Filter removal tool test
You can save money by changing your car’s oil and filter yourself, but you need a specialist tool to do it. We pick the best from 12.
One of the few jobs drivers can still do on modern cars is change the oil. However, a specialist tool is essential for removing the filter – and traditional strap-style devices have been joined by grips and pullers to make the job a little easier. So, which wrench is best? To find out, we tightened an oily filter and tried to remove it with each tool. Apart from looking at how easy it was to loosen the filter, we checked how much room each wrench required. And to establish our winner, we also factored in the sizes the tools could cope with, as well as the price.
Verdict
Clarke’s three-legged CHT241 is relatively cheap and works very effectively. Not even the slightly limited range could prevent it taking the win. In second place is the Draper 77592 chain wrench. It’s nearly as effective as a three-legged tool, and has a great budget price. The firm’s 37871 is third – it’s bulkier and less versatile.
Contacts
Draper/Elora - 023 8049 4333, www.draper.co.uk
Clarke – 01992 565300, www.clarkeinternational.com
Halfords - 08457 626625, www.halfords.com
Laser – 01926 815000, www.toolconnection.co.uk
Sealey – 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk
