When you perform an oil change on your vehicle, its advised to replace your oil filter as the same time. Although small, the filter will require a oil filter wrench in order to loosen the filter and tighten the replacement back on.
The best oil filter wrench is the Crafstman Auto-Adjustable, which is universal and will be compatible with filters from 2-1/2 to 4-3/4 inches and automatically tightens.
As not all filters are the same size, we highly recommend that you opt for a wrench with a wide ranging compatibility. Most automatically adjust from 2 to 5 inches but there are other oil filter removal tools available that are able to go much larger.
Table of Contents
Best Oil Filter Removal Tool
| Oil Filter Wrench | Type | Max Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Craftsman Auto-Adjustable | Wrench | 4 3/4 Inches |
| XtremepowerUS | Wrench | 4 Inches |
| Motivx Tools | Wrench | 2 1/2 Inches |
| TEKTON 5866 | Pliers | 4 1/2 Inches |
| Lisle 60200 | Straps | 6 1/2 Inches |
Oil filter wrenches are fairly universal and come in a range of types such as a spider claw/jaw, pliers, strap and more. Depending upon your preferences, you may opt for a certain type but the spider claw/jaw is the easiest to use.
Depending on the location of the filter, the majority of the time you will not have much space. Therefore, its important that your oil filter wrench is able to fit within tight spaces and you are able to turn it with ease. This is fairly straight forward with the standard wrench but pliers or straps may be fairly difficult to use.
If you regularly service your vehicle yourself, it is really worthwhile investing slightly more for a quality tool that is durable. Below is a list of the best oil filter wrenches that will easily remove a range of filters with ease.
Craftsman Oil Filter Wrench
The Craftsman Oil Filter Wrench is a durable tool that works with many different types of oil filters. It’s easy to use and automatically tightens when you apply torque so you won’t need to apply too much pressure to get the oil filter out. It’s also corrosion-resistant, so you can store it anywhere without having to worry about damage.
Here are some of the notable features of the Craftsman Oil Filter Wrench.
- Made from steel with a black oxide finish
- Compatible with filters of 2-1/2 to 4-3/4 inches
- Can be used with a 3/8 inch square drive ratchet or 3/4 inch wrench
- Automatically tightens
- Made is the US
The Craftsman Oil Filter Wrench is a quality device that does come with an inflated price tag. However, it is by far the best oil filter wrench you can buy that is durable, can be used in tight spaces and is easy to use.
Check it OutXtremepower US Oil Filter Wrench Remover
The Xtremepower Oil Filter Wrench Remover will help you get tricky oil filters out of your car with the torque that you need. It can remove oil filters of a range of different sizes and has a very strong grip with three jaws.
Here are some of the notable features of the Xtremepower Oil Filter Remover.
- 3 jaws for strong grip
- 2 way removal
- Removes filters from 2 1/2 to 4 inches
- Ranges from 63 to 102 mm
- 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch drive options
This is a universal oil filter wrench that can be turned either way for removal and is very powerful. Overall, the Xtremepower Oil Filter Wrench is a low cost option and a reliable oil filter remover.
Check it OutMotivx Tools Lexu/Toyota Oil Filter Wrench
This durable wrench by Motivx Tools is one of the best options if you have a Toyota or Lexus vehicle. It is a very sturdy wrench that is easy to use and fits perfectly with the oil filters used in these types of vehicles.
It’s made from 6061 T5 aluminum, which is high quality grade aluminum that can handle the pressure of large oil filters used on Toyota and Lexus cars. Here are some of the notable features of the Motivx Tools Toyota & Lexus oil filter wrench.
- 16 MM, 14 flute oil filter wrench
- Made from 6061 T5 aluminum
- Designed specifically for Toyota cartridge style filters
- Treated with a black anodized finish to prevent corrosion
- Laser engraved with the Motivx Tools logo
- Comes with a 1 year warranty.
Since the Toyota and Lexus oil filters come with their own unique challenges, it’s helpful to have a wrench that is specifically designed to remove these filters. The large size of this wrench fits these oil filters perfectly and the material won’t damage the filter. For peace of mind, Motivx Tools are a reputable brand where all products are made in the US and are very high quality, durable car tools.
Check it OutTekton Oil Filter Pliers
An alternative to the traditional wrench are pliers and the Tekton Oil Filter Pliers are strong and comfortable to use with an ergonomic grip. Since the handles are long, they reach into places that you might not be able to get to with a smaller tool.
These pliers adjust to filters in a range of sizes and have a very sturdy grip. A 16-inch version is also available for vehicle owners who use larger oil filters. Here are some of the notable features of the Tekton 12-inch Oil Filter Pliers.
- Fits any oil filter up to 4 1/2 inches
- Right-angle teeth provide strong grip
- Turns in both directions
- Long handles with soft, nonslip grip
- 3-position slip joint design for a tight fit
These pliers are very simple to use and will fit to whatever size of oil filter you are using. They ensure that you feel in control of your oil filter while you are removing it and great for those that have never removed an oil filter before.
Check it OutLisle Oil Filter Strap Wrench
If you have larger oil filters in your vehicle, the Lisle Heavy Duty Strap Filter Wrench is a good option for you. This oil filter removal tool uses a strap to give you more leverage for bigger objects, which can work far better than the alternatives.
The strap wraps around the entire object, and then you can use the wrench function to tighten and loosen the strap, therefore loosening the filter or whatever object you want to remove. This wrench does require some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it is a very handy tool to have.
Here are some of the notable features of the Lisle Heavy Duty Strap Filter Wrench.
- Heat treated alloy steel yoke
- Can remove objects up to 6 1/2 icnh
- 3 5/8 inches long yoke for tight areas
The Lisle Heavy Duty Strap Filter Wrench is one of the best options for larger oil filters. It’s also a handy tool to have around your home if you are interested in car maintenance in general, because it gives you some extra torque and leverage while you are working on the car.
Check it OutOil Filter Wrench Buying Guide
Every car owner should have an oil filter wrench in their garage so that they can change their filters on their own. However, not every wrench is created equal, so you need to find one that will work for your needs.
Oil filter sizes can differ widely from car to car, so it’s important that you get a wrench that is going to work for your specific vehicle. The overall quality of the wrench is also very important. Here’s what to look for when shopping for an oil filter wrench for your car.
Filter Sizes
The most important thing to look at when shopping for an oil filter wrench is the filter sizes it is compatible with. If you purchase an oil filter wrench that isn’t the right size, it’s going to be essentially unusable.
If you aren’t sure about the size of your oil filter, look in your car’s owner’s manual If you have multiple cars, you may want to look for a wrench that works with a range of different filter sizes to ensure that you can use the tool on both cars. You may even want to consider a universal oil filter wrench that can be adjusted to fit any filter.
Wrench Size and Shape
The size and shape of the wrench you use is a good indicator of how easy it will be to use. A larger wrench, especially one with long handles or grips, will give you more control when you are using the wrench.
A larger wrench also means you won’t have to dig as far into your car’s nuts and bolts, which is much more convenient and will help you avoid making a mess. If you want to get a good idea of how the wrench is going to work, search for videos of the product in action and see if the process looks manageable.
Material
Another thing that’s important to look at is the material of the wrench. The wrench should be made of a durable material that can stand up to some wear and use, and won’t bend or dent. Many wrenches are made using tough metal materials, such as steel or aluminum.
Corrosion Resistant
Another feature that is helpful to look for is whether the wrench has a corrosion resistant finish. Over time, metals can corrode or rust, particularly if they are stored in places where they could get wet.
If you’re keeping your wrench in your car or in your garage, you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not your wrench is going to rust. Look for an anodized finish or coating that will protect against this.
Grip
In order for the wrench to work effectively, there needs to be a strong grip on the filter. If the wrench slips or doesn’t provide enough tension, you won’t be able to remove the filter. The wrench should tighten to the appropriate size, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it will puncture the oil filter. You may need to test out the wrench in person to get an idea of how it is going to feel.
Tools Needed
You usually can’t use an oil filter wrench by itself – you will typically need a traditional wrench or another mechanical tool to remove the oil filter from the car. When purchasing a new oil filter wrench, find out what other tools are required in order for you to use it and ensure you have them in your tool kit. Some oil filter wrenches come with adapters, which makes them easier to use with different types of tools.
There are several different types of oil filter wrenches out there, and it may take some trial and error to find out which one is going to be most effective for your needs. Some wrenches are better for very large filters because of their torque and power, while others are more effective for small wrenches.
Conclusion
An oil filter wrench is an inexpensive tool, which is required to remove an oil filter. You may be able to remove your filter without on but you would require a serious amount of force and it will more than likely be very messy too. Therefore, it makes sense to purchase a quality wrench that will work with a wide variety of filter sizes. All of our recommendations are highly popular across the US and support a number of filters.
