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cheap oil filter wrench

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Sep 7, 2019.

  1. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    When I changed the oil in our c a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that it’s the first car we’ve owned in decades that didn’t work well with my universal pliers-type filter wrench.

    I found a cheap cap/socket type wrench that fits better, so I’m more ready for the next one. I bought it from amazon. No brand name, but a search for “64mm 14 flute filter wrench” found it. $8.08 at the time of posting.
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Not sure why people tighten their filters on too tight in the first place, but... My strong fingers are cheaper than your cheapest oil filter wrench... Or if my fingers aren't enough I lasso the oil filter with a rope in a slip knot which holds it tight via turning it. In which case my cheap rope is cheaper than your filter wrench.
     
  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I’ve only done it the once, loosening somebody else’s tightening. Next time is when I first get to see how bad it is to undo my own work. It didn’t seem like there was much room for a thick glove, and I typically do the job “hot.” But yeah, it’s possible that I actually bought an $8 insurance policy.
     
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Yeah... I've no idea how you could get a good grip on an oil filter with a glove on. And yea, I change my oil when hot... Guess I got thick skin? :) Mostly I just love that moment when I'm doing the final hand tightening on the new filter when there's a battle in me to want to go tighter but trying to stop myself...
     
  5. iceman13

    iceman13 Member

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    I use a cap style wrench which attaches to a 3/4 ratchet extension. It has to be a 64mm spec cap for this filter. I bought it from PepBoys for about $10 or less a couple years ago. I only use it to remove the filter. I hand tight the new one. I’ve done like 3 oil changes by now and it’s a breeze.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Honda's socket size is the same. Really heavy gauge plate.

    I'm not sure what the torque value for the c oil filter, but I don't think you could achieve it with bare hands, unless you're the Hulk, lol.

    Would it be the same instruction as the 2nd gen Prius?

    Anyway, some info in the attached, fro regular 2nd and 3rd gen Prius.
     

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    #6 Mendel Leisk, Sep 7, 2019
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2019
  7. iceman13

    iceman13 Member

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    The thing is I don’t use the wrench because it kinda sticks to the filter sometimes. I use skintight gloves that have like a rubber coating so I can apply good torque without having to properly grip the whole filter. Found them for like 5 dollars at Home Depot.
     
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  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    No clue what the other Toyotas used. My c has an ordinary spin-on can, oriented vertically. There’s an access plate in the middle of the splash shield, and not a lot of room around the sides of the filter.
     
  9. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Your universal pliers-type filter wrench may become handy again someday. I had Honda spec oil filter wrench I bought for my old HCH which also works on my Prius cartridge type and our Nissan OEM filter. So, when my son's CRZ needed the first oil change, I thought I was ready. I had Honda OEM filter I bought for HCH which I knew works on any other Honda. I had the drain plug removed and was ready to remove the filter next. Although it was the first oil change since my son bought it used, it had an oil filter changed with no name aftermarket one. Thinking the compatible aftermarket oil filter would have the same shape as OEM, I tried to fit the HONDA filter wrench. Lo and behold, it would not fit. I could not get the filter off barehand. I had to quit the process in a middle and go to get a wrench that would fit. Guess what wrench I ended up buying? Yes, a universal pliers-type filter wrench. It did the job.
     
    #9 Salamander_King, Sep 7, 2019
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2019
  10. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    The socket I just got is only the third filter wrench I ever bought. I got one of the plier-type universals in 1992. I bought a second exactly like it after my tools were stolen in 2009, and now this special one for the Toyota. Took care of a lot of cars with just the one.
     
    Salamander_King likes this.
  11. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Who'd a thought an oil filter tool discussion is such an engagement winner? And how tightened is tight when you put that new oil filter on? ------> It's the moment of truth when it comes to one day later taking it off. And OEM torque values are near hand tightening and untightening...