Removing an oil filter without a tool is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, with a little elbow grease and the right technique, anyone can do it! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove an oil filter without a tool easily.
You can remove an oil filter either by hand, using a belt strap wrench, or improvise using a bandana. Other alternatives include using a hammer and screwdriver or using a pry bar.
There are several reasons why you may need to remove an oil filter without a wrench.
The most common reason is to avoid expenses. There is no shame in acknowledging that a wench can be an expensive investment, and not everyone has the means to purchase one.
Another common reason is that you may not have the appropriate size wrench for your oil filter. This happens more often than you’d think! Oil filters come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s not always easy to find a wrench that fits perfectly.
Last but not least, you may need to remove an oil filter without a wrench in an emergency situation. If your car breaks down and you don’t have a wrench with you, don’t worry! There are still ways to remove the oil filter without one.
How to Remove an Oil Filter Without a Wrench – Step By Step Guide
- Step One: Locate the oil filter. It is usually located near the engine, close to where the oil pan is located.
- Step Two: Once you have found the oil filter, identify the type of filter it is. There are two types of filters- cartridge and spin-on. Cartridge filters are easier to remove by hand, while spin-on filters may require a strap wrench or other tool.
- Step Three: If the filter is a cartridge type, carefully unscrew it by hand. Be careful not to damage the gasket. If the filter is a spin-on type, place the strap wrench around the filter and unscrew it clockwise.
- Step Four: After removing the filter, clean the area around the opening. Be sure to remove any oil or debris that may be present.
- Step Five: To install the new filter, simply follow the above steps in reverse order. Be sure to screw on the new filter tightly so that it doesn’t come loose.
Using a Belt
Necessity is the mother of invention, and this is never more true than when you need to remove an oil filter without a wrench. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! There are still ways to get the job done.
Using a Socket Wrench Or a Pry Bar
In case you have a socket wrench or a pry bar, you can use either of these tools to remove an oil filter without a wrench.
Using a Screwdriver [Last Resort]
When everything else fails, you can always try using a screwdriver to remove an oil filter without a wrench.
To use a screwdriver, simply place the tip of the screwdriver under the lip of the filter and twist it until the filter comes loose. Be careful not to damage the gasket. A hammer may also be necessary to get the screwdriver started.
This method should be your last resort, as it is more likely to damage the gasket.