by Joshua Thomas
Replacing your car's oil filter is a must when you do an oil change. However, these filters are usually tightened into position and you cannot loosen them by hand or a regular wrench. This is where an oil filter wrench comes in.
This component basically allows you to loosen the filter for removal and tighten the new filter into position. However, different car engines have differently-sized oil filters, which means you need a perfect size that matches your unit.
Again, there are different types of these wrenches and with this wide variety, here are the best oil filter wrenches, from which you should pick one that matches your needs.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Tekton 5866 (Best Overall) |
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2. Motivx Tools MX2320 (Best for Toyota, Lexus & Scion) |
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3. Assenmacher Specialty Tools V 410 (Best for Volvo & BMW) |
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4. Motivx Tools MX2330 (Small) |
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5. Assenmacher Specialty Tools TOY 640 (Cast Aluminum Construction) |
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6. Craftsman 51121SA706 (Best Universal) |
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7. Lisle 63250 (Best for the Money) |
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Tekton's 5866 is an oil filter pliers that has a universal fitting design and can clamp oil filters up to 4.5 inches in diameter.
To grab onto the filter, this unit is equipped with right angle teeth grip that bite hard to allow tightening or loosening in any direction, and they do not slip even if the filter's surface is covered in oil.
Also included is a pair of 12-inch long handles, making it possible to reach deep into tight spaces. These handles are fitted with soft, comfortable grips, which offer non-slip performance.
Other features include a 3-position slip joint, which helps to adjust quickly to size, while a 16-inch-long handle option gives you longer reach and can hold up to a 5.5-inch diameter oil filter.
However, the unit is still more challenging to use in tight spaces as compared to the perfect fitting wrenches such as the ones above.
Pros
Cons
This MX2320 oil filter wrench is designed as a perfect fit for oil filters found in Toyota, Lexus and Scion engines, specifically the ones with 2.5 - 5.7-liter engines with 64mm cartridge-style filters.
The unit has a very solid construction, which is basically composed of forged 6061 T5 aluminum. This high-quality material is better than cast aluminum, and won't crack under pressure.
On top of this aluminum is a high quality black anodized finish, which is designed to prevent corrosion for durability purposes, and has its name laser engraved for labeling and easy identification.
Another benefit with this black coating is that it simplifies the clean-up process after doing an oil change, and it does not chip or peel. Altogether, these features make this the top-rated oil filter wrench in our review. However, the unit is quite expensive and no driving ratchet is included.
Pros
Cons
The V 410 is quite similar in design to the MX2320, with 16 flats and a perfectly-fitting design for 86.5mm oil filters.
Though limited in terms of compatibility, this size makes it ideal for removing or reinstalling oil filter housings in Volvos and new 6-cylinder BMW engines, and it fits tightly to prevent slipping when in use.
That said, the tool has a solid cast aluminum construction, which is very tough, but that is all. This metal is not coated with an anodized top for corrosion protection, which means you should minimize its contact with water or corrosive chemicals in your garage.
Pros
Cons
Though it has a universal fitting design, this tool is quite small and designed to remove small 2.5 - 3.25-inch diameter oil filters with the traditional spin-off style.
A 0.050-inch captured spring is used to hold the jaws in position while teeth at the end of these jaws grip tightly into the oil filter to reduce slipping as you loosen it.
The wrench's jaws are made entirely out of 4130 Chromoly steel, which is then nickel plated for durability purposes. These jaws are attached to a solid 3/8-inch thick steel top plate, which holds everything together and won't bend or break.
However, the tool is only designed for filter removal, not for installation, which limits its functionality.
Pros
Cons
With a sturdy cast aluminum construction, this oil filter wrench has a perfectly fitting design for oil filters in Toyota and Lexus engines. It is very effective for removal of the oil filter housing.
The unit is designed with 14 flats and can accommodate a 64mm filter with a cartridge style. Because it is a perfect fit, it won't damage the plastic filter housing and won't slip as you turn it.
However, the piece is quite limited on compatibility, and its aluminum construction is not coated for protection against corrosive chemicals.
Pros
Cons
Craftsman's 51121SA706 is a universal fitting oil filter wrench that has a spider design with 3 claws. However, this unit stands out due to its wide 2.5 - 4.75-inch diameter range, which means it can be used a wide array of oil filters, making it one of the best universal pieces.
With its claws, the wrench automatically adjusts and tightens when torque is applied, making the filter removal process very easy.
To apply this torque though, you need to have a 3/4-inch wrench or 3/8-inch square drive ratchet, which are not included in the pack.
On the bright side, the unit is very solidly built using steel, and this makes it perform very well even when under pressure as you apply torque.
This steel is covered in a black oxide coating, which protects against rust and corrosion for long-lasting performance.
Pros
Cons
If you are on a tight budget, Lisle's 63250 is an affordable solution to consider and despite this, it is a universal fitting oil filter wrench, although its diameter range is quite narrow, going from 3.13 - 3.88 inches.
The wrench is built using steel, and its steel jaws bite into the oil filter so as to grip firmly without slipping, and performs well in tight spots because it works from the filter's top.
However, you need to buy a 3/8-inch drive to use this wrench because it is not included in the kit.
Pros
Cons
Cap Wrench
Cap wrenches are quite common and are designed as perfect fitting units for filters in specific car models. This means that you should buy such if you are sure about the specific car model you want to use.
However, one major problem that arises with this type is limited compatibility and therefore, this wouldn't be a good choice if you are a mechanic and doing oil changes in different cars is the order of the day.
The advantage though is that the cap creates a tight, non-slip fit that tightens or loosens the oil filter with ease.
Strap Wrench
Unlike a cap wrench, a strap wrench is a universal fitting piece that is ideal for mechanics working on multiple cars. Basically, this unit fits around any kind of filter tightly, although it may not offer you as much torque in undoing extremely tight filters.
Filter Pliers
Filter pliers are also universal fitting oil filter wrenches that are very easy to use. Simply open up the jaws, grab onto the filter housing and spin it out as soft, comfortable grips ensure you have an easier time doing this.
On the downside, these are not ideal for very tight spaces and the teeth on their jaws can leave dents on the filter's housing. If you plan to reuse the filter, this wrench can ruin it for you.
Coil Spring
A coil spring oil filter wrench is designed to fit on the end of a spin-on filter while its band extends down to the base. This way, the wrench tightens around the whole filter, preventing separation from the base and other damages.
Spider Wrench
The last type is the spider wrench, and this one consists of three legs which clamp and tighten automatically as you turn it. This ensures the unit grips firmly all round to prevent slipping, which makes the spider wrenches one of the best universal fitting oil filter wrenches.
Regardless of the type of oil filter wrench that you buy, it must fit the filter you want to use it on. Measured in inches or mm, the given value is usually a measure of the diameter of the filter that it can grip onto.
Since each car engine contains a differently-sized oil filter, it is important to consider this size, then buy a fitting wrench. Even the universal fitting units usually have a compatible range and if you are buying such, ensure the diameter of your filter is within this range.
As shown above, in the oil filter wrench types, there are those that are fixed in size (cap wrenches), and these are only suitable for removing/installing oil filters in specific car engines. The others are adjustable and can be used in multiple cars.
Fixed wrenches are better off if you want a piece for your own car. However, if you run an auto repair shop, it makes more sense to buy an adjustable, universal fitting oil wrench for the multiple cars that are expected to come in.
In considering this factor, you need to ensure that the product you buy offers high-performance levels for quick and effective filter removal/installation. On quality, the wrench should be made using high-quality materials, with the best ones being aluminum and steel.
Additionally, this metal surface should be covered in an anti-corrosive layer for long-lasting performance. Even though a high performance and top quality wrench will most likely be very expensive, the goal is to get such tools for good user experience and durability purposes.
An easy-to-use product is always ideal to have and in this case, an easy-to-use oil filter wrench should have a solid grip to prevent slipping. If your car's oil filter is quite hidden, then buy an oil filter wrench that can reach deep into such spots with ease.
Basically, ensure you avoid any unnecessary difficulties when buying such a product. Also, the wrench should be easy-to-clean after use.
Accessories are always good to have because they end up giving you more value for money. Some products such as Innovant's 3-jaw spider wrench come with gloves and a socket adapter, which ends up being a better deal. The more the accessories, the better.
Oil filters are generally inexpensive but the work they do is priceless. Even if you are able to remove the oil filter or tighten it without this tool, you will need a lot of energy and you may end up creating a mess.
That said, as you can see, there is quite a wide variety of these products and if you don't know what to look for, the factors to put into consideration are given in the oil filter wrench review above.
All in all, after reading through, you should be in a better position to pick the best oil filter wrench that matches your needs.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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