How To Use An Oil Filter Removal Tool

One of the most basic yet important routine maintenance for your vehicle is an oil change. Since you should replace your oil filter along with your oil several times a year, knowing how to use an oil filter removal tool is a useful skill.

There are several types to choose from, so make sure you understand how to use them and your options and needs before getting started. Also, remember to follow all safety precautions and regulations outlined by your vehicle manufacturer.

These socket-style tools snap onto the end of a ratchet or ratchet extension and mount directly to the bottom of the filter. They can be sold in sets or individually, so it's important to choose the right size for the filter you want to remove. These tools are great for getting filters in hard-to-reach places, but they also make it easier to slide or round the edges of the filter. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are using the correct size hat.

These filter wrenches can accommodate a wider range of filter sizes, but you still need to make sure you have the right wrench for your filter. A strap wrench usually has a pivotable handle with a strap that goes around the filter and tightens when you apply pressure in one direction. If you turn the wrench over, it tightens the other way. The added torque is nice, but these wrenches also have a tendency to slip and are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Their design is similar to a strap wrench, but they can accommodate a wider range of filter sizes. Additionally, while strap wrenches typically remain closed at all times, strap and chain wrenches can be detached and reattached around the filter. The same tightening principles apply, so the strap ends up being very similar to a strap wrench, although the chain wrench may crush the filter if too much pressure is applied to it.