Oil Filter end wrenches

The oil filter placement in the Scion pretty much necessitates the use of an end wrench, and prevents the use of a strap wrench.

I have two stamped-steel cap wrenches, allegedly in the correct size. Neither of them grab the filter properly. I have to line the cup with a piece of rag to get it to work.

Are there better options than stamped-steel? I see cast aluminum cup wrenches, and the 3-finger, adjustable jaw type.

Are either of those options better? Is there something else I should consider?

Thanks!

I like the adjustable wrench type. Always have had luck with them. Yeah it crushes the filter, but you're not using it again anyways.

My neighbor has a very thick plastic one that works great. He said he hasn't seen one like that for sale in over ten years, though.

I have several stamped steel ones and it seems like they all stretch over time and stop working.

Can you set your stamped steel filter "socket" on edge and tap it a bit with a hammer? If you squish it a bit in one direction maybe it will grab.

I tend just to drive an old screwdriver into mine and use that as leverage to start the spin.

Does the filter location on this car allow you to reach it easily with your hand? If so, once you remove the filter with your wrench, you might think about abandoning the filter wrench altogether and doing everything by hand from then on. I spin my filter on until it contacts the seating surface, and then turn it another turn and a half or so...Just enough to get the O-ring to seal. Then when it's time for the next oil change the filter isn't cranked on so hard that I can't get it back off by hand. This method has worked well for me for about 15 years.

Edit You said "The oil filter placement in the Scion pretty much necessitates the use of an end wrench." You probably mean that you can't reach it with your hand.

I presume the Scion has the aluminum cap like all the other Toyota stuff does? If so, you are pretty much berkeleyed- even the OE Toyota tool can be iffy if the cap has been snugged up too tight. This is one of the few occasions where the plastic caps everybody else uses are actually better than the alloy ones.

If you are changing your own oil, be careful not to snipe it down too hard. The Toyota tool wasn't a lot of dough, and worked ok until the it stretched after needing to use a 24" breaker bar on it a few times. I've got a Lisle set now that works as well- Someday when I have time and am pissed off, I'm going to weld a reinforcing strip around it.

I always used a Craftsman tool like this one on my Scion tc

Wrench

It fits on a 3/8 ratchet and works great.

I've tried just about all of the oil filter gizmos out there. The 3 finger ones, both from NAPA ($$$) and HF ($), various branded end cap thingies, "special" oil filter pliers, special oil filter things that are not unlike a vice grip, etc. The only thing that works for me is a strap thing with a handle or a strap thing that takes a 3/8" drive socket or a large pair of Channellocks.

I also stab the filter with a screwdriver when it won't come off. Low cost, works every time.

Put on a filter with a regular nut on the end, like a K&N.

I use this one for all my cars and it's never let me down. Lisle Filter Wrench I ended up with it when it was left in a customers car from a previous mechanic.

In reply to t25torx: I have one like yours & it's worked very well for me too. Someone (channel-lock?) makes another style that is much like a pair of channel lock or water pump pliers. I works well too.

I use this one from Lisle
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=378
I find its great when you are in a tight space.

I think the T25 guy is the winner. I'll get one of those. thanks.

GameboyRMH wrote: I also stab the filter with a screwdriver when it won't come off. Low cost, works every time.

you gotta be able to get to it for that to work ..

I can't tell by looking at the pic. of the Lang tool …. is the hole on the top a place for a ratchet to fit ?

X2 on the K&N filter with a nut on the end.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-end-cap-oil-filter-wrenches-94096.html

$8 and it has the weird one for my Subaru not even NAPA could fit.

David

t25torx wrote: I use this one for all my cars and it's never let me down. Lisle Filter Wrench I ended up with it when it was left in a customers car from a previous mechanic.

I have a large and a small version of that style. I used them almost exclusively when I was a tech. They are awesome! The spring tension really helps when you are setting it up on the filter.

I came her to suggest the one that t25 posted. Those things work!

Slippery wrote: I always used a Craftsman tool like this one on my Scion tc Wrench It fits on a 3/8 ratchet and works great.

used to have that one- but i lost it somewhere along the lines... that made me a sad panda..