Oil Filter wrench

I do all my own oil changes and have been trying to find a place to get a wrench to remove the oil filter on my 4cylinder Tacoma. I've tried several that fit over the end but they don't grip properly, and I don't really have room for the old style loop wrench. Lately I have been using a pair of slip joint pliers made for the oil filter but sometimes I have trouble getting the filter to loosen. I was wondering what others use and where they obtained it.
Ron

 

I use a k&n wrench off filter... u can use a ratchet or normal wrench to take it off. its only $4 to get the socket thatll fit it too.

 

I use those slip type pliers like you described and think they work very well. You can get one of those strap ones, they do alright also.

 

The reason why I asked is because on occasion I have had problems removing the filter with the slip joint pliers and was looking for a type of wrench that would fit over the end of the filter and really grab it. I may have found one- looks like a plumber's basin wrench that will tighten on the filter while turning the ratchet. This should work for the times that the filter is stuck more than the pliers can handle. Ron

 

I had this issue with the PITA oil filter on my wife's Honda CR-V. When I was getting filters at the dealership I asked what their mechanics use. I ended up getting a part number for an OEM oil filter socket. I believe it was 20 or 25 bucks but is much better quality than those flimsy pieces of shit at vato-zone. So maybe Toyota has one too?

 

I use this:

Craftsman Oil Filter Wrench, Auto-Adjustable

http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Auto-Adjustable/dp/B003Y22RDO

It grabs more tightly the more force you apply. I've tried all kinds of oil filter wrenches and this one is by far my favorite.

 

I have several different ones.... for 3 different vehicles with 3 different filters.

I have something similar to these. The nice thing about these, is the handle pivots upwards. I use this on the tacoma.


I have two 'sockets' (similar to these) but they only work on 1 sized filter. If you have 3 vehicles with 3 different filter size...you need to buy 3 different ones and they don't fit all manufacturer filters.


I also have Kobalt strap wrench - these come in handy for better grip in certain situations.

 

Thank you for all the replies. The 3-legged version looks promising. The next time I stop by the dealer I'll check on their filter wrench. Ron

 

I have been using this one for years. Works on all toyota filters. Never let me down.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/OF636/ADJUSTABLE-OIL-FILTER-WRENCHES/