Oil Filter Strap Wrench
A wrench utilizing a flexible metal, fabric, or rubber strap to grip and loosen tight or awkwardly positioned oil filters.
An oil filter strap wrench is an adjustable removal tool consisting of a handle connected to a loop of flexible steel, heavy fabric webbing, or textured rubber. The loop is wrapped around the body of the oil filter, and the handle is turned. As force is applied, the strap tightens its grip around the filter body, allowing the mechanic to twist off stubborn, over-tightened, or oil-slicked filters.
Strap wrenches are highly versatile because they automatically adjust to fit filters of almost any diameter, from small passenger cars to large commercial diesel filters. They are also useful in tight engine bays where standard filter pliers or end-cap sockets cannot reach or fit over the filter nose. The strap distributes the crushing force around the filter body, reducing the chance of puncturing the thin metal canister.
Strap wrenches should only be used for removing oil filters, never for tightening them. New spin-on oil filters should be tightened by hand (typically 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket contacts the mounting base) to prevent damaging the seal or stripping the threads. Lubricating the new filter's rubber gasket with fresh oil prior to installation prevents it from sticking in the future.