5 Types Of Oil Filter Wrenches, Advantages And Disadvantages

The oil filter is an important component in the lubrication system that requires regular replacement. The function of the engine oil filter is to filter the dirt carried along with the oil before the oil is channeled back to lubricate the engine components.

Therefore, we must replace this engine oil filter at a certain period. Generally, this engine oil filter is replaced every 6000 miles or six months. In addition, it's a good idea to change the oil filter simultaneously as changing the engine oil to maximize the cleanliness of the engine oil.

You can do it at a workshop you trust to replace this oil filter. Or, if you want to save on service costs, you can replace the oil filter by yourself. You can read the article on how to change the oil filter by yourself, posted previously.

However, if you want to change the oil filter yourself, you need an oil filter opening tool that is suitable and follows the oil filter installed in the car. The function of this oil filter wrench is to make it easier for you when opening the oil filter. Sometimes, an oil filter is very hard to open only by hands, so you need an oil filter wrench to make opening the oil filter easier.

In addition, the information on the oil filter wrench that we wrote in this article is only suitable for the SPIN-ON cartridge model. in the form of a can tube (sometimes the oil filter is black, blue, or white). For information about various oil filters, you can read about it in the article Types Of Oil Filters For Cars And How Do They Works.

So what are the types of oil filter wrenches to open this oil filter? This article will discuss five commonly used oil filter wrenches in the workshop. Here are five models of oil filter wrenches and their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Belt-type oil filter wrench

The first model of the oil filter opening tool is the belt-type oil filter wrench. This belt-type oil filter wrench uses a belt mounted around the end of an iron rod. At the end of this iron rod, there is usually a belt lock so that when the handle is pushed or pulled, the belt that surrounds the oil filter will grip the oil filter body more tightly.

To use this belt-type oil filter wrench, you just need to ensure the direction of opening the oil filter. Then, install the belt to surround the oil filter as a whole. Pull or push the metal handle counterclockwise until the car's oil filter loosens and opens.

Advantages of belt-type oil filter wrench

• It can be used for various sizes of oil filters
• Easy to install
• It can be used to open or tighten

Disadvantages of belt-type oil filter wrench

• The grip of this belt is not strong enough; sometimes, it slips when worn.
• Not suitable for oil filters whose position is hidden behind other engine's components

2. Chain type oil filter wrench

The second model of the oil filter removal tool is the chain-type oil filter wrench. The chain-type oil filter wrench is shaped like a small iron rod with curved and serrated ends. In addition, at the end near the curved part and has the hook, a chain is attached, which also has iron hooks at each end of the chain.

To use this chain-type oil filter wrench, you need to wrap the chain around the oil filter body. Then, the iron hook in the chain is attached to the curve at the end of the iron rod of this tool. Once engaged, push the metal handle counterclockwise until the oil filter loosens and opens.

Advantages of chain type oil filter wrench

• It can be used as a diesel fuel filter opening tool
• The grip of the chain-type oil filter wrench on the oil filter is very strong
• It can be used for various sizes of oil filters

Disadvantages of chain type oil filter wrench

• When installing it on the oil filter, care must be taken not to be misdirected to open or tighten.
• Generally, the oil filter wall will immediately scratch/defect/dent after use, so this tool is not suitable to tighten the oil filter.

3. Bowl type oil filter wrench

The third oil filter wrench model is the bowl-type oil filter wrench. It's called a bowl-type oil filter wrench because it looks like a bowl formed by a decagon at the edges. Usually, in the middle of this bowl-type oil filter wrench, there is a socket hole to install the handlebar or ratchet to help open the oil filter.

To use this bowl-type oil filter wrench, we only need to attach this tool to the oil filter in the car. Use a ratchet or handlebar and attach it to the center of the filter wrench. To open the oil filter, move the ratchet or handlebar counterclockwise until the oil filter loosens and can be opened.

The advantages of the bowl-type oil filter wrench

• The ability to grip the oil filter is stronger and more accurate
• It can be used on oil filters that are hidden in the engine

Disadvantages of bowl-type oil filter wrench

• The size is limited to only one oil filter, so care must be taken when choosing the bowl-type oil filter wrench size. You have to choose one that fits perfectly with the oil filter used in the car.
• Requires additional tools such as a large wrench, ratchet, or handlebar that fits the socket in the middle of this bowl-type oil filter wrench.

Also read:

• How Often to Change Oil Filter?
• Types Of Oil Filters For Cars And How Do They Works

4. Universal type oil filter wrench

The fourth model of the oil filter removal tool is the Universal type oil filter wrench. This universal type oil filter wrench is shaped like a triangle where at each corner there is a jaw for gripping the oil filter body. Three jaws will clamp the oil filter when the handlebar is rotated.

There are two models of this universal type oil filter wrench. Some can be used to open and tighten the oil filter, but some are only used to open it. So make sure when you buy a universal oil filter wrench used for both directions.

For a universal type oil filter wrench, you will need a ratchet or handlebar that matches the socket size on the universal oil filter wrench. Without a ratchet or handlebar, you will find it difficult to open the oil filter.

In use, install this universal oil filter wrench right at the end of the oil filter. Pay attention to the position of the jaw opening. Make sure the jaw is in the right place. Install a ratchet or handlebar in the socket of this universal oil filter wrench.

To open the oil filter, turn the handlebar counterclockwise. When turned, these universal oil filter wrench jaws will grip the oil filter body while opening the oil filter.

Advantages of universal type oil filter wrench

• It can be used for various sizes of oil filters
• It can be used for oil filters whose position is hidden in the engine.

Disadvantages of universal type oil filter wrench

• Requires additional tools in the form of a ratchet or handlebar that matches the size of the socket in this universal oil filter.
• The installation position of the universal filter lock must be correct because the jaw width of the universal oil filter lock is not too large, so slippage occurs when opening the oil filter.

5. Plier-type oil filter wrench

The fifth model of the oil filter opening tool is the plier-type oil filter wrench. This oil filter wrench is indeed shaped like pliers but with a rounded design tip with serrated edges to grip the oil filter. There is generally an elongated rubber on the handle that serves to prevent the hand from slipping during use.

In its use, we only need to clamp the oil filter using the round tip of the pliers, which functions as an oil filter clamp. Then firmly grasp the handle of the opening pliers and pull it counterclockwise to open the oil filter.

Yes, you should use this oil filter opening pliers by pulling it. Avoid opening the oil filter by pushing the opening pliers. Therefore, these oil filter opening pliers are more suitable for use in vehicles where the oil filter is in the open position.

Advantages of plier type oil filter wrench

• It can be used for various sizes of oil filters

Disadvantages of plier type oil filter wrench

• Requires plenty of room for movement, so it is unsuitable for cars with hidden oil filters or limited space.
• The gripping strength of the oil filter depends on the strength of the hands of the person using it, so there is a possibility of slipping when opening the oil filter.
• Not suitable for tightening because it often damages the oil filter body.