Oil Filter Removal Tools – A Complete Guide

Oil filter removal tools come in all different variations and the different types work for different vehicles. This guide will break down which style is needed for which engine. While many are marketed as universal, this is not true and some will not fit due to clearance around the oil filter or different oil filter styles (canister, cartridge etc). The list compiled goes over the most popular versions of oil filter removal tools. For other tool reviews, visit our tool review category page.

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3 Jaw Oil Filter Tool

The 3 jaw style oil filter removal tool is one of the most popular tools and also one of the easiest to use. With this tool, a ratchet is needed to attach to it, most commonly a 3/8” drive. This is particularly good at removing very tight oil filters, because of the leverage of the ratchet attached. One of the common negatives is the clearance around the oil filter needs to be enough for the tool to pass, if the oil filter’s side is up against the engine block, it may not work. These are adjustable so the one tool can fit a large amount of different sized oil filters.

Oil Filter Pliers

Oil filter pliers are an easy to use style and nothing else is needed to make them work. Being that the pliers have an open jaw design, even if the oil filter clearance is tight on the side, they may still work. They work by you squeezing the pliers and the teeth biting into the filter canister. The slip jaw design, allows a lot of adjustment for different oil filter diameters. Because they can be 12” long total, there will need to be sufficient room in the engine bay for these to work.

Oil Filter Band Wrench

This style is what many consider to be the traditional oil filter wrench. They work great, are slim and offer good leverage however the size is specific to different oil filters. The oil filter wrench size needs to be matched with the oil filter size.

Filter Strap Wrench

A filter strap wrench is one of the most adjustable styles. As long as the filter is smaller than the strap when it is fully opened, it can work. It works by installed a ratchet in the end and wrapping the strap around the oil filter. These are good to have if you do not know what specific size the oil filter is, however if oil gets on the strap they can be messy and hard to clean.

Cap or Socket Oil Filter Wrench

These socket style oil filter wrenches are specific to each size oil filter. The most common manufacturer to require this is Toyota which is shown in the one listed. When using, a ratchet is still needed to attach to the socket.

For a list of our recommended low profile oil drain pans, visit this page.