I’m doing something wrong.

This is after the initial filter change.

I’ve always hand turned the filter until it’s snug, then mark the edge, and turn another 50% (1/2 turn).

When it’s time to replace the filter, it’s really easy to get off. I don’t need much of a turn with a strap wrench and the rest can be unscrewed with a hand.

I’ve never lost any oil. The filters are always snug and don’t move by hand - but once the strap wrench loosens it a tad it screws off easily.

Have I just been lucky or is my process ok?

MoKelly