Best Oil Filter Wrenches: Take on Oil Changes With Confidence

While there are some people who are lucky enough to never run into an oil filter they can’t break free with their hands, oil filter wrenches are still a necessary part of most DIYer's tool collections. Even those who plan to do the minimum amount of work to their own cars will need one or two hanging around the shop. The good news is that they are simple tools that are very easy to understand. Still, I made sure to do the appropriate research to ensure our list of recommendations and buying guide offer sound advice to readers. 

The Lisle Standard Oil Filter Swivel Wrench is going to get the job done. It’s built well and covers a range of filter sizes, making it the kind of tool you keep around for a very long time. However, the CTA Tools 86mm 16 Flute Oil Filter Cap Wrench is a fantastic choice for tight spaces and for folks who prefer a precise fit. 

What to Consider When Buying Oil Filter Wrenches

Oil filters aren't all that complicated. Any of the key points I'm about to cover are all things you've probably already inferred simply by looking at the suggestions above. It never hurts to get as much information as possible about a tool that deals with one of the most vital systems in your car, though. The buying guide below will help you figure out what you need to look for in your next oil filter wrench. 

Band-style oil filter wrenches are the most common and are generally the most practical choice for vehicle owners. This type of wrench features a metal band that slips over the body of the filter. A pivoting handle places tension on the band, reducing the size of the opening until it grips the filter, allowing you to break it free. What makes this type of oil filter wrench great for most people is the affordability and coverage of a wide range of oil filter sizes. Multipurpose strap wrenches, typically used in plumbing, are a great alternative that work in a similar manner. 

Oil filter end cap wrenches are more like a socket than a wrench. They even fit onto a ratchet or other square-drive tool like a socket. The end cap slips over the filter with flutes to match the flats on the end. That positive fit makes a big difference because they are less likely to slip and don't take up much room to work as band-type filter wrenches will. The immediately evident drawback is that you can't use this type of filter on multiple vehicles unless they use similar filters. It's also important to make sure the wrench is a perfect match to the filter. A slight mismatch in sizing can lead to the wrench sliding over the flats rather than engaging, creating problems you may not be equipped to deal with. 

Pliers also fail to qualify as wrenches, but that's never stopped us from using them interchangeably in any other setting anyway. A set of oil filter pliers bite down on the case while you twist the filter free. They're simple, effective, and ideal for applications with plenty of room to work in, such as trucks or classic cars. Considering most modern cars don't have a ton of room to offer around the filter, owners are probably better skipping right past these entirely unless they enjoy a challenge. 

Depending on where you go and who you buy it from, band-type oil filter wrenches and oil filter sockets typically run for around $5-$15. Wrench sets and pliers can take your expenses up to around $50, but they rarely go higher than that. Even a specialty tool for removing stuck filters, like Bogert Aviation's Talon, sells for around $50. 

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