Different types of do-it-yourself oil filter pullers. How to unscrew the oil filter without a key Do-it-yourself oil filter remover from the chain

Having decided to change the oil in their car on their own, many car owners are faced with an unexpected obstacle - the oil filter does not want to be unscrewed by hand.

Everything is complicated by the round shape of the filter element housing, which is impossible to grasp normally. It’s good if there is a car shop nearby that sells special pullers of various types (they are chain, screw, end, belt, etc.), but what if there is no opportunity to purchase a key, and you need to remove the filter desperately?

In fact, everything is much simpler than it might seem at first glance: there are several simple ways remove oil filter w/o key. We will talk about them in detail in this article.

Method 1: Using a powerful sharp screwdriver and a hammer

This is the simplest of all possible options.
The principle is the following:

1. A large flat screwdriver is taken, a through hole is punched through it in the filter housing (the metal is thin, so this can be done with almost one blow).
2. Next, you need to grab the screwdriver handle and apply force in a counterclockwise direction. Due to the increase in the power arm, the filter breaks off quite easily, after which it can be unscrewed by hand.

Please note that the oil can remain hot for a long time, so safety precautions should be followed.

Method 2: Using an old alternator or timing belt and a screwdriver

1. The belt is put on the filter with a loop, tightened, a screwdriver (a small metal bar, file, etc.) is inserted into the free loop formed and rotated counterclockwise. Instead of a belt, you can also use a piece of clothesline.

Method 3: With a leather belt from trousers

If the old timing belt was not at hand, a regular leather belt is quite suitable.

1. The principle is as follows - the belt is put on with a loop and tightened with force. In this case, the long end of the belt serves as a lever.

Do not forget that the oil filter is unscrewed counterclockwise.

The most important thing is to keep the filter housing clean, otherwise the belt will slip. For better contact, the filter surface can be slightly sanded.

Method 4: Hammer + chisel.

1. Everything is very simple here: a deep notch is made on the filter housing from the side of the thread, then a chisel is inserted into it and the filter is torn off the thread with a tangential blow of a hammer.
2. Next, the filter element is unscrewed by hand. This method is rarely used, since the free space around the filter is limited and there is practically no room for such maneuvers.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

How to make a chain wrench for an oil filter with your own hands

The devices listed above are not applicable to all car brands. For example, on the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the oil filter is in a hard-to-reach place and it is very problematic to get to it with a belt and a screwdriver.

In this case, a more ergonomic and efficient chain wrench is needed. You can always buy it at the car market for 200-300 rubles or do it yourself.

Craft universal chain wrench for removing the oil filter There are several ways, but many of them involve the use of a welding machine, which is not available in every garage.

However, you can make a practical puller without welding.

All that is needed for this is:

• a piece of an old bicycle chain;
• a small piece of metal pipe 10-15 centimeters;
• a large nail (100-120 mm) or a piece of thick wire;
• drill with a drill for metal with a diameter of 5-7 mm.

The oil filter puller key itself is very simple:

1. A hole is drilled in the pipe at a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the edge so that a nail passes through it.
2. The bicycle chain is folded in half and pushed into the tube so that the resulting loop approximately corresponds to the diameter of the filter (it should be put on it).
3. With the help of a nail, the chain is fixed in the pipe to the desired length. The key is ready!

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

It is enough to throw it on the filter and press the pipe like a lever (counterclockwise direction) to easily unscrew any oil filter.

This filter is universal and suitable for all types of oil filters, since the length of the loop is adjustable.

Surely every car owner who at least once tried to change the oil on his own faced a problem when it was impossible to unscrew. Professional car mechanics use for this oil filter pullers. Currently, there are several varieties of filter pullers, 7 main types, which are the most used.

Filter unscrewing procedure

Let's review these pullers:

Cup puller (end)

Oil filter puller “cup” refers to highly specialized tools. This fact is due to the fact that each such tool is designed to unscrew the filter of some one diameter. Accordingly, such a puller cannot be used in different situations; it is designed to work only with a filter of the same diameter and design.

Cup pullers are a design with several (8, 12, 14, 15, 30) faces. On the back of the cap there is a square recess for a universal landing key. Some manufacturers produce "cups" with a hexagonal bottom. This allows you to use the ring wrench, which in this case is included in the kit.

When buying an end puller, pay attention not only to the diameter of the cap and the number of edges, but also the size of the recess for the setting key (⅜, ½, and so on).

Oil filter puller "cup" (end)

As a rule, “cup” type oil filter pullers are sold in whole sets, in special suitcases, where keys of various diameters are arranged by numbers. This set of oil filter pullers are ideal for for use in car workshops. Often, the sets include not only end pullers, but also their other types - pliers, tape and others. Buying a set will save you a lot of money if you use the tool all the time. For example, you can buy a good set with 15-30 “cups” and corresponding keys for about 3-7 thousand rubles. While you can buy a separate puller for 300-800 rubles.

The main advantage of the oil filter cup extractor is its ease of use. The right tool never slips, which can sometimes happen with other types of pullers. Besides, "Cup" allows you to operate it in hard-to-reach places due to its compactness.

Oil filter puller “crab”

These pullers belong to the generic type., because they can be used to remove filters of different diameters. Structurally, the puller consists of two plates, which are its body, between which three grips (“paws”) are mounted. They are notched to prevent slippage on the filter surface.

Crab filter puller

The “legs” are controlled by means of a clamping mechanism, the elements of which are located in the middle of the body, as well as between the swivel mounts. To do this, use a socket or spanner wrench that interacts with a working tip that extends beyond the body.

Working with the “crab” type oil filter puller is completely identical to working with the “cup”. However, the "crab" is more versatile, because allows you to work with filters having different diameters. As a rule, the value of the diameters is in the range 60...125 mm. "Crab" is great suitable for working in confined spaces. The price of such a puller is in the range of 400-900 rubles.

Oil filter chain puller

The operation of such a puller is based on the use of a metal chain, the length of which is adjustable. With it, you can remove and install oil filters, the diameters of which are in the range 60...140 mm. Structurally, it is a handle, on which a chain is fixed at one end. It can be single-row (in most cases) or double-row. During operation, the filter is covered with a chain, its second end is fixed in the handle, in a special groove with a lock. The remaining length of the chain, if necessary, is attached to the hook on the handle body. By the way, making such a chain is not difficult.

Chain type oil filter puller

There are also pullers in the design, when the chain loop already exists, and it simply pounces on the filter for further work. Undoubted advantage of chain pullers oil filter - it reliability, durability and opportunity unscrew even heavily twisted filters.

Unfortunately, chain pullers cannot be used in tight spaces like the previous types. Indeed, to unscrew the filter, it is necessary to turn the handle of the puller, and this is not always possible. The exception is chain pullers based on a metal head. Unscrewing here is done with a socket wrench. The cost of a chain puller is 300-700 rubles.

Filter puller

Belt puller

The oil filter belt puller is similar to the chain puller in operation, but has a large range of working diameters. So, with its help, you can work with filters that have diameter 25...160 mm. The working body in this case is a belt fixed in a square steel bar. In the future, a key is thrown over it, with which the oil filter is unscrewed. The advantage of belt pullers oil filter - wide operating range, as well as the ability to work with highly twisted filters. You can buy a belt puller for 600-1000 rubles, depending on the quality, manufacturer and place of purchase.

Belt puller

Filter stripper

This is one of the simplest models. Its working mechanism is a metal or plastic tape, which enters the handle with both ends. One of them is fixed rigidly, and the second allows you to adjust the length of the tape. At the same time, the belt pullers of the oil filter have the smallest working range (about 30 mm) so their use is limited. In addition, only the muscular effort of a person is used during operation, therefore, with the help of a belt puller, sometimes it is impossible to unscrew tightly tightened filters. You can buy belt pullers for 200-600 rubles.

Plier type puller

Pliers and sickle-shaped oil filter pullers

Pliers resemble standard pliers both in appearance and in the method of working with them. They are a design of two working sponges with corresponding notches, as well as two handles. Sickle-shaped have one handle and two working jaws, one of which is adjustable. Accordingly, they can easy to grab and unscrew filter. The advantages of these designs include the simplicity of the design. Disadvantages - inability to unscrew heavily twisted filters and work in hard-to-reach places. The cost of pincer-shaped pullers is in the range of 500-900 rubles, and sickle-shaped - 200-600 rubles.

Top 5 Most Popular Oil Filter Pullers

What is the best oil filter remover?

As practice shows, it is most convenient to use “cups” and "crabs". They allow you to work in confined spaces. Therefore, these types of filter pullers are considered the best. In second place are chain, belt and tape pullers. They are universal, but with their help it is impossible to work in places where there is no free space. In addition, they can be used to unscrew heavily twisted filters. And finally, the simplest are pincer and sickle-shaped pullers. They are inexpensive, but have a lot of drawbacks. In particular, they are limited in diameter, and it is also impossible to unscrew strongly twisted filters with their help.

Conclusion

The choice of oil filter puller should be based on the operating conditions. As mentioned above, if you are the owner of one or more cars, then it makes sense for you to purchase the appropriate pullers for them. If you work in a car repair shop or provide repair services on an ongoing basis, then the ideal option for you is to purchase a set of pullers.

Every motorist who decides to independently replace the engine fluid faces the need to dismantle the oil filter. When performing this task, difficulties may arise, since the device sticks, and it is problematic to remove it. We will describe below how to unscrew the oil filter and what methods there are.

[ Hide ]

Why not keep the old filter?

The oil in the car engine is replaced every 10-15 thousand kilometers or once a year. When using the vehicle in difficult conditions, the consumable replacement interval will be shorter. The service life of the oil depends on the specific brand of fluid and on the vehicle. It is necessary to change the oil filter when changing consumables.

The motor is the main unit of the machine, which is subject to rapid wear during operation, as it works under high loads. Over time, foreign substances begin to appear in the lubricant, negatively affecting the functionality of the internal combustion engine. To prevent their impact on the power unit, an oil filter is used. The higher the wear of the device, the lower the quality of the oil, and this will sooner or later affect the operation of the internal combustion engine.

Moreover, it will not be possible to visually determine the suitability of the filter element, as well as draw conclusions about the need for replacement based on mileage alone. The grease cleaner is always in operation, even when the engine is idling. Its wear is determined not by the mileage of the car, but by the number of hours worked. And it doesn't matter whether it's a VAZ 2109, 2110 or a foreign car.

How and with what can this be done?

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the main methods that will allow you to dismantle the filter device with your own hands.

User Andrey Florida in his video told how to replace the oil filter and what are the options for dismantling it.

Can it be twisted by hand?

There are special tools for dismantling the filter device. But you can also unscrew it with your own hands. If the sticking of the device is strong, a tool or improvised devices will be required for dismantling.

Which way to turn?

The filter is dismantled by turning its housing counterclockwise.

Special key

For unscrewing, you can use a special key. This is an effective way, but for its implementation you will need to purchase a tool. On sale you will find several options for keys:

• chain;
• clamping tool;
• tape;
• screw extractor.

How to use?

To unscrew with a chain or other special wrench, hook the filter device with a tool, securely fix it and dismantle it by turning it counterclockwise.

Chain type dismantling tool Special wrench with filter removal clip

Rope (belt) and screwdriver

To remove the device in the absence of a tool, use a belt or a rope with a screwdriver:

1. A screwdriver breaks through the housing of the filtering device, as a result of which the tool is used as a lever. When using a screwdriver, it is necessary to pierce the element through and through, so it will be more efficient to twist.
2. When using a belt or rope, the dismantling method imitates the use of a special key. The strap should be wide and made of leather or leatherette. A loop is made, after which it is tightened counterclockwise on the device itself. For quick dismantling, pull the rope or strap sharply. The removal process can be difficult due to slipping of the strap. Then insert a piece of sandpaper into the loop itself and follow the described steps again.

Hammer and long screwdriver

This method of unscrewing the part is similar to the screwdriver method. Its implementation is relevant if you pierced the filter, but could not budge it. Then the dismantling of the device is possible by applying the force from hammer blows to the handle of the screwdriver.

Hammer and chisel

If these dismantling methods did not help, or the housing of the filter device is damaged, then use a chisel instead of a screwdriver. On the part, make a small notch into which the chisel rests. We begin to hit the instrument with a hammer. This usually helps to quickly unscrew the filter.

homemade tool

You can change the filter and dismantle the device with a homemade puller. The principle of operation of such a tool is identical to the special key.

You will learn about the independent manufacture of a tool for dismantling from the video. The material was filmed and made public by the kv3st channel.

Such a device must be built independently:

1. You will need a bicycle chain, or rather, its segment. When dismantling the filter in domestic VAZ vehicles, the optimal chain size is 30 links.
2. The chain is connected into a ring, a lock or riveting is used for fixation.
3. You will need an unnecessary head from a 19 or 22 socket wrench. You need to make a cut in it that matches the size of the bicycle chain.
4. Install an extension cord into the connecting square hole on the head. Use an awl or ratchet wrench. For reliable fixation, the diameter of the extension must be equal to the size of the hole.
5. Unscrew the filter device by turning it counterclockwise.

gas key

The use of this method is relevant if there is free space around the device. Hook the tool on the oil filter housing and use its handles as a lever. Be careful not to damage other components of the power unit. Be careful as some oil will come out of the filter when it is removed.

What to do if the filter is stuck?

If the device is stuck, use one of the methods described above. A stuck filter is usually not unscrewed by hand, then one of the options considered always helps. If any particular method did not help, use several at once.

An overview of oil wrenches for dismantling filters is presented in a video filmed and published by the Lefty channel.

What to do next?

Before screwing in a new device, the installation site should be wiped with a rag. Otherwise, dirt or foreign components will get into the engine fluid, which will affect its quality.

We twist the new filter without a key

The installation process is carried out as follows:

1. The seat of the device is cleaned of contaminants.
2. About 150 grams of engine fluid is poured into the oil filter. This is done to lubricate the rubberized gasket on the device, as well as to prevent the filter element from sticking in the future.
3. A new filter is being installed. It must be carefully put on the thread so as not to damage.
4. The device spins without any effort. It is not necessary to use a puller during installation, otherwise dismantling during the next replacement will cause difficulties.
5. After installation, start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature. Assess the condition of the filter device and make sure that no oil comes out from under the part. Fluid leaks are due to filter failure or poor installation. In the first case, the part must be replaced, in the second - it must be tightened.

How and with what to unscrew the oil filter when changing the oil, if it is tightly tightened. There is, of course, a ready-made special tool for removing the oil filter. It can be bought at the store.
But it can also be useless, because it is not universal. There is a situation that they didn’t immediately try on - as the puller is placed next to the filter, the puller also has its own dimensions. There are also cheap and inconvenient pullers (made “for appearance”), some kind of design with a chain.
Even worse, if you bought an expensive and good one, but it does not fit into small gaps, where only a hand can hardly fit.
There were several cases when he used “his” special puller. He cannot be his own, because something similar was suggested. Then it was necessary to find only their “improvements”.
Those present usually approved of this method. I have never been disappointed in this way.
There are special pullers and there are barbaric methods of unscrewing a “sticky” oil filter.
For example, you can punch through the filter with a sharp pin and twist it, getting a lever. Instead of a pin, you can drive even the sharp end of a file into the filter and do the same. You can also hammer the handles from the pliers into the filter and come up with a lever in the form of a strong pin, mount. But the inconvenience is that you have to get your hands and everything nearby dirty.
You can not complicate things, but unscrew the filter regular belt.

Many may have heard about the “belt”, but it does not always help if you do not do it special loop.
I was once shown this noose as a joke (try to take it off at least from your hand…etc. I couldn’t take it off myself then) and later I found a worthy use for it.
What is its peculiarity - the more you pull the loop, the more it tightens. It will not work to remove it back in the usual way, if you do not know that you just need to “unwind” it in the opposite direction.
If you try to apply a loop with the name ... so then (I don’t specify) - the way to unscrew the filter always helps.

About the loop and how to drain the oil without getting dirty, you can look at the player.
Again, my hands are dirty, for which I apologize. If I had carefully prepared, then no record could have turned out.
While I was preparing for the recording, I would change my mind and shoot. It takes a long time to prepare for the implementation of such a recording, and it took seconds to twist the filter.
What I wish you in the “test” of this method.
…

By the way, as in any business, there are always “various nuances”.
Using such a universal method for a long time, but I got into such a situation. On Toyota Caldina, the proven method suddenly did not work.
Toyota has a very small oil filter and in a very inconvenient place under the manifold. For some reason, the device began to scroll (a very small filter, and a very large buckle). It helped that under the loop, right on the body of the filter, I put a screwdriver, when the loop was tightened, it crumpled the filter, the loop stopped scrolling and the filter immediately started to move.

I wish you good luck with your application!

December 2015

Another way, another device

Not all filters lend themselves to this method. We will look for a way, for example, for the Hyundai i-10

Finally, I saw a really ready-made universal tool for unscrewing oil filters.
Spied on a neighbor in the garage. Standard set of pullers for all sizes.