by "functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
Published 10/18/2017 at 12:53
by "functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
Published 10/18/2017 at 12:53
No Tags
STARS: 0
I need a better strap wrench. I bought one of these several years ago and while it works, it’s a struggle every time.
The ribbed strap is too slippery on things like oil filters and fuel filters, which so far has been the only application of this thing. I’d also benefit from one with a slightly smaller handle, but then again the biggest need is to take off the fuel filter on my boat, which is notoriously difficult; a 12" handle is nice for the leverage.
The problem I have is, there are too many different designs to choose from - take a quick google or amazon search and see what I mean. I am willing to spend good money for good tools that will last, and work, for a long time.
Fabric ones I’ve used in the past were too slippery. Cheap rubber-strapped ones tend to break. Metal ones only work for a small range of sizes unless I buy a whole set. I have a few dedicated oil filter tools for those that accept them, but I have way too many different ones not to have one of these in my toolbox. AND the boat’s fuel filter doesn’t accept any sort of tool.
So what should I buy?
"Wacko" (wacko--)
10/18/2017 at 12:57, STARS: 2
i got the rubber one like the yellow ones you posted.
I put the small one in my kitchen for my wife to open jars, and the bigger one is in my tool chest.
once it breaks i will just buy another one like it. The rubber grips well to plastics and metals.
"TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H!" (theloudmusic)
10/18/2017 at 13:00, STARS: 1
I’m a fan of the kind that goes on a ratchet.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:01, STARS: 1
Like this?
"TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H!" (theloudmusic)
10/18/2017 at 13:02, STARS: 0
Yes. They’re excellent for getting in tight spaces, and mine has never slipped on me.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:05, STARS: 0
I like the closed loop aspect of that. I’ve never seen one of those before! Hmmm
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
10/18/2017 at 13:08, STARS: 1
I’ve got that pair of yellow “Performance Tool” ones, but haven’t gotten enough use out of them to do a proper review. FWIW, they’ve always done the trick, so long as I’ve cleaned the surface first so that they don’t slip on oil or anything. The rubber straps are nice and thick, and the cheap plastic handles have yet to fail on me.
But for filters, I prefer to use toothed jaw pliers like this:
They bite into the filters pretty well, but I only use them for removal. New oil filters go on hand-tight anyway, and a lot of fuel filters have a hex fitting to wrench against.
"MonkeePuzzle" (monkeypuzzle)
10/18/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 4
you had me as slippery ribbed straps
"MonkeePuzzle" (monkeypuzzle)
10/18/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 1
huh, who knew this was a thing. I shall acquire one.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:12, STARS: 1
I used those a lot at the marina when I worked there, and yeah - great for getting oil filters off. I apply the same technique to put them on - hand tight only.
The fuel filter in my boat is aluminum and while it’s not greasy, it’s a PITA to loosen. Every damn time. You have to use a strap wrench of some sort.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:13, STARS: 1
hahaha, I *almost* put in a little (ahem) right there.
“for your pleasure”
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:14, STARS: 0
Interesting. I’m afraid I’ll break a plastic one immediately on the fuel filter in the boat. But they’re not expensive, and I like the kitchen idea.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
10/18/2017 at 13:17, STARS: 1
i use this on oil filters
Works in tight spaces, and it adapts to all sizes.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
10/18/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 1
i had mine for 5-6 years, I used it to change a spa motor, and other fittings. Used it on many other things too. doesn’t scratch plastics or metals. I don’t use it on oil filters because of this
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
10/18/2017 at 13:23, STARS: 1
While probably overkill for soft things like filters, we used to have a couple of chain wrenches like this at the hydraulic shop. They come in all different sizes.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
10/18/2017 at 13:24, STARS: 0
The filters on my vehicles are accessible from the side of the canister, but yeah I’d probably have to get one of those if I had to deal with something like Subaru’s “ring of fire”.
"jonny11quest" (jonny11quest)
10/18/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 0
I bought some similar to the yellows also. Harbor freight so the following may not be surprising. Both sizes broke that day on the oil filter housing on the BMW. HF gave me my money back and I used a very large adjustable wrench that tore up the edges a little, but it worked.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 0
What BMW? I finally caved and bought a specific tool for taking the oil filter off my wife’s N52-powered X3, now that it’s over 200k haha
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
I like those, but would probably scratch/gouge the aluminum fuel filter housing I use these one...
"Denver Is Stuck In The 90s" (denver80222)
10/18/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 2
I have one of these and I love it
"jonny11quest" (jonny11quest)
10/18/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 0
N52-powered E90 328i. It’s been better since then, that was the first oil change after buying it. I don’t tighten as much as dealers and I change more often, so that’s helped. I might spring for the filter cap with the nut on top of it. Apparently some markets came with them from the factory, but they had to make it harder for US ppl to DIY.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:52, STARS: 0
That’s pretty interesting, but it wouldn’t work on my fuel filter because of the drain on the bottom. Might be worth picking one up anyway, for other uses...
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 13:55, STARS: 1
yep, same housing I’m sure. The tool was only like $10 and fits our Volvo, too, so it was an easy buy.
I can’t imagine why anyone would tighten that cap past the point where it just touches the metal housing. It’s already several revolutions of tight turning once that circular gasket makes contact. I bring it down so it’s *barely* touching the metal and it still is pretty hard to remove, meaning only that I can’t do it by hand only like a regular oil filter.
I didn’t know that some markets had the hex cap, wtf. My E46 has one, but I figured, new design saving 23.45 grams or whatever, or $.0023 more likely.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
10/18/2017 at 13:57, STARS: 2
i bought it cause my 2010 SX4 oil filter was infront of the engine between the engine and the fan/radiator, and right below the header
not my pic, but yeah the oil filter is that red motherfucker in this pic. so it had to be something with a ratchet.
"jonny11quest" (jonny11quest)
10/18/2017 at 14:06, STARS: 1
Yeah I really think it’s a “dealerships want money” kind of thing more than weight or production cost. US market convinces BMW to require special tool for oil changes. It’s crazy how much pull dealership groups have. That’s my guess anyway
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/18/2017 at 14:11, STARS: 1
I cant stand those damn adjustable filter wrenches. I just got the filter size that fits my car and fits on a 3/8 ratchet. That way I can use an extension and just make life easy. Id rather buy a whole set if I had more than one size to use. Well worth the cost to avoid the frustration.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 14:25, STARS: 1
You’re probably right, but seriously, anyone who is doing their own work on their new BMW can probably see past the “special tool” language except in unique cases where a true special tool is required...
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 14:27, STARS: 0
I’d be willing to buy a single tool just for the stupid fuel filter on the boat, but haven’t found glowing reviews of small filter wrenches like that (you can’t get it over the end of the filter housing, it’s got a drain there). And it’s a once-annual use, so I’d really like to have a tool I could use elsewhere... but then I have tools I use even less often like large crows-foot wrenches... so......
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/18/2017 at 14:41, STARS: 1
Hmm I didnt know fuel filters screwed in. I would think something you can ratchet down for tighteness would be ideal. Like having the strap bolt down and then being able to hook up an extension to it. Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-53100-Adjustable-Filter-Wrench/dp/B000GTJ7TA
Just in the right size and maybe a nicer one.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 0
YES, that looks promising. Thank you, this is why I came here! So many good ideas.
This is a very specific, proprietary filter/pump design. It’s in a boat with an EFI engine, where the high pressure pump is inside the canister with the filter, and the low pressure pump fills the canister by pulling from the tank - no pump in the tank so the only high pressure lines are at the engine and they are naturally quite short.
It also means it’s pretty easy to swap in an EFI engine like this into an older boat, which I did with my last boat. The only change was running a return line to the tank, for when the low pressure pump creates excess like at idle.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/18/2017 at 15:24, STARS: 1
I have the Crafsman ones. They suck.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/18/2017 at 20:44, STARS: 1
lol great! I mean, I won’t be ordering those, so that’s yet another helpful response, seriously.
I love this place!
"Denver Is Stuck In The 90s" (denver80222)
10/19/2017 at 01:34, STARS: 0
Oreilly sells them. No store stocks them, but their distribution centers do. So they can order them same day
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/19/2017 at 07:07, STARS: 1
No problem! I wish I could guide you too a better one, but all I know is the ones I have are hot garbage :)
It is pretty great here!
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
10/19/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 0
WTF, man. I’m a huge fan of the top-mounted cartridge filters, which right now 3/4 of our cars have them. My boat even has a remote-mounted oil filter!
That’s just... evil.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
10/19/2017 at 10:01, STARS: 0
that’s not the worse of it, I bought that 2010 new. Got the dealer to do the oil changes at first, then when I decided to do it my self, I had all the trouble in the world. It took me 2 oil filters to figure out they stripped the threads on the filter holder. I had to to find the correct size tap and die kit and and redo the threads.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/19/2017 at 10:01, STARS: 1
Ohhhhh, I should get a couple of those!