Why does it have to be so hard to remove an oil filter?

My motorcycle has been sitting for several yrs so I pumped out the old gas and tried to do the oil.
I couldn't find the cap wrench I used last time (did I borrow my buddies?).
So I run to autozone and pick up a similar/same and for the life of me, the cap wrench just wants jump off (I had a rubber strap one that broke).

I like these cap wrenches because then I can use the appropriate torque w/ my wrench to put it back on. But this new one keeps jumping off.
I finally get it off by using some gorilla tape to keep it snug and now I'm out of gorilla tape and cant find my duct tapes anywhere to torque the new one on.

Is there a "one oil filter wrench to rule them all?"
I'm not much of a "wrencher" but this is exactly why.

A regular metal filter? You should only tighten by hand

I have a metal band one that works great if you have room to use it, but now all of our rides have the cartridge type filters and the caps come off with sockets

The chrome oil filter on my father-in-law's '01 Indian Scout [S&S88 engine] is obnoxiously difficult to remove.
Too slippery to do by hand, and not enough room for most filter wrenches.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
A regular metal filter? You should only tighten by hand

The manual says 20 Ft/Lbs. torque, which is the lowest marked setting on my torque wrench. I feel good that I got at least "by hand" where it was slipping off.

There are quite a number of different cartridge cap wrenches with different numbers and lengths of flats. To remove an overtightened filter it's critical to use the exact one that fits, not one that kinda fits but then slips under much torque. Also avoid the cheap thin metal ones, even one the correct size can flex and slip under much torque.

I now use a claw wrench. Nothing else has even come close.

I have filters from ATV/motorcycle up to full size pickup, cars in between. My main filter is the metal ‘band’ type. Beyond that I have an adjustable ‘chain’ type and the pliers type with the very wide mouth.

I can pretty much get any off. I have the ‘end cap’ also, seldom use, adjustable ‘claw’ too.

Yeah, I just put them on my hand, estimating the snugness. I’ve never had one come loose.

And in the Harley Davidson world the oil filters for the Evo, Twin Cam, Sportster and the Milwaukee Eight all share the same can size hence the same cup style oil filter wrench. Only problem, the can is slightly smaller than the usual automotive size filter so you get to buy another wrench. K&N used to have a nut on the end of their can but have since discontinued that design.

Here ya go. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFT...er-Wrench/1003096238

quote:

Originally posted by petr:
Here ya go. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFT...er-Wrench/1003096238

That looks like something that might work.
As long as it will loosen and tighten. I think I've seen some that will only loosen.
I'd prefer to stick w/ the manual's recommended torque spec. while tightening.

ETA: And of course, I'll need to be able to find it next year. I'm in the process of moving.

I had the same problem when I did an oil change for the first time on my Africa Twin 1100. The correctly sized cap wrench and swivel filter wrench didn't work. I ended up using filter pliers.

quote:

Originally posted by dsiets:
Why does it have to be so hard to remove an oil filter?

My motorcycle has been sitting for several yrs so I pumped out the old gas and tried to do the oil.
I couldn't find the cap wrench I used last time (did I borrow my buddies?).
So I run to autozone and pick up a similar/same and for the life of me, the cap wrench just wants jump off (I had a rubber strap one that broke).

I like these cap wrenches because then I can use the appropriate torque w/ my wrench to put it back on. But this new one keeps jumping off.
I finally get it off by using some gorilla tape to keep it snug and now I'm out of gorilla tape and cant find my duct tapes anywhere to torque the new one on.

Is there a "one oil filter wrench to rule them all?"
I'm not much of a "wrencher" but this is exactly why.

It's a long shot but... I had a 1988 BMW K75S. I sold it a couple of years ago. Recently I was looking for another tool and came across the oil filter wrench that fit perfectly. It's 75 mm and can be wrenched with a 3/8 drive for torque. PM me if it will fit and I will send it to you.

quote:

Originally posted by SPWAMike0317:

quote:

Originally posted by dsiets:
Why does it have to be so hard to remove an oil filter?

My motorcycle has been sitting for several yrs so I pumped out the old gas and tried to do the oil.
I couldn't find the cap wrench I used last time (did I borrow my buddies?).
So I run to autozone and pick up a similar/same and for the life of me, the cap wrench just wants jump off (I had a rubber strap one that broke).

I like these cap wrenches because then I can use the appropriate torque w/ my wrench to put it back on. But this new one keeps jumping off.
I finally get it off by using some gorilla tape to keep it snug and now I'm out of gorilla tape and cant find my duct tapes anywhere to torque the new one on.

Is there a "one oil filter wrench to rule them all?"
I'm not much of a "wrencher" but this is exactly why.

It's a long shot but... I had a 1988 BMW K75S. I sold it a couple of years ago. Recently I was looking for another tool and came across the oil filter wrench that fit perfectly. It's 75 mm and can be wrenched with a 3/8 drive for torque. PM me if it will fit and I will send it to you.

Thanks for the consideration, SPWAMike, but I'm not really sure of the size.
I think next yr. I'll try a different type of filter, w/ the hex nut on the end.

This is how many oil filter sizes and number/shape of flutes there are. If the cap wrench fits properly, it usually won't slip. You probably have the wrong one. Or, being from a motorcycle and not an automobile, the filter might not conform precisely to any of those.



That set doesn't cost that much, around $40. You might be able to count the number of flutes, measure across them with a caliper (assuming there's an even number of them, i.e., directly across from each other), then find one matching that size. Try it for fit on your new filter. There's also this type:



There are also some that have three claws wrapping around the filter, assuming you have room on either side of the filter. Both of those only loosen, not tighten. Yes, maybe you should hand-tighten only, but there isn't always room to get your fingers or hand in there or get enough leverage on it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,

I know the Craftsman that I have will allow the jaws to tighten, but I think they may be too aggressive. I never tried it, so I don't know for sure.

If you pack it with your underwear, I'd bet you would be able to find it after the move...

quote:

Originally posted by dsiets:

quote:

Originally posted by petr:
Here ya go. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFT...er-Wrench/1003096238

That looks like something that might work.
As long as it will loosen and tighten. I think I've seen some that will only loosen.
I'd prefer to stick w/ the manual's recommended torque spec. while tightening.

ETA: And of course, I'll need to be able to find it next year. I'm in the process of moving.

I have several used the strap wrench for a long time, then K&N because of the better filer and nut on the end.

Have a special cap tool that fits with a 1/3 cut out to get around a sensor on HDs

Link Strap

I use K&N oil filters on my motorcycle. All I need is a 17mm socket to loosen it.