Sculptor Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 Hi folks, I have a quick easy question about a specific tool. I have seen strap wrenches that are made for a ratchet wrench extension, and I have seen the type that are like an auto-size filter wrench with metal strap and handle that swings, for best leverage. I already own a vise grip chain wrench. The ratchet style, seem like they would be the best for a variety of sizes and locations because I think it would be hard to find the the swing room even under an HDT for a longer handle. Since I already own a chain type, I want to know is it easy to tear up a WABCO or other filter with it? Would it be better to just buy the strap that is designed for it? Ok, flame on..... Strap and handle type - https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-21315-Strap-Wrench/dp/B00TU3UNW8/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1509388439&sr=8-10&keywords=strap+wrench+oil+filter Ratchet type - https://www.amazon.com/ATD-Tools-5375-Filter-Wrench/dp/B000OV31FQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509388439&sr=8-2&keywords=strap+wrench+oil+filter Chain type I own - https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-VISE-GRIP-Original-Locking-Chain/dp/B00004SBCB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509390030&sr=8-1&keywords=chain+vise+grip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSeas Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 I have the second one you have listed (ratchet type) and it has worked everytime I've needed to remove a filter including my large air dryer filter cartridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 I have all of those, plus several more. They all have their place. The second one is very handy around trucks and automobiles.You will find many uses for them, besides filters. In a pinch, an old v-belt or serpentine belt, along with a good pair of vise-grips, makes a dandy filter wrench. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuke-E Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 I personally use a rubber strap wrench (like this) for most filter changes. I've had the metal and chain types, but have found the rubber generally does a better job of grabbing and twisting the filter without crushing it. There are definitely times where the handle can be a challenge (on the car more than the truck), so I've contemplated modifying one of the socket drive strap wrenches with a rubber strap eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 GeorgiaHybrid will tell you only wrench that got my air dryer cartridge off was a chain strap wrench with a long handle. I tried rubber strap like David and ratchet without success. These cartridges are supposed to be hand tightened and then slightly more. So I would have the ratchet and chain for assurances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 https://www.mcmaster.com/#strap-wrenches/=1a1ir6q your call Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 OK, other than the mess- why would you care if you tear up an old filter? You shouldn't be using it to put the new one on, anyway. I had a fuel filter plug on the road, and finally drove a screwdriver thru it to get it off when NOTHING else would. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted October 30, 2017 Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 51 minutes ago, ARGO said: OK, other than the mess- why would you care if you tear up an old filter? You shouldn't be using it to put the new one on, anyway. I had a fuel filter plug on the road, and finally drove a screwdriver thru it to get it off when NOTHING else would. "Cuz it's usually less trouble to use the right wrench than to clean up the mess. And as I wrote earlier, there are many other uses for the wrenches besides filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sculptor Posted October 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2017 1 hour ago, ARGO said: OK, other than the mess- why would you care if you tear up an old filter? You shouldn't be using it to put the new one on, anyway. I had a fuel filter plug on the road, and finally drove a screwdriver thru it to get it off when NOTHING else would. It's exactly that, the mess. I know the canister can only take so much, and then I'll be looking for that screwdriver. I wondered how you other members approach this. If the filter is really stuck, then the chain will crush it maybe. To your point, then it's just more mess but nothing lost. Thanks very much for all your replies, and the link, NukeE and NoDirectionHome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-2321W-Heavy-Duty-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0015DOKAW/ref=pd_day0_263_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WCYJJMNFM4MCQYXHSS25 I glued hard rubber mat to the inside so it grips better and I have used an 18" cheater bar on the 1/2 drive ratchet. Filter moved without crushing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 9 minutes ago, Alie&Jim's Carrilite said: https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-2321W-Heavy-Duty-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0015DOKAW/ref=pd_day0_263_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WCYJJMNFM4MCQYXHSS25 I glued hard rubber mat to the inside so it grips better and I have used an 18" cheater bar on the 1/2 drive ratchet. Filter moved without crushing it. Jim, That’s the one I bought. Like the addition of the rubber. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I primarily use the strap and handle. I wore the strap out and replaced it. It likes to slide sometime so I fold a pcs of sand paper in half. If the filter won't come off with the strap wrench then I switch over to a chain wrench. I'll use ratchet strap when I don't want to damage the filter but the one I have is not very big. Also have a pair of oil filter pliers. Least favorite is my rubber strap wrenches....the rubber stretches. A Marlin Spike is used on the really tough filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chief916 Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I use nothing but the oil filter pliers on my rig and on the rigs back at the shop. Every once in a while you will get a filter that's overtightened....then you do whatever it takes to get it off...usually a chain strap then. The key is hand tighten only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I try using a heavy strap wrench first and if that doesn't work, the chain wrenches come out to play. The one we had to use on Carl's truck was this one and we still had to put a cheater handle on it to break that filter loose. https://www.otctools.com/products/ratcheting-chain-wrench-24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 Two changes ago, Speedco couldn't get one of my oil filters off with all their implements, so the spike came out. Of course they are set up to catch the mess. But I thought it was interesting to hear the boss tell all the guys, "This is why we don't over tighten these when installing them". Of course it was his shop that did the prior oil change!!!! ( I let him know that) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shorts Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I like to try the strap wrench first, if that doesn't work large channel locks or a chain wrench at the top of the filter next to the mounting base to minimize tearing the can open. Also always break the filters loose before draining the oil, if they don't budge start the engine and break them loose, the oil pressure will help by pushing on the oring and threads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sculptor Posted October 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 8 hours ago, HERO Maker said: Of course it was his shop that did the prior oil change!!!! ( I let him know that) I laughed at this one. 😀 I'm glad you told him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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