Oil filter wrench

[billwill]

[quote="hatman"A screwdriver jammed straight through the middle of it.

That works but its a bit messy.
I have one with a chain, simlar to this one and its the best type I have ever used.[/quote]


I've got one like that but with a fabric strap instead of a chain.

[Witofthestaircase]

For anyone who stumbles on this the answer is Oil Filter wrench 74/76mm 15 flutes Easy!

[S2Jay]

Not sure if this type has been described, so I'll add it. I have been quite pleased with the operation of this, and it is far easier to pic it than to describe. It adjusts to a variety of sizes within a range, there are smaller units for the very small diameter filters. You can stick in the square end of a socket drive with any amount of extension, it works from the center of the filter rather than the side, digs in without regard to oil & dirt, and can be used to remove or tighten if need be.

Jay

[robertverhey]

I've been known to resort to a hammer and chisel on the lip of filter. But then I like living dangerously. Doing it up hand-tight only will save you the grief next time

[mikealdren]

If you don't mind a brutal approach, I used to push a screwdriver through the filter body, it's very easy to use the leverage turn turn them that way!
Mike

[gjz30075]

I'll second Jay's type. I should add that mine (I'm sure Jay's too) has a cam action built in so when turning counter clockwise, the jaws tighten up on the filter. By far the easiest to use out of all mentioned.

Greg Z

[Galwaylotus]

If you don't mind a brutal approach, I used to push a screwdriver through the filter body, it's very easy to use the leverage turn turn them that way!
Mike

It seems on most of the cars on which I change the oil, no matter how clean I am with the initial unscrewing, the filter is tipped to one side and oil spills all over as it's coming off so perhaps the screwdriver method is as good as any!

[PBrown60]

The best filter wrench I ever had looked like a big spring that grabbed the whole filter can, it had a hex fitting on the top for a wrench or socket. It finally broke and I have been unable to find another one. Brookstone used to sell one but they no longer carry it.

Paul