Fuel / oil filter removal tool

[colind3782]

I have several different ones in the tool box, chain, rubber and the one on the right which is the only one that works due to restricted space. I do like the look of the three pronged type and I think I'll treat my tool box to one.

 

[KAM]

I can't recommend the pliers highly enough if you have an inaccessible filter. I can just touch mine at arms reach. With the pliers I can just reach in one handed in the dark. There's so much leverage it's a very easy job. It can even be ratcheted round a few degrees at a time if necessary and doesent damage the filter if you are unlucky enough to have to 're use it for some reason. The other tools are quite tricky to use one handed.

 

[RichardS]

The other tools are quite tricky to use one handed.

That is a very good point. With my chain and strap socket wrenches you do need both hands at the early stage, at least until the tool starts to get a grip on the filter. If I was ever in the situation where I could only use one hand, I would need to think again.

I should add that where access is not a problem, I just use my Stillsons. However, that's a bit hammer-and-nut-ish.

Richard

 

[rogerthebodger]

I cannot understand why spin on filters are not made with a hex on the end to make it easy to loosen or tighten the filter ike this below

No special tool needed just a spanner or socket.

 

[RichardS]

I cannot understand why spin on filters are not made with a hex on the end to make it easy to loosen or tighten the filter ike this below

Surely they do have a sort-of hex on the end? It's just a very big hex.

Richard

 

[rogerthebodger]

Surely they do have a sort-of hex on the end? It's just a very big hex.

Richard

Are but how big a hex.

The spin on oil conversion for my MGB does not have any hex. I went back to the OEM filter with a through bolt.

I just wrap a plastic bag around the conister to catch all the oil.

On my boat engine where the oil filter is on its side I use a cutdown 5 lit plastic oil can.

On my CAV fuel filters I use a cut down plastic milk bottle.

 

[RobbieW]

I have always felt that there is a subtle difference between Sod's Law and Murphy's Law, but either of course describe the end effect

Sod holds that Murphy was an optimist

 

[colind3782]

I cannot understand why spin on filters are not made with a hex on the end to make it easy to loosen or tighten the filter ike this below

No special tool needed just a spanner or socket.

Aircraft filters do.

 

[Poignard]

I cannot understand why spin on filters are not made with a hex on the end to make it easy to loosen or tighten the filter ike this below

No special tool needed just a spanner or socket.

They used to be, and some still are I think. You could buy a large box spanner to fit them, rather like an immersion heater spanner.

 

[rogerthebodger]

They used to be, and some still are I think. You could buy a large box spanner to fit them, rather like an immersion heater spanner.

May be so but that is still a special tool that is used for a single job.

The one I posted is a motorsport supplied by a third party supplied os again its all about cost of manufacture.The extra part and the spot welding costs maybe a an extra penny or too so a value engineering exercise would eliminate that extra part/cost.

 

[RichardS]

They used to be, and some still are I think. You could buy a large box spanner to fit them, rather like an immersion heater spanner.

You can buy a multi-size set of box sockets which fit all filters.

23x Oil Filter Removal Wrench Set Loosen Tighten Cup Cap Socket Garage Tool New | eBay

Richard

 

[rogerthebodger]

You can buy a multi-size set of box sockets which fit all filters.


Richard

Take a piece of flat bar, an angle grinder and a stick welder and you can knock one up in 5 minutes.

Or a piece of tube , a oxy cutting torch and a hammer and you can beat one out in 10 minutes.

 

[Graham376]

Maybe once upon a time many years ago. At my time of life I get a great pleasure in finding that I need a new tool for a particular job. I’m currently fitting a battery monitor to my boat and posted recently to source cut-to-length battery leads. The overwhelming response from the wonderful forumites was to buy the components and make your own because “you know you want to”. I now have a new pair of wire cutters and a device for crimping 95mm2 cables. Power of the forum from like-minded people ?

Small cold chisel and hammer usually works OK for that

 

[RichardS]

Take a piece of flat bar, an angle grinder and a stick welder and you can knock one up in 5 minutes.

Or a piece of tube , a oxy cutting torch and a hammer and you can beat one out in 10 minutes.

Spending £20 seems easier.

Richard

 

[Poignard]

May be so but that is still a special tool that is used for a single job.

[...]

'
I am not suggesting that anyone should buy one, for such infrequent use. I was merely pointing out, in reponse to someone else's post, that such things are available for those who want them.

My Boa Constrictor strap-wrench perfectly meets my requirements.. I can use it one-handed in the confined space next to my engine, it is light, takes up little room and sometimes can be used for other purposes.

 

[penberth3]

Surely they do have a sort-of hex on the end? It's just a very big hex.

Richard

Yes, and there are tools to fit these. I've seen loads of filters with a smaller hex on the bottom, a steel pressing spot welded on.

I prefer this type, webbing or chain, used with a socket extension bar they'll fit anywhere.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Yes, and there are tools to fit these. I've seen loads of filters with a smaller hex on the bottom, a steel pressing spot welded on.

I prefer this type, webbing or chain, used with a socket extension bar they'll fit anywhere.

And at 2.99 GBP its much cheaper than Richards set of oil filter box spanners.

You may be able to make something like it by drilling a hole in a short socket extension and lace a piece if cord through in the same way as the strap.

Oil Filter Wrench - Strap Type - Toolman Yardley

Me being tight fisted again

 

[peter gibbs]

I have a small and large of these. Very useful for other things such as the filter housing of the watermaker that always tightens so that I can not undo it by hand even tho' I tighten only by hand
TS

This tool has served me for 20+ years ( VOLVO MD22). I suggest that if oil or fuel filters are more than firmly hand tightened you've gone over the top. New seals are essential at every filter change, with a lick of oil or fuel applied to bed down and seal in place. Wrenches with chains and screwdrivers driven through the filter casing denote bad practice!!

PWG

 

[penberth3]

And at 2.99 GBP its much cheaper than Richards set of oil filter box spanners.

You may be able to make something like it by drilling a hole in a short socket extension and lace a piece if cord through in the same way as the strap.

Oil Filter Wrench - Strap Type - Toolman Yardley

Me being tight fisted again

Good luck trying to drill a socket extension! I'd spend a fiver myself rather than mess about.

 

[rogerthebodger]

This tool has served me for 20+ years ( VOLVO MD22). I suggest that if oil or fuel filters are more than firmly hand tightened you've gone over the top. New seals are essential at every filter change, with a lick of oil or fuel applied to bed down and seal in place. Wrenches with chains and screwdrivers driven through the filter casing denote bad practice!!

PWG

A filter without a built in way to undo it is bad design.

I can remember the MGF mid engine where you needed to lift the car on the service ramp to change the spark plugs.