How do you guys handle all the different sizes?

[PandaBear]

I bought a cap wrench for each car that takes different filter type, and continue to use the same filter forever.

Now, if you guys are changing filter sizes all the time, how do you manage to take the filter on/off with all the combination out there?

Mind sharing the secret?

 

[labman]

My 16'' Channellocks fit anything. Well, I can't the cap on the cartridge on my Ecotec with it.

 

[eljefino]

I use an adjustable strap wrench when I can get access; one dodge had limited access and I own a cap wrench for it but I don't use it anymore as I've discovered a longer filter. Actually its diameter is the same and the cap could still work but a good strap wrench is less hassle for me.

 

[TurboLuver]

Strap Wrench

 

[wavinwayne]

I buy a cap-style wrench for each different size filter that I use. Wasteful?.....maybe, but you never know when they might come in handy.

 

[opus1]

The only problem I've run into is that Purolators for my Malibu (L10111) have 14 indentations on the end and all the rest of the filters (PF-47/ST3387A/etc.) have 15, so I had to buy a special wrench to handle any filter made by Purolator for that car. That includes the Quaker States and Advance Auto filters I have.

The various filters for my Dakota (PF-13/xx16/etc.) all seem to have the same number of indentations no matter who the maker is, so I didn't have to get anything special for it.

 

[TomH]

Best filter wrench in the world, IMHO.

 

[PandaBear]

TomH

That looks awesome. Except it wouldn't clear my Integra (between engine and firewall), or my corolla (hiding right under the left 2 port of the header).

 

[wavinwayne]

I have to use a strap wrench on the Motorcraft FL820S.

Everything else gets the cap-style wrench.

 

[CQUG4R]

I use sheetrock sandpaper, the kind that looks like a screen, not the kind made from sand. I just hand tighten the filter a little tighter than spec'd, and I have never had a leak problem. I have used it to take off filters that were tightened by oil change garages, too. It's all I've ever used and it works real good.

 

[T-Keith]

I tighten and loosen all my filter by hand, in fact I don't even own ANY filter wrench or socket.

 

[ediamiam]

Universal cap style w/ springs

 

[surfstar]

quote:

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Originally posted by PandaBear:

Now, if you guys are changing filter sizes all the time, how do you manage to take the filter on/off with all the combination out there?

Mind sharing the secret?

---

Hands. You shouldn't need more than that. If the filter is too tight for your hands (you did tighten it by hand right?) then try gripping it with some sandpaper or a rubber band wrapped around it.

 

[wavinwayne]

quote:

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Originally posted by surfstar:

quote:

---

Originally posted by PandaBear:

Now, if you guys are changing filter sizes all the time, how do you manage to take the filter on/off with all the combination out there?

Mind sharing the secret?

---

Hands. You shouldn't need more than that. If the filter is too tight for your hands (you did tighten it by hand right?) then try gripping it with some sandpaper or a rubber band wrapped around it.

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I must confess; I'm a BITOG heretic. I am guilty of over-tightening all my oil filters. I screw the filter on until the gasket makes contact with the filter mounting surface, then use the wrench or strap to turn 1 full turn more.

 

[PulMax]

I usually have to use a channel-lock to remove the Camry oil filter, just because of its teeny size and stupid location.

Pulsar, 210, and Van I use a regular ol filter wrench to loosen if needed.

For the Volvo, I just throw on my grippy leather gloves and twist that big bad Mann off by hand (that sounds soooo dirty....)