Oil filter removal tool

[notsofast]

While I've been delayed in getting the sump plug off (see this thread: https://www.berlingoforum.com/thread-21526.html), I've had a read of Haynes and it says to use an oil filter removal tool if the filter is tight.  Is this necessary?  The last time I removed a filter was on an old Fiat Panda over 20 years ago, and then I used to hammer a screwdriver into the side of the filter to give extra leverage to slacken it (in fact Haynes recommended this method), but if I tried doing that on my M49, would I risk skewering something I shouldn't?

[brodfather11]

Screwdriver and hammer, the only thing you'll skew is the filter. Just take care that nothing is in the way and you don't hit anything you don't want to hit with the hammer

I think they say use a tool is for the ease of access

[ffrenchie]

It depends where your filter is. In our 2.0hdi you would struggle to get a hammer in to hit a screwdriver and I always struggled with a chain wrench but then I saw filter pliers which I now use. I used it successfully on my bike as well.

[Tomcat3]

I had a filter on a ford I was sorting for a friend recently that I tried every filter tool I had and It would not budge at all even with a 2 foot bar on the end. As a last resort I got one of these and with the aid of the long bar it finally shifted.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123736078655?...SwZmJcm0hX
The good thing about it is that as it grips it keeping tightening up and does not slip. The sump plug was another matter I never did get that off i was afraid of cracking the sump. What ever moron tightened up that far shouldnt be let near a car. I sucked the oil out via the dipstick with a ten quid pump and it worked a treat.

[notsofast]

As a last resort I got one of these and with the aid of the long bar it finally shifted.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123736078655?...SwZmJcm0hX
The good thing about it is that as it grips it keeping tightening up and does not slip

After reading Haynes I did a google search on oil filter removal tools and autoexpress did a test of them and 3-arm tools like that one took 1st and 3rd places:
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessorie...-tool-test

Machine Mart do a couple of 3-armers by Clarke (the same brand that came 1st), and they're cheaper than that ebay one, though I phoned Machine Mart a couple of days ago and they wouldn't have any in stock until next year (!)  https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-c...ilter-wre/

Anyway, looking at the vehicle I should be able to hammer in a screwdriver if I come at it from underneath (famous last words, lol...).

[Kieron G]

I like the webbing strap type which grips tighter as the force is applied and you can put a 1/2 inch ratchet on. Heavy duty one with thick / wide webbing

[Guanock]

Hi
I see you also have the 1.5 Blue HDI 100, same as mine.
However my oil filter is not the canister type, it has a replaceable element, which is accessed by removing the plastic housing. I think the nut size is 22mm.
Just saying, because if you attacked this type with a hammer and screwdriver you would end up with an expensive replacement job.
Geoff

[oilyrag]

I like the webbing strap type which grips tighter as the force is applied and you can put a 1/2 inch ratchet on. Heavy duty one with thick / wide webbing

Once there's oil on the webbing it is next to useless.  I've a metal strap type of remover - the strap has tiny points on the inside so bites into the filter without slipping, but is ideal for loosening filters that haven't been tightened by a gorilla. If you grease the seal on the filter it will hopefully be easier to remove - they only need to be tightened enough to stop leaks!

[notsofast]

Hi
I see you also have the 1.5 Blue HDI 100, same as mine.
However my oil filter is not the canister type, it has a replaceable element, which is accessed by removing the plastic housing. I think the nut size is 22mm.
Just saying, because if you attacked this type with a hammer and screwdriver you would end up with an expensive replacement job.
Geoff

That's good to be aware of, thanks.  However it's the filter on my 20-year old 'spare' van - with the 1.9 DW8 engine - that I was asking about, and the screwdriver treatment got the job done.  At the moment my new van still has to have all work done by a dealer for warranty reasons.  Though mix-ups between vans might happen on here in future so it's good you've flagged up that possibility.

[Kieron G]

I like the webbing strap type which grips tighter as the force is applied and you can put a 1/2 inch ratchet on. Heavy duty one with thick / wide webbing

Once there's oil on the webbing it is next to useless.  I've a metal strap type of remover - the strap has tiny points on the inside so bites into the filter without slipping, but is ideal for loosening filters that haven't been tightened by a gorilla. If you grease the seal on the filter it will hopefully be easier to remove - they only need to be tightened enough to stop leaks!

It works for me