Hi Guys....... especially the do-it-yourselfers regarding the Oil filter is there a " BEST " wrench or tool to get the filter out? I've seen nylon strap types, large socket types, three finger grabbing types. any suggestions thank you in advance. Greg G
This is for a 2004 f 150 4.6 V8

 

The "Best" oil filter wrench is one that does the job. I have been changing my oil and doing light maintenance on my vehicles for the past 25 years. Over thise years I have aquired many specialty tools for doing the simpleist of tasks - some good and some junk. Here are a few oil filter removers:

Strap wrench - fits all oil filters the only drawback is accessability on certain models. Very versiltile - Sears has and excellent one.
Band Oil Filter remover - very simular to strap wrench, only not quite as expensive. It has a fixed size to work with a specific size of oil filters - usuall has a hinged handel to make it more versitile for tight fits. Also very versitile and inexpensive - This is what I am using on most of my vehicles.
Oil Filter cup - fits snugly on the end of filter, usually with a 3/8 socket fitting. It works very well for the specific size filter if you have unobstructed end acess to the filter. I have one of these for my wife's Volvo - useally fairly inexpensive. I have two oil filter cups on the the wall in my shop for past cars.
Spring cup - very simular to the cup filter but it is more versitile as it will fit more filters - you still must have end access to filter. Work good till the spring wears a little bit.
Oil Filter Pliers - Great idea but... The process here is basically a large wrench with rubber teeth to grip the oil filter to take it off. Usually built very cheep.

 

I'd vote for the "cup" style for a newer (1997-2003) F-150's due to the filter location. The very early 97's had a remote filter that was pretty easy to get to. (My '97 had one.) Once the bean counters axed that idea, the filter went back on the block and became somewhat of a pain to get to. (Like my '99 and '02.) I find the cup type to be the easiest to get into that tight spot.

 

I think I still have a strap filter wrench, but I haven't used it since the first oil change on my '01 Supercrew, in which case the filter had been installed by the gorilla at the factory. Since then, I can always unscrew the filter by hand. Of course, I don't use a wrench to install the filter, either. I just put it on as tight as I can get it by hand. Never had a problem with leaking, either.

SM

 

end cap wrench is my choice. they are about $3-$5 and last forever.

i especially like the one for the fl820s filters. it will never ever slip and it is very easy to get a 3/8 socket wrench up to the filter on the 4x4's

you will also want to get a fumoto drain valve if you are going to continue to do your own oil changes. i have one on all of my vehicls and they work great.

 

I also have the "cup" style wrench. Works good, doesnt slip, easy to use, simple...

Was less than $5 at autozone.

Then again, Im not sure where your filter is on the '04, so it may be harder to get to than on my '97 (right behind the driver side fog light )

 

I use my hand, it shouldn't be so tight you can't take it off.

 

I believe you're supposed to tighten them 1/4 turn past hand-tight...

In any case, when I bought my truck, it came with a mopar filter on it (I dont know why...) and the motorcraft filter cap I had would not work and it was WAY to tight to take off by hand...of course I did not notice this filter until after I had already drained the oil (d'oh!).

Not to mention, it may be hard to get a good angle on the filter to make it tight enough with just your hands, depending on what truck you have.

 

Me too. I use the Fram oil filters with the grip on the end, it makes it easy to take off.

 

I tighten the filter by hand and also remove it by hand. I have never had a problem with it leaking.

 

The grip is nice, but fram makes a bad filter, just a friendly suggestion to switch to something, almost anything else.. Your engine will like it more, and your less likely to get filter bursts and engine failures.

 

I've heard this arguement alot about Fram, but I've never had any problems with them. I've used them on all my cars with no problem.

 

yeah, i mean for the most part if you change it every 3000 miles its probably ok. But it has a very poor cardboard anti drain back vavle, which is hardly a step up from having no drain back valve at all. I've also heard of 2 accounts where the filter element has burst and required an entire engine overhaul. They used to be fine, but now they ride on their name. Go cut one in half and check it out, it looks and feels like felt paper inside. It even has fuzz and stuff that i can easily tear off. For an extra buck you can get a motorcraft filter, which has a harder and more filter element, and has a good anti drain back valve.

The fram extreme or whatever its called is supposed to be not to bad.