Of all the parts in your car, the oil filter probably requires the least maintenance and attention from you. It's part of the car's lubrication system, so you only need a new one during your oil change, and you're set. However, oil filters are notoriously difficult to remove. So, what tools can you use to help with that?
You'll find plenty of options on the market for oil filter removal tools. These tools all work using the same principles – they wrap tightly around the oil filter and help you twist the stubborn filter off. The most common types are the cap-type, three-leg, chain, and band wrench.
In this guide, you'll start by discovering the deal with oil filters that get stuck. Then, you'll find out more about the best oil filter removal tools you can choose from and how they work.
Let's get started.
How to Remove an Oil Filter
Removing an oil filter is probably one of the most straightforward car maintenance tasks you'll ever perform.
Firstly, you must prepare an oil collection pan or something similar on the ground directly beneath the oil filter. Even if you've drained all the oil from the engine, there will still be some in the filter that will flow out when you remove it.
Once you have something to catch the oil, then focus on the filter. Then, all you have to do is rotate the filter counter-clockwise (i.e., to the left) to unscrew and remove the oil filter.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about removing your car's oil filter. So, why are there so many oil filter removal tools on the market?
Well, despite how it's supposedly easy to remove oil filters, those things tend to get stuck really tight.
Let's find out why that is.
Why Do Oil Filters Get Stuck?
You only need to twist oil filters on or off, so why are they so tough to remove? Well, it turns out that there are several reasons for that, such as:
- No lubrication on gasket: Oil filters have an O-ring between them and the part they screw onto. That gasket forms a tight seal between both components. However, without any lubrication, it will also make both parts stick together, especially since you only remove the oil filter at the following oil change.
- Over-tightening: Another reason for a stuck oil filter is that whoever installed it the last time over-tightened it. Remember: your oil filter only needs to be 'hand tight'. That's enough to secure it to the engine without struggling to take it off at the following oil change.
- Time-related wear: Things will stick to each other naturally over an extended period. The same is valid with your oil filter, especially since some suction pulls it in even more whenever the engine is running.
- Temperature: Oil filters expand and contract with the temperature. So, you can imagine it getting hot when the engine is running and contracting even more when it's cold outside. All of that contribute in making the filter hard to remove.
How Do I Stop the Oil Filter from Sticking?
A stuck oil filter happens all the time. So common that there's a wide range of tools specially designed to help remove them. Still, you can take a few steps to prevent the oil filter from sticking. Or, at the very least, you'll reduce its severity and make it just a little bit easier to remove.
Here’s how:
- Before attaching the oil filter, apply some engine oil to the O-ring around it to lubricate the gasket and reduce the stickiness when it’s time to remove it.
- Screw the oil filter until it's 'hand tight' and not any tighter. Once you feel a moderate tightness, that's enough.
- Read the oil filter packaging. In many cases, manufacturers will include tips on how to prevent their products from sticking.
Types of Oil Filter Removal Tools
Now, let's suppose you have an oil filter that you cannot remove no matter how hard you try. Thankfully, the market offers many options for oil filter removal tools.
Here are some of the more common ones you can find.
1. Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench or Pliers
These are pliers that manufacturers design specifically to wrap around a standard car oil filter. Then, you can adjust the size and clamp it down with your hand for an extra firm grip.
Imagine a standard set of wrench or pliers, except for a more prominent jaw and a wider reach. There you have it: an adjustable oil filter wrench or pliers. Just twist the oil filter off and replace it with a new one – that easy.
2. Cap-Type Tool
If you're not a fan of wrenches and pliers, don't worry. You still have plenty of other options, like the cap-type tool.
This tool is pretty straightforward – it's a cap that perfectly mimics an oil filter's shape. So, all you have to do is fit the cap onto your oil filter and attach a socket wrench to it. Then, as you turn the cap, the filter will also turn loose.
The point of the cap-type tool is that it applies force evenly all over the oil filter. That's much more effective than wrapping a regular wrench around the filter, which might damage or break it, causing a worse headache to deal with.
3. Three-Leg Tool
Next, we have the three-leg tool. As the name suggests, this tool has three legs that wrap around your oil filter. However, the device also has gears inside it to clench very hard and grip the oil filter.
You'll also use this tool with a socket wrench. Turning the wrench will tighten the three-leg tool onto the oil filter and help you twist it off.
4. Chain System
The chain system consists of a bicycle-type chain and a handle for the chain to pass through.
All you have to do is wrap the chain around the oil filter and put it through the handle. Then, as you turn the handle, the chain will tighten around the oil filter and help you twist it open.
5. Band Wrench
Lastly, you have the ever-popular band wrench. This tool consists of a flat metal band with both ends connecting to a knob.
At this point, you can probably guess how it works. The band wraps around the oil filter, and you'll tighten it by turning the knob. That will grip the oil filter and help you twist it off.
What's the Best Oil Filter Removal Tool?
So, what's the best oil filter removal tool? That depends on your preference and where the oil filter is on your vehicle.
You see, some oil filters are in confined spaces. So, you can't use a tool that has an extensive range of motion. So, the best tool for these filters is the three-leg tool.
Besides that, some tools are better for you if you often deal with different-sized oil filters. The chain system and band wrench, for example, are adjustable and work with a wide range of oil filter sizes.
Of course, if you're only dealing with the oil filter on one or two vehicles at home, a cap-type tool will do you just fine.
If you're in the market for oil filter removal tools or car parts, don’t hesitate to check out CarPart AU. The Marketplace has deals on used parts, or you could also submit a request through the Part Finder.
By Ray Hasbollah