If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your oil filter wrench until you need it. And when you do need it, you may be wondering “What size oil filter wrench do I need?”
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right size oil filter wrench for your needs.
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Introduction
When it comes to auto maintenance, one of the most important things you can do is regularly change your oil filter. A good oil filter will remove impurities from your engine oil, keeping it clean and protecting your engine from wear and tear.
However, changing your oil filter can be a bit of a challenge if you don’t have the right tools. One essential tool you’ll need is an oil filter wrench.
An oil filter wrench is a tool that helps you remove and install your oil filter. It’s essentially a socket that fits over the end of the filter, making it easier to remove and install.
There are a few different types of oil filter wrenches on the market, so how do you know which one to choose? In this article, we’ll help you select the right size oil filter wrench for your needs.
Basic Types of Oil Filter Wrenches
There are 3 basic types of oil filter wrenches- the strap wrench, the socket wrench, and the plier-type wrench. The strap wrench is the most common and is basically a big rubber band that goes around the filter. The socket wrench is similar to what you would use to change a tire. It is a metal socket that fits over the filter. The plier-type wrench is like a big pair of pliers that you use to grip the filter.
Strap Wrenches
Strap wrenches look like a thick, wide strap of cloth or webbing with a handle on one end. The other end of the strap is adjustable, so you can secure it tightly around the oil filter. Once it’s in place, you simply turn the handle to loosen or tighten the filter. Strap wrenches are available in different sizes to accommodate different filters, but they can be tricky to use if you don’t have a lot of leverage.
Cup-Type Wrenches
Cup-type oil filter wrenches are the most popular and most often used type of wrench. They are available in two main varieties—metal and plastic. The metal varieties are generally more durable, but the plastic ones tend to be less expensive.
Cup-type wrenches work by fitting over the top of the oil filter and gripping it with a series of teeth or protrusions. The number of teeth or protrusions varies from one wrench to another, but they all work in essentially the same way.
One thing to keep in mind when using a cup-type wrench is that you need to be careful not to damage the oil filter housing. This housing is made of relatively soft metal, so it can be easily damaged if you apply too much force with the wrench.
Jaw-Type Wrenches
Jaw-type wrenches are the simplest type of filter wrench. They’re also the lightest and easiest to carry around. That said, they do have their limitations. One is that they can only be used on oil filters that are up to about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Another is that they can only be used on oil filters that have a smooth surface; if the surface of the filter is textured, the jaws of the wrench won’t be able to grip it properly.
Still, jaw-type wrenches are a good choice for anyone who doesn’t change their oil very often and who doesn’t have to deal with particularly large or textured filters. And because they’re so light and compact, they’re also a good choice for anyone who does a lot of traveling and might have to change their oil on the road.
There are two basic types of jaw-type wrenches: ratcheting and non-ratcheting. Ratcheting wrenches are more expensive, but they’re also more convenient because you don’t have to remove them from the filter in order to reset them; you can just keep turning the handle until the filter comes off. Non-ratcheting wrenches, on the other hand, need to be removed and reset after each turn; otherwise, they’ll just slip off of the filter.
Determining the Size of the Oil Filter Wrench You Need
An oil filter wrench is a tool used to remove and install oil filters. The size of the wrench you need depends on the size of the oil filter. There are three main types of oil filter wrenches: strap wrenches, chain wrenches, and socket wrenches. In this article, we’ll discuss how to determine the size of oil filter wrench you need.
Check the Owner’s Manual
Looking up the size of the oil filter wrench you need in the owner’s manual is the easiest way to determine what size you need. The manual will contain all the specifications for your car, including the size of the oil filter wrench. This information can be found in the section on regular maintenance.
If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can usually find this information online on the manufacturer’s website. Once you have located the information, write down the size or take a picture of it with your phone so you have it with you when you go to purchase a wrench.
Measure the Diameter of the Oil Filter
Before you buy an oil filter wrench, you need to know the size of the filter. The most accurate way to determine this is to measure the outside diameter of the filter can with a caliper. Write down this measurement in either inches or millimeters. If you don’t have a caliper, take the filter to a hardware store and have them measure it for you. You can also find the diameter printed on the side of most oil filters.
Use an Online Oil Filter Wrench Size Chart
If you don’t have a copy of the owner’s manual handy, there are other ways to determine what size oil filter wrench you need. One option is to use an online oil filter wrench size chart. Several companies offer these charts on their websites, and they can be a helpful way to narrow down your choices.
To use an online chart, you’ll need to know the make and model of your car. Once you have that information, you can plug it into the chart and find out what size oil filter wrench you need. Keep in mind that there may be more than one size listed for your car, so you’ll want to choose the one that corresponds to the type of oil filter you’re using.
Another option is to use an online search engine to find out what size oil filter wrench you need. Simply type in your make and model followed by the words “oil filter wrench size.” This should give you a good idea of what size wrench you need.
Conclusion
After doing all this research, we have come to the conclusion that you need to use a 3/8-inch oil filter wrench. This size is the most common size used on cars and trucks. It is also the size that is easiest to find at your local auto parts store.