best oil filter wrench for wrx?

[peter]

What is the best oil filter wrench for wrx?

The common metal band wrench doesn't work very well because the oil filter
is surrounded by other stuff. What looks like may work well are something
that graps the filter and allow a socket wrench to be attached below the
filter where there is more room to turn.

Do the cap wrench work? The concept looks good, but the cap is made of
plastic and looks like the area that makes contact with socket wrench would
round off under stress. Actually, I haven't found a cap that is the right
size, but I haven't been looking very hard either.

I also saw a strap type wrench. Looks like it may also work. Any experience
with it? Here are some photos
(multiple links in case some go dead):
http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT213_pg9.htm
http://store.yahoo.com/gofast/tirsercenfil3.html
http://store.yahoo.com/bradystools/oilfiwrsttyu.html

Then there are the claw type wrenches. I'm concern these wrenches may
puncture the filter or tear it apart. If the filter is damaged but not
removable with this tool, the damaged filter would be even harder to remove.
http://doityourself.com/store/6179493.htm
http://store4.yimg.com/I/eagleday_1802_5904933
http://store.yahoo.com/cvfsupplyco-store/oilfilwren3j.html

What do professional wrx mechanics use?

 

[y_p_w]

What is the best oil filter wrench for wrx?

The common metal band wrench doesn't work very well because the oil filter
is surrounded by other stuff. What looks like may work well are something
that graps the filter and allow a socket wrench to be attached below the
filter where there is more room to turn.

Do the cap wrench work? The concept looks good, but the cap is made of
plastic and looks like the area that makes contact with socket wrench would
round off under stress. Actually, I haven't found a cap that is the right
size, but I haven't been looking very hard either.

I looked a long, long time. It's 68mm with 14 flutes. All I could
find was 65mm or 67mm. I've got cap wrenches for pretty much every
filter I've used on a regular basis, but the turbo filter is just an
absolutely oddball size.

I ended up getting a Lisle "Small Swivel Grip" band wrench designed
for 60-66mm filters. It's not ideal, but at least I'm able to get
the filter off. It has a band that's about half the height of their
regular band wrenches. It is tight in there, and I did put a scratch
on the oil pan.

<http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=947>

 

[Ragnar]

Do the cap wrench work? The concept looks good, but the cap is made of
plastic and looks like the area that makes contact with socket wrench would
round off under stress.

I've never had a problem with a cap wrench rounding off. A properly
installed oil filter should only be "hand-tight plus a half-turn" anyway.

 

[Henry Paul]

I picked up a wrench with rubber strap at Checker for about $8 I think it
was. Looks like a regular oil filter wrench, except it has an adjustable
rubber strap that I have yet to find an application where I can not use it.

 

[Ken Gilbert]

why do you need one?

the only time i had trouble getting mine off was when the gorillas at
the dealership changed my oil.. the first and last time they ever did
(complimentary 1k mile change). that time i just hammered a big
screwdriver through the filter and torqued it off that way. a bit
messy, but a small hole in the bottom center avoided most of the mess
by letting it drain first.

now, since i've done my own ever since, i never have that issue. a
good grip with both hands is all i've ever needed.

i think it's a waste of money if you're just working on your own cars.

jm2c
ken

 

[Danny Russell]

What is the best oil filter wrench for wrx?

SNIP

I gotta agree with Ken. There is a hand-tightness which is achievable with a little practice that
allows the rubber gasket to "weld" itself just tight enough to prevent leaks, but not so tight as to
require the use of a wrench to remove. -Danny