What Is an Oil Filter Wrench?
An oil filter wrench is a special tool for removing and installing the oil filter attached to an engine.
The oil filter is a component that filters hydraulic oil and engine oil in hydraulic equipment. It is used to remove foreign substances that have gotten mixed in with the hydraulic oil and engine oil.
Engine oil circulates inside the engine as a lubricant to keep the engine running smoothly, especially since the engine is a component in a harsh environment that operates at high rpm while emitting extremely high heat. An oil filter is set up to filter out foreign substances in the engine oil. The oil filter removes sludge generated during engine combustion and metal fragments produced by metal-to-metal wear to protect the engine from malfunction.
Due to the process of filtering foreign substances, the oil filter itself can become clogged over extended use, resulting in a decline in its filtering performance. A special oil filter wrench is used to replace the oil filter.
Uses of Oil Filter Wrenches
Uses of oil filter wrenches vary depending on the type of shape.
1. Chain Type
The chain type is used in the same way as the chain wrench. The chain is wound around the oil filter to hold it in place.
2. Plier Type
The plier type is used by clamping the oil filter into the mouth of the plier and turning it while holding the handle. Note: the size of the pliers must match the outside diameter of the oil filter or it will be difficult to grip.
3. Cup Type
The cup type is placed directly over the oil filter and turned. The size of the cup is made exclusively for that size oil filter. Therefore, it cannot be used for a filter of a different size. It is not versatile, but the ease of use that only a dedicated product can provide is appealing.
Principle of Oil Filter Wrenches
Oil filter wrenches are a special tool for clamping and turning an oil filter.
Since oil filters are fastened to the engine with screws, it is necessary to apply torque to the oil filter and rotate it in order to remove and install it.
Some oil filter wrenches have a groove on the end of the oil filter like a hex nut for easy turning, while others do not.
How to Choose Oil Filter Wrenches
Each type of oil filter wrench has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to select the appropriate type according to the conditions of use and the surrounding workspace.
1. Chain Type
The biggest advantage of the chain type is that the chain length can be adjusted according to the size of the oil filter. Therefore, it can be used for oil filters of various sizes and is highly versatile. Also, since the chain has many contact points, it can be used for oil filters with rounded corners.
The disadvantages are that due to its versatility; it takes time to set the chain so that it can be turned firmly, and it also requires space for removal and installation.
2. Plier Type
Like the chain type, the plier type can be used for oil filters of various sizes because the width of the opening can be adjusted.
The width can be adjusted in a shorter time than with the chain type. However, the disadvantage is that the adjustment range is narrower than with the chain type. Another disadvantage is that it is easier to set the filter to turn than the chain type, however, if the filter cannot be set properly, grip strength may be required to turn it.
3. Cup Type
The cup type does not need to be adjusted in size and is very convenient when changing the same oil filter several times. Since it is used to cover the oil filter, it is easy to handle and does not require much space for turning. However, the disadvantage is that one oil filter wrench is required for each size of the oil filter. Therefore, it is necessary to have a separate oil filter wrench for each size of the oil filter.