!44: Oil Filter Wrench - Why You Need One To Make Your Oil Change So Much Easier

!±8± Oil Filter Wrench - Why You Need One To Make Your Oil Change So Much Easier

There's nothing more annoying than when you're prepared to replace your oil filter to discover it is jammed tight, and you don't have the correct tool to get it out.

Below we will give you some information on oil filter wrench options which will allow you to perform your oil change without the filter giving you any problems.

Spin-on oil filters are smooth, cylindrical canisters with knurling (flutes) all over the bottom edge. For a product so simple looking it really is surprising how hard they can be to change. You'll probably think you can unscrew them with your hands, it is sometimes tricky to get a proper grip due to a film of oil on the filter. In addition an issue can be the physical location and the tightness of the filter. Generally that means you will need an oil filter wrench.

The particular kind of wrench you choose is based on the positioning of the filter mount, how much room you'll have surrounding the filter as well as how tight the filter is connected. If, for example, the area is cramped, you'll more than likely need a type which hooks up to the bottom of the filter like a socket type or spider type filter wrench. If room is not really an issue, than a band type or a pliers wrench work great since they've got long handles for added power. Typically you are likely to try out many models until eventually you find those which work well to suit your needs. A lot has to do with personal preference.

Quite a few oil filter wrenches for home use can be bought for under .00. Although not recommended, in an emergency screwdrivers have been driven through the filter using a hammer to allow for removal. In case you ever need to do this it is important to work on the end of the filter to avoid damage to the internal oil pipe.

One particular company (K&N) makes canister type filters which includes a nut welded to the end so a special wrench isn't needed. Their automotive and marine oil filters have a 1" nut welded to the top of the canister while their motorcycle and ATV filters use a 17 mm nut.

Oil Filter Wrench Choices

Band - This type of oil filter wrench possesses a firm metal band that's fastened at each side to a handle. The looped band is positioned around the filter and the handle is turned counter-clockwise, that puts tension on the band, getting it to grip the filter.

This specific oil filter wrench is basically a metal band that has a pivoting adjustment hinge and a handle. One kind of band wrench also has an additional hinge for the handle. This type is popular since the device permits considerably better positioning in restricted areas.

There is even a 4-in-1 band oil filter wrench featuring a single swivel handle assembly and 4 exchangeable bands to be exchanged to accommodate filter sizes from 2-3/8 to 4-3/8".

Socket (End Cap) - Another common model of wrench utilizes a plastic or metal socket-shaped cup. The cup is positioned around the end of the filter, this engages the knurling. A socket type oil filter tool is utilized along with a socket wrench and ratchet like a regular socket. The socket type can get stuck around the filter and usually requires a whack to release it. Take advantage of the socket type tool if you do not have enough clearance around the oil filter to use a band, strap, chain or pliers type.

Strap - A strap oil filter wrench features a nylon belt that has been fastened to a metal bar. A 1/2" square drive tool is used to turn the bar which in turn tightens the strap once you turn. The strap wrench has the broadest range of filter diameters up to 6'' (152mm).

Chain - The chain wrench is similar to the strap wrench but makes use of a chain rather than a nylon strap. The loop of chain is positioned all around the filter, and a hexagonal bar is spun counter-clockwise by hand until the chain is tight all around the filter. The socket wrench is now used to turn the actual bar and tighten the chain, which bites on to the metal filter housing avoiding slippage. This wrench also offers a wide variety of filter sizes.

Pliers - Pliers feature extended dual handles which allow for greater power to take off extra-tight filters. Most pliers are made from forged steel for extra durability and have handles which are usually plastisol-coated for a strong grip. They come in common (non-variable jaws) and adjustable jaws.

Regular Oil Filter Wrench Pliers produce power for very difficult filters. One can choose from different sizes like a 3-5/8" jaw which addresses many different filters from 2-15/16 to 3-5/8" (75 to 92mm) as well as a 3-1/8 jaw which is good for 2-3/4 through 3-1/8" (70 to 79mm) diameter filters. Yet another size does the job with filters from 3-1/8 to 3-5/8". Large filter pliers detach oil filters from 4-1/2 to 5-3/4".

Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench Pliers handle the entire range of filter removals from 2" through 5" (50mm to 125mm) across. A ratchet and lock system permit many different options to get a sure fit, getting rid of slippage. They've got serrated jaws to hold on to the filter considerably better.

Spider (Claw, Jaw) - Last of all, there is also a type of adjustable gear-driven wrench that has three geared metal prongs, twin jaw plates, two clamping legs or a very similar configuration which is used with a 3/8" ratchet driver. When the driver is rotated counter-clockwise the prongs, jaws or legs squeeze the filter body tighter.

Filter diameters between 2-1/2 to 3-3/4" are frequently accommodated in 2 wrench sizes. This particular type is very effective on tight filters and may be utilized in more confined spaces similar to a socket type along with the additional feature of fitting many filter types.