Remove a stuck oil filter using these tips

Learn how the right tools can help you remove a stuck oil filter

The biggest mistake DIYers make when doing their oil changes is over-tightening the oil filter. It really doesn’t have to be cranked on by the Incredible Hulk. But that’s water under the bridge. You’re there now and you’ve got a stuck oil filter. Here’s the best way to remove a stuck oil filter and few tips on what NOT to do.

Rule #1: Don’t listen anybody from the Internet that recommends shoving a screwdriver through the oil filter

You have to trust me on this one. It’s the worst possible method to use. Here’s why. The can on a spin-on oil filter is thin and it tears easily. The instant you ram a screwdriver into it, it starts to tear. As you rotate the screwdriver, the round shank on the screwdriver just tears the can open even more. When you’re done, you’ll still have a stuck oil filter and no way to remove the remaining portion. Please don’t do this. If you want to see the train wrecks of people who ignored this advice, read this post.

There are four basic types of oil filter wrenches for spin-on filters

Oil filter pliers wrench —  pros and cons

I don’t recommend this filter pliers. More often than not it dents the can on a spin on filter and sometimes even punctures it. The pliers makes it easy to over-tighten the filter. And, when used to remove a stuck filter, it usually just tears it open, turning the job into a nightmare.

PRO:

Many shops use an adjustable oil filter plier wrench. A single plier wrench can handle many different filter sizes. As long as the filter wasn’t overtightened by the previous installer, this wrench works well and saves time.

However, it’s a great jar opener for use in the kitchen.

CON:

If the filter is stuck and you use this wrench, you will crush the filter and turn the job into a disaster. Once you damage the can, the entire job changes. 

In many cases you have to peel the can off the base plate and then use a hammer and chisel to loosen the base plate. If you use pliers and you feel the can starting to crush, STOP and use a different tool.

CON: The long handle often prevents you from gaining full lateral leverage. In tight spaces, you’re actually twisting the tool rather than using the leverage of the long handles.

Oil filter cup wrench

PROS:

A cup wrench fits onto the flutes at the bottom of the oil filter and applies torque equally across the entire end of the filter. You insert a 3/8″ square drive ratchet into the cup wrench and turn from the bottom. If there’s not enough room for ratchet leverage, simply connect a 3/8″ drive extension to move the ratchet farther away from the cup.

CONS:

There are no industry standards on the number of flutes or the size of the flutes. So two different brands of filters for the same engine can have a different size can and a different number of flutes. So you’ll need an assortment of cup sizes and flute counts.

Oil filter ratchet wrench

This is my favorite oil filter wrench. It grabs the base of the filter just like a cup wrench, but without having to search for the exact cup size and flute spec. It doesn’t damage the can and removes the most stubborn filter.

PROS:

The Lisle oil filter ratchet wrench grabs the filter and rotates it without damaging the can, even if the filter was overtightened.

This is my go-to wrench. Two sizes fit almost every filter you’ll encounter. Insert a 3/8″ ratchet or extension bar into the wrench and slide it onto the bottom of the filter. It provides all the advantages of a cup wrench without needing a stable of cup wrenches.

Cons: None

Oil filter band wrench

PROS:

Great for filters in open spaces and which weren’t overtightened. Although, Lisle Tools offers band wrenches with permanent welding splatter on the band to provide extra gripping power to prevent slip. Purchase one with a swivel handle if you’re working in tight spaces.

Cons:

You’ll need several sizes and even with a swivel handle, sometimes you just can get enough leverage to loosen a stuck filter.

Oil filter wrenches for cartridge filters

Most carmakers have moved away from spin-on filters and now use a cartridge filter that’s held in place by a cap. In every case, you MUST use the proper tool to remove the cap or you will damage the cap.

I’m not saying you have to buy the factory tool; you can buy an aftermarket tool for your engine. But don’t try and remove a cap with pliers or a band wrench.

Spin-on oil filter change tips

1) Always check the oil filter mounting

surface to make sure the old gasket came off.

2) If the filter mounts with the base plate facing up, pre-fill the oil filter with oil to reduce an extended oil light on startup.

3) Lubricate the oil filter gasket with oil.

Fresh oil is best. Used oil is better than no oil.

Wet a finger and smear the oil over the face of the gasket, pressing down to ensure it’s seated in the O-ring groove.

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat