I have a craftsman oil filter wrench that works easily every time on even smooth oil filters (Mobil 1 ) The part # is Craftsman 47064 It has three fingers that tighten around the filter bottom and grips filmly. It can be used with a standard wrench or socket and extension. My filter is the hardest to get to filter of all trucks There is a pic of it in the craftsman on line tool catalog listed under oil filter wrenches --price $12.99

 

I got a 93? mm cup for my 3/8 drive and it does the job. Some oil filters have more rounded ends where it doesn't fit, ie. Quaker State and it has to be forced (beaten) on and off. It's the one I use, from Canadian Tire, cheap too like under 10 dollars.

 

Does the K&N oil filter not have a nut prebuilt into the bottom of the filter? I believe its a 1 inch nut.

 

i always remove mine by hand...

 

I can too, as long as it's only tightened 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
If it's too tight and the wrench slips, I take a piece of fine sand paper folded in half so the grit is on both sides, wrap that around the filter then put the wrench to it. Works every time.

 

I just bought one myself last saturday, while wife was shirt shopping. Not a bad tool to have when that moment comes when for some reason the filter wants to be a bit of a bear to get off...But im sure that only happens to me.... Or if you have a buddy or family member that is having trouble with there filter... It may earn you a free six pack or a good meal when you come to the rescue..... It also wont stick on the filter like the CUP ones and drop in the oil bucket. And the fact you can hang a cool looking craftsman tool on the peg board for under 15 bucks is ok also.

 

i have one that has tow fingers with dull prongs that are vise grips it will get the most stuborn of filters off got it real cheap at harbor frieght, it works great and it was under $10

 

The wrench I use for really tough filters sounds similar to that Craftsman one you are describing.

I mainly only use it for getting the factory filter off of a car. The last time I used it, which was getting the factory filter off my F-150, the filter was on so tight that the fingers of the wrench literally crushed the end of the filter as I was taking if off! Here is what it looks like:




For removing other filters (ones that have been appropriately torqued and have had a thin coating of oil applied to the gasket before installation) I use a simple cap-type filter, which tends to be a little bit easier to use in most situations. I have about a half-dozen different versions of this wrench for the various sized and knurled filters that are out there one the market -- here is the one I use for the FL-820S and FL-1A filters that are on my Fords:

 

That's the one I have, the bottom pic. Works great. Say, anybody remember the first time they removed the factory filter? I removed one on a buddy's 2002 2wd and it was on there good. Even with the cup you could only move so far and leverage was an issue. What a pain.

 

I put a smear of silicone on the base gasket. the filters always comee off by hand

 

I have one of those, it was about the price of anoil filter at Advance Auto. It works well for 820-S type filters but it was USELESS on the Mobil 1 filter I bought once when they were out of 802 filters. I was finally able to remove the filter by hand after several attempts and a few strained muscles and tendons. For whatever reason I had cranked that SOB on!

Not of much use on out trucks but I've seen a screwdriver stabbed into/through a fitler to use as a handle to get a stubborn one off. The first time I saw that done was on a Case International tractor that IIRC had paint around the seal (new/original equipment).

 

I was wondering where the "common sense" approach was as I scrolled through all these posts. I for one am not buying/storing/trying to keep track of a special tool just for this one purpose. Even if I had one, this issue comes up so little that by the time I needed it again I would've lost it or loaned it out and never got it back and then be ticked off that I needed it and didn't have it.

Nope, a big screwdriver does it for me on the rare occasion it is needed. That, a BIG pair of Channel-Lock pliers or a pipe wrench all work. You only need 1/2 turn or so until you can get it off with your hand...

Most things I definitely think that the right tool for the job is better, quicker, easier, and has less of a chance of collateral damage...but here? You're just going to toss the filter anyway.... (I don't use a K&N or anything like that, if I did I might change my tune.)

 

I use a good ole rubber strap wrench.

Adrianspeeder

 

If you had a dodge stratus in your household, youd have one of these tools...I can assure you no screwdriver or large pair of chan .locks will get to that filter! Ive tried. I started with the cheaper filter cup. But it forever kept sticking on the filter and Id make a mess Knocking it off the used filter.. This new sears one does not give me that trouble..

As far as a tool I only use once in a while? Hey My tools and my garage replaced Bars and beer in 1998. A New tool on my peg board 15 bucks... 30pack of beer 20 dollars and then to the bar after the 30 pack 50 dollars, then fight with the wife at 2 am???? That is why I get off on tools these days,,,, its cheaper and you have something to show for and to auction off when you die.

 

Here is what I use. has never failed in over 25 yrs of service.

JMC