What is everyone's favorite tool to get their oil filter off? Mine seems to be stuck and won't budge. I am using a tool that fits on a socket wrench, but it is just digging into the filter.
I use a strap wrench. In the past I have been known to use an old discarded fan belt.
After most of the oil is drained, I just jab a screw driver through my filter, put a pan under it to catch the oil and then use the leverage of the driver to twist it off. I've got the strap wrench that works fine for putting a filter on but seems to fail when it comes to taking it off.
I agree strap wrench is a good choice.
I cut the bajesus our of my hand one time using the screwdriver jab method LoL.
I have a large pair of chanel locks that I use they work well.
I have used all the above and use whatever I can find when I find one stuck. :D
When I replace I don't put them back on tight enough to use a wrench for removal and never a problem with them leaking. Some think you have to torque it on, I snug it up good. Seat it, than snug it up hand tight. I have done my autos and bikes this way the past twenty some odd years.
I agree with Terry, a hard hand tight is plenty. Of course if you have one that is already stuck it's too late for that. A big pair of channel locks works best.
I would avoid sticking a screwdriver through it, as that weakens the filter and may make it more difficult to get off if it doesn't budge. I've had one stuck bad enough that I took it off in pieces after piercing it with a screwdriver. It took almost an hour and I sure was wishing I hadn't compromised the strength of the filter.
Curtis
What ever you use try to get a close to the end that screws on as you can, the other end is weak and crushes easy. I usually try tighting it first just to break the grip, then unscrew it . If you haven't tore the filter clean it with hot soapy water or any thing to get the oil off and then try using one of your wifes' latex kitchen gloves. you would be surprized how much grip you can get..
I could not find a small enough filter tool so I also use a large pair of channel locks.
Thanks for all the responses. I finally got it off by using a leather belt to grab at the base to pull and used the socket tool on the end. Once i got it a quarter turn, the rest was easy.