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roderick_young
Lv 7
roderick_young asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 2 months ago

How to get wrench off oil filter?

I got this adapter cap that helps to unscrew the oil filter when changing oil.  Problem is, it siezes onto the filter, and is really difficult to remove, especially when the whole assembly is covered with oil.  There's no problem getting the socket out of the square hole, it's the cap that's a real SOB to remove.  Any tips?

Update:

Thanks, everyone.  Next time, I'll try rocking and removing the cap while the filter is still on the car.  I tried putting the wrench back in the hole after the filter was removed, but at that point, my gloved hand was covered with oil, and so was the filter, so it was impossible to get any kind of good grip on it.

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7 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 5
    2 months ago
    Favourite answer

    Those are my favorite type of filter wrenches (& I have had several vehicles & currently own three vehicles & several of that type of filter wrench).  The thing to do with those is use them to break the initial torque of the filter.  Then unwind the filter about half way with the filter cap/wrench.  At this point, put an extension on the cap/wrench & use it to apply a side to side motion; that will free the cap/wrench from the filter.  Then unscrew the filter the wrest of the way by hand, using a rag to keep from burning your hand & getting oil all over your hand.  Install the new filter using the cap/wrench, & after the filter is torqued, put an extension on the cap/wrench & apply side to side motion & it will come right off.

  • Rita
    Lv 6
    2 months ago

    Then now we've got this total combination here we can get into bill to loosen one of these wrench

    Source(s): https://e-cigarettedubai.com/
  • The Master
    Lv 4
    2 months ago

    submerge the oil filter in hot water over night and then try again. 

  • Anonymous
    2 months ago

    Put the filter in a vice and turn the "socket" in the tightening direction until it pops loose.  You could have done it while the filter was still on the engine. 

    It seems that your "socket" is improper.  (Too loose)

    I use the thick aluminum sockets.  They seem to fit better.  Or I use an oil filter (wrap style) wrench.

  • KY-Clay
    Lv 7
    2 months ago

    Just stick the socket extension back in the square hole on the filter and rock it back and forth until the oil filter cap comes off. It is stuck because the cap does not fit they filter. Get one that actually fits. 

  • Anonymous
    2 months ago

    The best versions have fingers which really grip well but release without problems.

    See link for UK example.https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/sykes-pickava...

  • ?
    Lv 6
    2 months ago

    I like those too when the filter can't be accessed by a filter plier or strap wrench. Don't tap it on like some people do because it does make it hard to remove. And you could try putting oil or grease inside to aid removal. If it's still stuck, drive a big screwdriver thru the filter under the tool and lever or twist it to pop it off

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