grr, the oil filter on my 22re is very stuck on again. This has hhappened a few time before, but previously with enough profanity and one of those plastic cup-style grabbers, it coems off.
Well my plastic tool has actually stripped out.
Not enough space for teh classic strap tool.

Anybody found a tool that consistently works well for this filter? The angle is just awkward. Or even just a metal version of the gripper thingy? I have one of the 3-jaw types that's supposed to clamp down on it, it rarely works right though.

I use a slightly modified metal band clamp style tool from the local auto parts store. Only mod. was to cut the handle length down so it fit easier into the tight space. Has worked every time I have changed the oil.

Line your tool with some rough sandpaper if you have some handy; sounds like you're in the middle of it, or just wrap it around the filter and give it some oomph.

I have a band-type filter tool that pivots, but I've been pretty lucky in being able to take mine off by hand, but I also tighten them back on by hand.

When it is really stuck you can poke a screwdriver through it and twist the screwdriver. To avoid this in the future always dress the new filters seal with new motor oil. When tightening the new filter you only need to go one eighth to one quarter turn past where you feel the seal come in contact with it's mating surface.

It happened to me once. So I ran the engine warm & then was able to turn it out.

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What I have is the cup-style that's supposed to fit around and grip the edges, it has a 3/8" drive in teh middle... it has actually become useless b/c the plastic squate hole for the drive has rounded allowing the ratchet to turn inside. E.g. that's how stuck it is. And yeah, i put it on by hand myself last time.

i like the sound of Roger's trick of cutting down a strap, Ihave one of those too but the handle just gets in the way. That sucker works great for all my other cars...

They make a metal version of the cup style that would probably hold up better.

Also a strap style with a 3/8 drive instead of the handle.

Dave

They sell the metal cup style grabbers at Harbor Freight. Or they sell them at the dealer.

I tried the screwdriver through the oil filter, on my VERY first oil change on a Honda CRX. WORST decision I EVER made. Screwdriver ripped right through it, and left me with a face full of oil and half of a mangled oil filter still stuck to the block. I'll NEVER do that again.

I change oil and fuel filters on all kinds of equipment at work, about 2 or 3 times a week. Ive NEVER had one that wouldn't come off using my rubber strap wrench, metal band type, or the 3 jaw type.

Here is my modified band wrench:



Handle is about 4" long from the second rivet to the end. Basically cut it just short enough to fit around the filter and allow the handle to swing enough to tighten the band and get a short pull to loosen the filter.

Mine has a pivot feature that allows the handle to be put in a 90dg position; has been handy sometimes.