Skip advert
Advertisement

Oil filter wrenches

We look at seven oil filter wrenches to find out which provides the best solution to what can be a tricky car DIY task...

Replacing the oil and filter is one of the most important maintenance jobs owners can still carry out themselves on modern cars. As service intervals get ever longer, some drivers prefer to change the lubricant more frequently than the manufacturer recommends. The theory is that doing so cannot harm the engine, and that it may even reduce wear as it means the oil is always performing at its best.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A key part of ensuring the oil is working properly is renewing the filter. This is the innocuous little can tucked out of the way round the back of the block, and it works non-stop to strain millions of tiny pieces of metal swarf and burned carbon. Without it, your engine would wear out much sooner.

Although filters are only fitted hand-tight, removing them will take a great deal more effort - and this is where the filter wrench comes in.

Before buying, you need to check the size of your filter and where it is. The latter is most important because clearance - or lack of it - around the filter will often determine the type of wrench you need. Where there is room, using a simple steel-band type (some of which are adjustable) with a long handle is probably best. Where space is restricted, however, you will need to look at a wrench which turns by using a ratchet and extension - either a tripod type or a product that has a nylon strap to grip the filter.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

3

2015 DS

3

70,100 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £4,200
View 3
XF

2015 Jaguar

XF

61,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £7,495
View XF
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

32,368 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,495
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

12,482 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £28,995
View Range Rover Evoque

Also available are chain wrenches, although these are quite fiddly. And because the chain has to be kept lubricated, they can be messy to use.

So which are the products to twist and shout about? We headed into the workshop with seven of the leading tools, plus an oily filter, to find out.

A scrap Vauxhall Astra filter and housing was at the heart of this test. We secured it in a vice, then tried to remove the 75mm filter - a common size - once when it was dry, and again smeared in oil.

Filter wrenches are notoriously awkward to use, so we were looking for a product that would grip and turn easily, without slipping or needing frequent adjustment.

Verdict

With these tools, your choice will depend heavily on the amount of space you have and the diameter of your car's oil filter.Where there's room to spare, even if it's only a quarter of a turn, Draper's OFW100 is still the best bet. But the ITC wrench isn't far behind, and would do the job nearly as well.
If space is at a premium, then a strap is the answer - and the Clarke CHT245 would definitely be our weapon of choice.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,328
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,682 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,675
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025