Which oil filter tool?

[eltax91]

Hi chaps

I was doing a bit if work on my mx5 earlier and it appears the oil filter is quite awkwardly located under the inlet manifold and it's on very tight. I got my hand in it but could not budge it. Doesn't seem easy to get a screwdriver hammered in either.

So, off I popped to eBay, only to be faces with a bewildering array of tool types.

There's a 3 legged one that slots over the top. Handles with chains. Handles with rubber straps. Grips, straps that roll around 1/2" drive sockets and chains that do the same!

So, which one is best? As an all rounder really but specifically needs to help me on the Mazda.

[Buff Mchugelarge]

A rubber strap-on.

And for the oil filter, One with a rubber strap on.

[Sensibleboy]

I like the 3 legged type but they can be awkward to use at first until they get a proper grip of the filter.

Chain tools are useful too...just buy both, they aren't expensive. More tools = better!

[th85]

The socket with a strap is good in confined spaces and I imagine good on cars that have been routinely maintained. On the wife's POS (that hasn't been serviced for a while), however, it proceeded to crush the filter. On the plus side it made it easier to get a screwdriver in and get a grip with my hands.

[eltax91]

Sensibleboy said:

I like the 3 legged type but they can be awkward to use at first until they get a proper grip of the filter.

Chain tools are useful too...just buy both, they aren't expensive. More tools = better!

I was afraid someone would say that! I'm a tight Northern git.

[interloper]

Buff Mchugelarge said:

A rubber strap-on.

I have found that if you cant get a suitable tool on it or don't have one to hand, just punch an old screw driver through it and twist (then unscrew with your fingers)! Works a treat, if a bit messy.

[Erdy]

screwdriver and a hammer

[eltax91]

Am I living on a parallel pistonheads where I didn't write in my OP 'doesn't seem possible to hammer a screwdriver in there'

[Sensibleboy]

eltax91 said:

Sensibleboy said:

I like the 3 legged type but they can be awkward to use at first until they get a proper grip of the filter.

Chain tools are useful too...just buy both, they aren't expensive. More tools = better!

I was afraid someone would say that! I'm a tight Northern git.

I'm sure Machine Mart would sell them both for little over £10.

[interloper]

eltax91 said:

Am I living on a parallel pistonheads where I didn't write in my OP 'doesn't seem possible to hammer a screwdriver in there'

Probably just need a much longer screw driver then! Or a different approach, can you get to it from underneath?

[catman]

I've had a lot of success wrapping heavy twine or thin rope around and then pulling to unwind the filter.

Just start with a slip knot to secure and then wind around in the correct direcion several times as near to the base as you can.

Tim

[Krikkit]

I like the chain and handle type, although I can't see it working for every car.

[Megaflow]

I 'be got one of the three leg jobs, never failed me.

[paintman]

eltax91 said:

Am I living on a parallel pistonheads where I didn't write in my OP 'doesn't seem possible to hammer a screwdriver in there'

You thought people read through threads instead of just posting random responses

In answer to the question, for canister filters I have one tool with what looks like a length of bicycle chain and another with a webbing strap.

[Spangles]

Oil filter pliers are my favoured tool. Never use a hammer and screwdriver, you may end up with half an oil filter attached to your engine.

[BBS-LM]

Got this tool and never bothered with anything els, great peace of kit. The more you wind it on, the tighter it gets. Undone first go.