Oil filter removal tool

I tend to buy the multi point socket tools - you may need several of them, but they're generally cheap enough and are much better to use than straps or chains.

I've never failed to remove one with a strap-type tool.

As an aside, if you use genuine filters (and I would), note that only the shorter filter as originally used exclusively on the 1.4 engine is supplied now for all petrol variants.

Chris

I have found that the best universal type is the large dedicated plier type. Screwfix sell them: item 34733

other places probably also do them, maybe cheaper. They are also useful on other jobs, they will do 99 percent of screw on filters and all the other types are redundant (except for the 1 percent !!)

I got a 3-legged turny thing a couple of years ago, and it makes the job really very easy. Love it. Apart from the oil pouring all over the place :-)

I've got a bicycle chain type. Not managed to break that - but I've actually had it puncture the canister on a well stuck one. But it usually doesn't grip immediately which can be a problem if space is restricted. First choice these days is a rubber strap type. They're cheap enough to not worry if they break. Keep an eye on Lidl and Aldi for special offers and stock up.

That's really the point. If you don't mind mess just bash an old screwdriver through it.

Remember one make had a nut welded to the bottom.

I found that the handle assembly of the rubber strap type is too large for many applications, this coupled with the 'wind up' before they really grip makes them a nuisance. Plier type are the best. Next would be a set of cup type ones.

some still do, vw polo for instance

I've got three sizes here.

Yes.

On my old Rover space is very restricted. Made worse by the factory fit oil cooler which has an adaptor between the filter and housing which restricts clearance even more by moving the filter more underneath the rad. But I can generally slacken it by hand.

Is there a filter manufacturer that does this to all? There is an access hole in my undertray that would allow a socket to fit that easily - but isn't big enough for the gripper type.

Some can be very awkward indeed. In much the same way as needing half the car stripped down to replace a bulb.

My BMW is brilliant - a replaceable filter element on the top of the engine. But a PITA to get to the drain plug. ;-(

I don't know about all, but Mann filters tend to have them when others don't. In your case a cup type remover should do as they are only a few mm larger than the filter.

Last one I did was on me old Fiesta, and there was no room for anything that needed anything sticking out sideways without crashing the handle through the radiator :-) . The three-legged thing was perfect since there is so little working space, and being able to stick a few socket extensions on it meant that I could get it off just kneeling at the front of the car. Quite lazy, really.

I guess you have the knack! My mechanic seems to find a lot of things easier than I do. But he did show me the secret of adjusting the belts on a fourtrak, which was to have ratchet ring spanners with a pivoting head. I have them now too!

Stupidly, the access hole is smaller than the filter. So may be more of just a drain. About 2" in diameter.

Get a Dremel or pad saw on it.