Oil Filter Wrench

Welcome to our website. Here you will be able to find suppliers of oil filter wrench types that will allow you to do the work at hand.

Spin-on oil filters are smooth, cylindrical canisters with knurling (flutes) around the bottom edge.  For something so simple looking it is amazing how difficult they can be to change. While you would think that you should be able to unscrew them with your hands, it is often difficult to get a grip due to a film of oil. Also at issue is the physical location and the tightness of the filter. That usually means you need an oil filter wrench.

The type of wrench you use depends on the location of the filter mount, the amount of clearance you have around the filter and how tight the filter is attached. If the space is cramped, you probably need a type that attaches to the end of the filter such as a socket type or spider type filter wrench. If space is not an issue, than a band type or a pliers wrench work great because they have long handles for added leverage. Usually you will try several types until you find the ones that work well for you. A lot is a matter of personal preference.

Many filter wrenches for home use can be purchased for less than $10.00. Although not recommended, in an emergency screwdrivers have been driven with a hammer through the filter to allow for removal. If you ever have to do this be sure that you work at the end of the filter to prevent damage to the internal oil pipe.

One manufacturer (K&N) makes cannister type filters with a nut welded to the end so a special oil filter wrench is not even needed. Their automotive and marine oil filters have a 1” nut welded to the top of the canister while their motorcycle and ATV oil filters have a 17 mm nut.

Oil Filter Wrench Types

Band - This type has a firm metal band that is attached at both ends to a handle. The looped band is placed around the filter and the handle is turned counter-clockwise, which puts tension on the band, causing it to grip the filter.

This oil filter wrench is basically a metal band with a pivoting adjustment hinge and a handle. One type of band wrench also has an additional hinge for the handle. This type is preffered since it allows for better positioning in tigh spaces.

There is even a four-in-one band oil filter wrench that has a single swivel handle assembly and four interchangeable bands that can be swapped out to accommodate filter sizes from 2-3/8 to 4-3/8".

Socket (End Cap) - Another common type of wrench utilizes a metal or plastic socket-shaped cup. The cup is placed on the end of the filter, which 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 has a tendency to get stuck on the filter and usually takes a whack to loosen it. Use the socket type tool if you don't have enough clearance around the oil filter to use a band, strap, chain or pliers type.

Strap - A strap oil filter wrench has a nylon belt that is attached to a metal bar. A 1/2" square drive tool is used to turn the bar which tightens the strap as you turn. The strap wrench offers the largest range of filter diameters of up to 6’’ (152mm).

Chain - The chain wrench is similar to the strap wrench but uses a chain instead of a nylon strap. The loop of chain is placed around the filter, and a hexagonal bar is turned counter-clockwise by hand until the chain is snug around the filter. A socket wrench is then used to turn the bar and tighten the chain, which bites into the metal filter housing preventing slippage. This wrench also has a large range of filter sizes.

Pliers - Pliers have long dual handles which allow for better leverage to remove extra-tight filters. Most pliers are made from forged steel for extra strength and have handles which are plastisol-coated for a firm grip. They come in regular (non-adjustable jaws) and adjustable jaws.

• Regular Oil Filter Wrench Pliers provides leverage for difficult filters. They come in different sizes including a 3-5/8" jaw which handles a range of filters between 2-15/16 to 3-5/8" (75 to 92mm) and a 3-1/8 jaw which is good for 2-3/4 to 3-1/8" (70 to 79mm) diameter filters. Another size works with filters from 3-1/8 through 3-5/8". Large filter pliers remove oil filters from 4-1/2 through 5-3/4".

• Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench Pliers cover a complete range of filter removal from 2" to 5" (50mm to 125mm) in diameter. A ratchet and lock mechanism allow for multiple settings for sure fit, eliminating slippage. They have serrated jaws to hold the filter better.

Spider (Claw, Jaw) - Finally, there is a class of adjustable gear-driven wrench that has three geared metal prongs, dual jaw plates, two clamping legs or a similar configuration that is used with a 3/8" ratchet driver. As the driver is turned counter-clockwise the prongs, jaws or legs clench the filter body greater.

Filter diameters from 2-1/2 to 3-3/4" are usually accommodated in two wrench sizes. This type is very effective on tight filters and can be used in more confined spaces like a socket type with the added feature of fitting different filter sizes.

Oil Filter Wrench Sets

For professional mechanics and those that change oil filters in a variety of different vehicles there are sets available. Two examples are below.

Amsoil 33-Piece Mechanics Lube Kit G2200 - Contains the most critical tools for complete lube service for most makes and models. Includes tools for foreign and domestic servicing. Each kit contains:

• 13 Cap-type wrenches
• 2 Hex cap socket wrenches
• 2 Swivel-type filter wrenches
• 1 Strap wrench
• 1 Small spider wrench
• 1 Adjustable plier-type wrench
• 6 Drain plug wrenches
• 2 Metric square plug wrenches
• 3 Metric hex drain plug wrenches
• 1 12 point x 16mm drain plug wrench
• 1 Low profile T45 Torx oil filter tool

Lisle 54920 - 10 Pc. Cap Style Oil Filter Wrench Set - Wrenches in set cover 95% of domestic and import automobile and light truck oil filters. Storage/carrying case keeps wrenches together for quick access and contains any oil residue keeping it out of your tool storage unit. Includes ten 3/8" Drive Cap Oil Filter wrenches:

• 65/67mm - 14 Flutes
• 80mm - 15 Flutes
• 68mm - 14 Flutes
• 86mm - 16 Flutes
• 74/76mm - 15 Flutes
• 93mm - 15 Flutes
• 76mm - 14 Flutes
• 93mm - 36 Flutes
• 76mm - 30 Flutes
• 100mm - 15 Flutes