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Change Your Car’S Oil Filter Confidently With The Best Oil Filter Wrench

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:14 p.m.

Most often, the smallest parts of a vehicle can impact its quality of life and performance. The same goes for the oil filter. Located adjacent to the engine block, it removes contaminants from the engine oil, such as debris and dirt. Regularly replacing the oil filter is vital, and the ideal oil filter wrench enables you to do so more easily, especially if you face a clogged filter. Contamination can cause harm to your vehicle’s other parts if left unchecked, leading to larger issues. Dirt, trash, and metal shavings are some common contaminants that can impact your car.

These impurities can wear down engine parts and produce low oil pressure if the oil filter is not filtered on time. It eventually causes significant engine damage. It’s essential to replace the oil filter regularly to avoid abrasive wear and prolong engine life. We reviewed and compiled a list of the premium oil filter wrenches of 2023 to assist you in picking the most effective oil filter wrench.

A Buyer's Guide to Finding a Quality Oil Filter Wrench

An oil filter wrench isn't the kind of tool you should buy on the spur of the moment. There are many robust and efficient oil filter wrenches available on the market, and numerous types and brands make it difficult to select a suitable product. You must consider different factors before buying an oil filter wrench. Choosing the incorrect model might make the job more difficult than it has to be, so let's explore the factors you should know before purchasing to ensure you have the suitable equipment for your car and oil filter.

How To Pick an Appropriate Oil Filter Wrench

Filter size

It's important to consider the size of the filter before selecting an oil filter wrench because purchasing an oil filter wrench that does not fit on top of the cap will result in never-ending misery. Measure the cap's diameter in millimeters or inches with a caliper or measuring tape. It helps you get an appropriate oil filter wrench with an expanding diameter range.

Flexibility

Some wrenches have a set range, while others have an adjustable range. Oil filter wrenches with fixed ranges are often designed for unique models. Consider purchasing a universal oil filter wrench if you need to use your tool on various authentic vehicles.

Performance and quality

It's important to look for an oil filter wrench that delivers a high degree of performance that has been constructed from superior materials. The quality of construction and performance impacts the tool's longevity, so be prudent while picking an appropriate oil filter wrench.

Ease of use

Since you're purchasing an oil filter wrench to replace your filters easily, you don't want it to be complicated to use. Some oil filters will be very firmly screwed in or difficult to access, so consider a wrench that can avoid these obstacles and will not damage. Consider its capacity to provide a firm grip and how well it avoids slippage before anything else.

Different Types of Oil Filter Wrench

Band-style

Brand-style oil filter wrenches are car owners' most prevalent and practical option. They come with a metal band that slides over the filter's body. A rotating handle applies tension to the band, shrinking the aperture until it holds the filter and enables its removal. This sort of oil filter wrench is ideal for most individuals due to its cost and covering a large variety of oil filter sizes.

End cap wrench

End cap wrenches resemble sockets more than they do wrenches. This positive fit makes a significant difference as they are less prone to slip and need less working space than other wrenches. The end cap with flutes that match the end's flats fits over the filter. They are compatible with ratchets and other square-drive tools. The most obvious drawback is that you cannot use this filter on several vehicles unless their filters are identical. It's also important to make sure the wrench fits the filter well. A little mismatch in size can cause the wrench to slide over the sides rather than engage, causing issues that you may not be able to handle.

Oil filter pliers

The oil filter pliers grip the cover or case while you twist the filter to loosen it. They are simple, efficient, and perfect for applications with ample space to work, such as trucks and historic cars. Due to the limited space surrounding the filter in most modern vehicles, owners should avoid these unless they love a challenge.

Strap wrench

A strap wrench is a more versatile, adjustable variant designed to fit tightly around the filter. The main drawback of strap wrenches is that you might not be able to generate an equal level of pressure as other, sturdier versions. If you work on multiple automobiles, you have the unique advantage of only having one wrench compared to several for each vehicle. Another comparable choice is a chain loop wrench which generally works similarly but is an excellent option for grasping greasy filters.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Workpro Oil Filter Wrench
Perfect Grip: Lisle Oil Filter Wrench
Non-Slip Control: Duratech Oil Filter Wrench
Easy Use: Gohawkteq Oil Filter Wrench
Magnetic Base: Oemtools Oil Filter Wrench

Reviews

Best Overall

Workpro Oil Filter Wrench

Pros	Cons
Long handles boost grip Easily compatible with various filter sizes High-quality steel increases its longevity	Difficult to use in small spaces

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Perfect Grip

Lisle Oil Filter Wrench

Pros	Cons
Band’s interior cushions provide a better grip Swiveling head useful in confined areas Lightweight and easy to use	Some may find the size small

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Non-Slip Control

Duratech Oil Filter Wrench

Pros	Cons
Stretches wide over various oil filters Right-angled teeth provide a firm grip Hardened steel construction makes it durable	Tends to crush filter fittings slightly

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Easy Use

Gohawkteq Oil Filter Wrench

Pros	Cons
Ideal for taking off different-sized filters Holds the oil filter firmly, preventing slippage Easy to use and adjust	Three prongs are too small to grasp

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Magnetic Base

Oemtools Oil Filter Wrench

Pros	Cons
Comes with a three-jaw adjustable design A magnetic base gives filters a secure hold Easy to use in a confined place	It only works one way

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FAQs

Should I replace my oil filter with an oil filter wrench?

Yes, most automobiles simply require a filter wrench for easy installation. It allows you to verify the filter's installation.

Is the oil filter wrench durable?

Yes, oil filter wrenches are quite durable; unless you repeatedly strike the oil filter wrench against doors and grills or attempt to melt it, it is unlikely that it will continue to function. If you take good care of it, you won't have to buy a new one.

Where should an oil filter wrench band be positioned on an oil filter?

You must place the band as close as possible to the mounting flange. The case comes with a thin coating or layer of metal easily deformed by force. The filter section that attaches to the engine is structurally significantly more robust.