What is an Oil Fitler Wrench and the reason you'll need one for your oil change.

There's nothing more irritating than when you are prepared to change your oil filter and discover that it's jammed tight, and you do not have the right tool to get it out.



Here you'll be able to find details on oil filter wrench types which will allow yourself to complete the tasks at hand.



Spin-on oil filters will be smooth, round canisters with knurling (flutes) along the bottom edge. For something so simple looking it is actually amazing how frustrating they can be to swap. While you would likely believe you ought to be able to unscrew them with your hands, it will be tough to obtain a proper grip caused by a film of oil. Also at issue is usually the physical location together with the tightness of the filter. That frequently means you might need an oil filter wrench.



The particular kind of wrench you use is based on the location of the filter mount, the amount of clearance you have surrounding the filter and just how tight the filter is fastened. Whenever the area is cramped, you more than likely would like a design which attaches to the edge of the filter such as a socket type or spider type filter wrench. If room is not a concern, than a band type or even a pliers wrench work great mainly because they have extended handles for added power. Normally you're likely to try many models until eventually you find those which perform well for you. A great deal can be a matter of personal preference.



A number of oil filter wrenches for personal use can be purchased for less than $10.00. While not encouraged, in desperate situations screwdrivers have been driven using a hammer through the filter to allow for removal. If you ever need to do this ensure that you work on the end of the filter to prevent damage to the internal oil pipe.



One particular manufacturer (K&N) makes canister type filters which includes a nut welded on to the end so a particular oil filter wrench isn't required. Their own automotive and marine oil filters have a 1" nut welded to the top of the canister whereas their motorcycle and ATV oil filters have a 17 mm nut.



Oil Filter Wrench Types



Band - This sort of oil filter wrench comes with a firm metal band that's joined at each side to a handle. The looped band is placed around the filter and the handle is rotated counter-clockwise, that adds tension on the band, which causes it to grip the filter.



This kind of oil filter wrench is simply a metal band which has a pivoting adjustment hinge with a handle. One sort of band wrench has the benefit of an additional hinge for the handle. This type is recommended since the device enables better placing in restricted spaces.



There is a 4-in-1 band oil filter wrench with a single swivel handle assembly and four interchangeable bands that can be exchanged to allow for filter sizes between 2-3/8 to 4-3/8".



Socket (End Cap) - Another widely used type of wrench utilizes a plastic or metal socket-shaped cup. The cup is put across the end of the filter, this engages the knurling. A socket type oil filter tool is used with a socket wrench and ratchet just like a regular socket. The socket type sometimes get jammed on the filter and typically requires a tap to loosen it. Utilize the socket type tool if you do not have sufficient room around the oil filter to utilize a chain, strap, band or pliers model.



Strap - The strap oil filter wrench features a nylon belt that has been attached to a metal bar. A 1/2" square drive tool is utilized in order to turn the bar and that tightens the strap when you turn. The strap wrench offers the greatest range of filter diameters of up to 6’’ (152mm).



Chain - A chain wrench is similar to the strap wrench but works with a chain instead of a nylon strap. The loop of chain is placed around the filter, in conjunction with a hexagonal bar is turned counter-clockwise by hand up until the chain is snug around the filter. The socket wrench is then used to turn the actual bar and tighten up the chain, which bites into the metal filter housing avoiding slippage. This wrench also offers a large range of filter types.



Pliers - Pliers will have extended double handles which permit for far better leverage to take off extra-tight filters. The vast majority of pliers are constructed from forged steel for added power and have handles that will be plastisol-coated to get a strong grip. They come in normal (non-adjustable jaws) and variable jaws.



Standard Oil Filter Wrench Pliers produce leverage for tough filters. These come in many sizes such as a 3-5/8" jaw which handles a wide range of filters ranging from 2-15/16 to 3-5/8" (75 to 92mm) and a 3-1/8 jaw that is perfect for 2-3/4 through 3-1/8" (70 to 79mm) diameter filters. An additional size does the job with filters from 3-1/8 through 3-5/8". Larger filter pliers detach oil filters from 4-1/2 to 5-3/4".



Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench Pliers handle a complete range of filter removal from 2" to 5" (50mm to 125mm) in diameter. A ratchet and lock system allow for several settings to get a specific fit, getting rid of slippage. They have serrated jaws to hold on to the filter better.



Spider (Claw, Jaw) - Additionally, we have a type of adjustable gear-driven wrench that's got three geared metal prongs, two jaw plates, two clamping legs or even a similar configuration that is utilized along with a 3/8" ratchet driver. Since the driver is turned counter-clockwise the prongs, jaws or legs clench the filter body tighter.



Filter diameters ranging from 2-1/2 to 3-3/4" are normally accommodated in two wrench sizes. This particular type is extremely effective on tight filters and can also be used in more restricted spaces like a socket type along with the added feature of fitting many different filter types.