Help with filter cap wrench slippage!!!

[Clyde65]

Lou,

The filter wrench is spring loaded to keep the jaws engaged with the filter. You simply turn the wrench to the right to slip it over the filter, then once on the filter, you turn it to the left to grab the filter. When turning the wrench to the left, the jaws close in on the filter with brute force. This tool is like the nuclear weapon of filter wrenches.

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by toocrazy2yoo:
Can you say, "STRAP"???

---

Can you say, "A strap wrench won't work in the tiny area I have to work, because I have to bend my arm in six places to even touch the **** filter to begin with, and there's not even close to enough room to turn any kind of wrench in there, strap, metal, or otherwise, which is why I have to use two socket extensions to get the ratchet out into the wheel well where I have room to move it"????

I didn't think so...do you not think I'd be using a strap wrench if I had room?

 

[wavinwayne]

I'd try this:

Spray the entire inside surface of the cup-style wrench with 3M spray adhesive, then fill it with sand. Let it dry for 24 hours, then remove the excess sand. Sort of like a poor man's "Rhino-lining".

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by wavinwayne:
I'd try this:

Spray the entire inside surface of the cup-style wrench with 3M spray adhesive, then fill it with sand. Let it dry for 24 hours, then remove the excess sand. Sort of like a poor man's "Rhino-lining".

---

Another good idea! May have to try this one...thanks!

 

[Tosh]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I have not needed an oil filter wrench for all 4 cars I've had in 20 something years. Maybe those with problems are not taking the new gasket out of its groove and lubing it on all sides, or don't have a well-calibrated wrist, like me? Just sayin'

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tosh:
I can't speak for anyone else, but I have not needed an oil filter wrench for all 4 cars I've had in 20 something years. Maybe those with problems are not taking the new gasket out of its groove and lubing it on all sides, or don't have a well-calibrated wrist, like me? Just sayin'

---

I would actually try to do this, but again, I can just barely get my hand even ON the wrench, must less have any leverage to turn it.

 

[Clyde65]

Lou,

They make two different filter wrenches with two different size ranges. Most cars can use the smaller one. Here's a link to Lisle's page.

http://lislecorp.com/tool_browse_list.cfm?PageNum_rsList=3&browse=9

 

[labman]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tosh:
I can't speak for anyone else, but I have not needed an oil filter wrench for all 4 cars I've had in 20 something years. Maybe those with problems are not taking the new gasket out of its groove and lubing it on all sides, or don't have a well-calibrated wrist, like me? Just sayin'

---

It is a lot quicker and easier to install AS DIRECTED, and give it a little turn with the Channellocks to loosen it to remove.

 

[Mr Nice]

LouDawg,

If you just took your car to Jiffy Lube, you wouldn't have to worry about that oil filter cap wrench.

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by LT4 Vette:
LouDawg,

If you just took your car to Jiffy Lube, you wouldn't have to worry about that oil filter cap wrench.

---

Hey, you may be on to something!

 

[zstalker]

what kind of car are we talking about? I actually work at Jiffy Lube, so I deal with ALL types of crazy-tight filters that people put on WAY too tight...

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by zstalker:
what kind of car are we talking about? I actually work at Jiffy Lube, so I deal with ALL types of crazy-tight filters that people put on WAY too tight...

---

It's a 2002 Nissan Frontier XE 2WD AT with the 2.4L engine...have to access filter through front passenger side wheel well.

BTW, I wouldn't talk too loudly about working at Jiffy Lube...you won't get a lot of love...but hey, maybe you can bring some respectability to an otherwise tarnished reputation!

 

[LouDawg]

Bought one at Pep Boys that looked something like this...anyone have any experience with this type? Remember before you start jumping in with all the strap/band recommendations: I do NOT have room/clearance to use any type of band-type wrenches...only something to grab it from the top/cap. They didn't have the Lisle that was recommended earlier...

 

[Clyde65]

The one you posted above is not spring loaded and you have to manually close the jaws around the filter. Which means you have to use both hands. I'm disappointed in you Lou.

 

[Cutehumor]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan:
I take a paper towel and put it around the filter and slip the filter cap back on.

It usually snugs it up pretty well.

---

Alan, I got to give you mad props bro. I just got a 2006 Pontiac Vibe factory oil filter off with your method that I just read. I have a cheap $3 plastic oil filter wrench from walmart that I bought today and it was slipping using my torque wrench. the paper towel folded turned the filter on the first try and got it off. I searched the oil filter forums and mechanical tips and trick forum. I just stumbled onto it here in the auto and lube forum. It saved me money from buying the plier type wrench that I was going to get later today. Thanks bro

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Clyde65:
The one you posted above is not spring loaded and you have to manually close the jaws around the filter. Which means you have to use both hands. I'm disappointed in you Lou.

---

You're not the first (just ask my ex-wives), and you won't be the last...

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Clyde65:
The one you posted above is not spring loaded and you have to manually close the jaws around the filter. Which means you have to use both hands. I'm disappointed in you Lou.

---

Seriously though, I played with it some and it seemed pretty easy to me to open/close this one with one hand. Maybe it's slightly different than the one in the picture?

At any rate the torque is supposed to provide the needed pressure for removal...I'll let everyone know how it works, or doesn't work.

 

[zstalker]

have you taken the passenger wheel off the truck? I totally sympathize with you...that filter location is NOT cool. withthe wheel off the truck, you should have room to use one of the ratchet-applied filter wrenches with a longer extension (if you have one)

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

---

Originally posted by zstalker:
have you taken the passenger wheel off the truck? I totally sympathize with you...that filter location is NOT cool. withthe wheel off the truck, you should have room to use one of the ratchet-applied filter wrenches with a longer extension (if you have one)

---

No, hadn't thought about taking off the wheel, but I think I've got it figured out with the extensions I have, as long as it doesn't slip! Thanks for the advice...if push comes to shove, I'll take off the wheel...good thought.

 

[mgm13]

Lou,

Buy K&N oil filters as they have a nut welded to the can-it's a no brainer and a very good filter besides.