I just started to use the OEM Purolator oil filters and I am finding it impossible to find a filter wrench that fits it. I don't really want something that adjusts since I seem to break things when I use those:rolleyes: , I would like to have one that fits into a wrench like a lot of the other plastic ones at Checker, etc if possible.

Anyone know if such a thing exists and where I can get one? Anyone know what size I need? Any Subaru dealer use something like this?

Sears (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947609000)

Works great, make sure you buy the import one.

That is what I have been having problems with. I can never get it tight enough on the filter then when I try to pull it around it slips and hits the fan.:mad:

I am looking for something like this:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdfilt03.html

Just do what I did. . .take one of your filters into Pep Boys with you and try out the different sizes until you find one that fits. Of course, after I did this, Subaru changed the filter size so now I have to do it all over again. :rolleyes:

Calvin

Originally posted by mike270
That is what I have been having problems with. I can never get it tight enough on the filter then when I try to pull it around it slips and hits the fan.:mad:

I am looking for something like this:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdfilt03.html

I picked up one of those (the one that the link is pointing to) at Advanced Auto Parts that fits the Purolator filter that I bought. The only problem is that when I went to change the filter the Purolator has a bigger diameter than the stock one. I don't have an adjustable filter wrench and I didn't want to risk using a screwdriver to get the stock one off and the Purolator not fitting so I just left the stock one on and I will order some OEM filters for the next oil change.

I have the oil filter wrench that's just like a pair of pliers... MUCH easier. Just grab it and twist!

Originally posted by mike270
That is what I have been having problems with. I can never get it tight enough on the filter then when I try to pull it around it slips and hits the fan.:mad:

I am looking for something like this:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdfilt03.html

Then you have been overtorquing your filters.

I used that same wrench on literally thousands of oil changes and never had a problem.

I have been using this filter wrench and have had good luck with it:
http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop/item/04150/icn/20-316950/lisle/63600.htm

Oh and don't tighten your filter with the wrench. Hand tight only. (The advantage of the wrench I use, is that you can only use it to loosen the filter, not tighten.)

I use a strap wrench. I had some in the tool box and I started using them when my previous two oil filter wrenches just weren't fitting right. You can get them anywhere, but these are Craftsman.

http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/45570/00945570000-dlv.jpg

Yes, hand-tighten them only. (Or another theory is to spin it on until the gasket touches, then add a half-turn) At the proper torque, a strap wrench will pull them right off, and it'll work on almost any-sized filter.

I use a plier-style wrench that I bought at Autozone. It fits virtually any size filter, so I don't plan on ever buying another filter wrench again.

I only use the wrench for removal - for installation, I hand-tighten only.

If you only hand tighten, as you should, you should be able to hand remove, no?



<<<Just did first oil change himself

I only hand tighten as well. I spin it until it hits the gasket then give in 1/2 to 2/3 of a spin like is written on the side of the filter.

I have had bad luck with the adjustable types not because the filter was too tight but because I could never get any grip of the filter. The metal on metal grip just wasn't doing much for me.

Last time I changed my oil, I ended up taking the filter off by hand. It wasn't fun and took a while but eventually I got it to spin off.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I think something that has a rubber grip like some of you are suggesting would be enough to make the filter come off easier.

:banana:

Originally posted by hondaslayer
Sears (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947609000)

Works great, make sure you buy the import one.

How does that filter adjust size? I can't really tell from the picture. The one I have like that is real old and you have to kinda squeeze the ring to the right size and then "close" the handle to make it stay there.

I tried a metal strap type wrench and it just does not work at al. Both times when someone else had changed the oill, (when I bought it used and when I had to have an oil leak diagnosed) I couldn't get the filter off to save my life so I had to do the srewdriver poke method. Last time I used some heavy-duty rubber grippy gloves and was able to get the filter off and put the new one on securely. I hope it is that easy for all subsequent oil changes.

The rubber glove idea is good (I use the heavy-duty dishwashing gloves from the supermarket). If you're having trouble with gloves or metal parts slipping on the metal filter body, you can also try cutting some pieces of rough-grit sandpaper or (perhaps) scotchbrite roughening pads to put between your fingers (or tool) and the filter body.
As everyone else says, just hand-tighten to the degree recommended on the filter box (I've seen some filters that say turn 1/2-3/4 turn after gasket contact, and others that say turn 1 1/4 turns -- listen to the manufacturer!).

The glove is a really good idea. I might have to try that next time.

I tried putting a damp cloth between the wrench and the filter but that didn't really seem to help me out all that much.

I use latex gloves when changing oil so my hands stay clean. They just happen to give that extra bit of grip when taking off the filter too.

I like the kind of filter wrench pictured in this article:

http://www.555club.com/articles/article21/article21.htm

It tightens its grip on the wrench as you turn it counterclockwise.

But I usually don't use a wrench even if the filter was overtightened by the last person to change the oil; I stab the filter with a screwdriver and use the screwdriver as a handle. This way you can also drain the oil out of the filter before loosening it, so oil doesn't spill all over the place.

Originally posted by vrg3
I like the kind of filter wrench pictured in this article:

http://www.555club.com/articles/article21/article21.htm

It tightens its grip on the wrench as you turn it counterclockwise.

But I usually don't use a wrench even if the filter was overtightened by the last person to change the oil; I stab the filter with a screwdriver and use the screwdriver as a handle. This way you can also drain the oil out of the filter before loosening it, so oil doesn't spill all over the place.

Those wrenches suck,they are very difficult to get a grip onto the filter,and slip off quite often.

Originally posted by hondaslayer
Those wrenches suck,they are very difficult to get a grip onto the filter,and slip off quite often.

yes this wrench SUCKS, i used this to help a friend do his first oil change (oil filter tigtened on by godzilla at the factory), and it took an hr of struggling to get it of..