Do you normally need or use a filter wrench?
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Originally Posted By: Eddie
I use a filter wrench to remove a filter only to save my poor arthritic hands. I use hand only to install. Ed
Yep, I can always get filters off that only **I** have put on.
I don't understand why some idiots over-tighten so much....
.
After I hand-tighten pretty snug, I always back off 1/8 turn.
It seems to make it much easier to break loose next time.
I use a filter wrench to remove a filter only to save my poor arthritic hands. I use hand only to install. Ed
Yep, I can always get filters off that only **I** have put on.
I don't understand why some idiots over-tighten so much....
.
After I hand-tighten pretty snug, I always back off 1/8 turn.
It seems to make it much easier to break loose next time.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
However I know how tight is right.
+1. Tight but not gorilla tight!
However I know how tight is right.
+1. Tight but not gorilla tight!
I have always hand tightened, but I go by the directions, and make sure I get it at least 1/2 + turn after contact, and there are some cars that I can't get my hand around the filter good enough, and will add a little with a wrench. Taking off, I always use a filter wrench. To me it seems as if I can get it off with my hands it wasn't tight enough. Even in the old days when I had much more grip than now.
No tools needed for oil and filter change on the Outback.
Fumoto and top mounted filter.
Fumoto and top mounted filter.
I suspect many of us do not tighten them enough, myself included. I hand tight plus a little more which I think is quite a bit less than what is called for. I would say I have never had a problem with this except I had one vehicle that seemed to be using oil which turned out to be a loose oil filter. It wasn't an outright leak, as it was slow enough to appear the engine was using some oil.
The access on my Versa is tricky. If it is too tight, even if I can loosen it off with by hand, I can't make the necessary movements because it's to packed.
hand tighten and use a wrench to remove.
With apologies to Mr. Miyagi, hand on, hand off.
I've always followed the recommended 3/4 turn after gasket contact, and I've never had an oil leak or a filter come loose.
On very rare occasion I have had to use a filter wrench. My favorite is one similar to the adjustable Lisle end type. I also have a few end cap type. But they rarely get used. Some are for cars that are long gone from my stable. I've often thought of getting rid of them, but as a typical tool hoarder, I can't quite do that. Who knows when I may need them?
I've always followed the recommended 3/4 turn after gasket contact, and I've never had an oil leak or a filter come loose.
On very rare occasion I have had to use a filter wrench. My favorite is one similar to the adjustable Lisle end type. I also have a few end cap type. But they rarely get used. Some are for cars that are long gone from my stable. I've often thought of getting rid of them, but as a typical tool hoarder, I can't quite do that. Who knows when I may need them?
Well, I could probably be a quick-lube employee--I always tighten with a wrench (hand tight + 1/4 turn) and take them off the same way. The downside of a leak is too significant for me to do otherwise. The heat-cycling sometimes makes them mildly bearish to remove, so I could probably go a little looser. The cartridge canister on my wife's '11 Highlander leaves no doubt/discretion when it's tight enough--its movement comes to a sharp, sudden stop, and then it's good.
Originally Posted By: Kira
I gotta throw in the fact that I go with the "3/4 turn after contact".
I can count on one hand the number of times I've been able to unscrew a canister filter unaided.
I was only able to remove the canister unaided once - and that's because it was about to fall off. Dealer-installed that one.
I install following the instructions on the box - if it says 3/4-1 turn I do that. If it means I put a cap wrench on to get it to at least 3/4, so be it.
I gotta throw in the fact that I go with the "3/4 turn after contact".
I can count on one hand the number of times I've been able to unscrew a canister filter unaided.
I was only able to remove the canister unaided once - and that's because it was about to fall off. Dealer-installed that one.
I install following the instructions on the box - if it says 3/4-1 turn I do that. If it means I put a cap wrench on to get it to at least 3/4, so be it.
With the cannister-style filters (like the wife's Accord, the daughter's Galant, and all my previous cars), I hand-tighten and use a wrench to remove. My LaCrosse has a cartridge-style filter, with a so I need the wrench both ways.
Over 60 so yes I need a wrench.
Wrench every time. So I don't have to stop and go get it after failing to remove by hand.
That Lisle too is great, because can deforming will not stop it from taking grip.
That Lisle too is great, because can deforming will not stop it from taking grip.
I have always tightened them by hand and never had a leak. I screw it on until snug contact and then give it about another qtr turn. to remove I still remove by hand, but I grab a small square of sandpaper to improve my grip and they twist right off. My grip strength and power is not what it was when I was age 25, so at age 57 I need the sandpaper to help give me some grip traction. I have had a couple of occasions where I had to use an end cap wrench. probably because I somehow went beyond a qtr turn when tightening. Changed oil on my Mom's car a few years ago and she had the oil changed last at a quick lube type place and the filter was on so tight that I had to drive a screwdriver through the filter to get it off and that is a big mess. Plus the oil drain plug was cross threaded. One reason to NEVER trust a quick lube or Jiffy lube type place to do the right thing when changing oil as they apparently like to over tighten the filters, either that or they just dont care. Grrrrrr!!
Originally Posted By: Donald
Over 60 so yes I need a wrench.
Hey, no excuse!
. I'm over 60, arthritic, bone diseased, carpel tunnel and just plain falling apart
but I'm still vertical
. Usually on the oil filters I install, all by hand, I can remove most of them by hand. If not I use metal strap wrench with a socket and extension, it works easy and great.
Whimsey
Over 60 so yes I need a wrench.
Hey, no excuse!
Whimsey
There is normally no need to use one, since you're only supposed to tighten the filter by hand, so it should be easy to come of.
The only time it's necessary for me to use the hammer and screwdriver is the first time I change the oil filter on the car, because the previous one was done by someone who put it on too tight (usually the quick lube places)
The only time it's necessary for me to use the hammer and screwdriver is the first time I change the oil filter on the car, because the previous one was done by someone who put it on too tight (usually the quick lube places)
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