Fram Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench (model FA102) proves useful

Patrick: I think I may have found your "orphan." Not easy though, posted link below (SEE POSTS BELOW -- THIS FRAM WRENCH IS NOT THE ONE PATRICK IS POSTING ABOUT)

I was just sorting out my garage this past weekend (house full of four sister-in-laws, I had to escape) and was shaking my head at my collection of six different oil filter wrenches. It would be nice if I had purchased one that "did it all."

While looking for your elusive wrench, I did come across one spooky-looking wrench that may just work, I posted it below also.

Here's your orphan, first the link to the web page and then the photo:

Fram Oil Filter Cap Wrench, FM 102 - Walmart.com





There are actually several different versions of the spacey wrench I found on Amazon -- some with rubber "grippers" over the jaws, some not. Here is one of the cheaper ones:

At the moment, I am hoping I am good for the rest of my life with the wrenches I already own.

 

I have one of those gripper type oil filter wrenches. I have found them to be much easier to use, especially in tight quarters, if you put a large, thick rubber band, like the ones they use to hold bunches of asparagus together, around the jaws to make them "hold" onto the filter before you start to turn the wrench. Otherwise, especially if your filter is mounted to the side of the engine, the jaws just slip on the filter and don't grip.

 

Outrageously good idea about using a rubber band around the gripper jaws! Have not used one of those type wrenches, but could "see" the problem and "see" your solution.

Actually, don't know why, but in the past several years, most of the time I am able to remove the filters without using any wrench at all.

 

Steve, that image you have is the FM, not the FA102, which apperently, is very elusive out in the interwebs. A Google search only turns up a small image from an old eBay listing. Perhaps Patrick will post a picture of the one he has?

 

I'm going with the oversized filter an Ultra XG3600. It's easier to get a bigger filter off!

 

AAARRRGHH: -- DOPE SLAP --

Yes, I put up the wrong model number....and the FA 102 is even harder to find than the one I posted. I found that EBay pix. Not a lot of help, but I wonder if this Matco is a close match? Patrick?

ADJUSTABLE OIL FILTER WRENCHES OF636 | Matco Tools

 

big channel locks work good, but you will mangle the old filter.

also harbor freight sells oil filter pliers pretty cheap that work on most canister filters.

 

You may be more agile than I, but with the Prius, channel locks and the pliers (I have a pair) don't really have any room to grip -- of course, I am lying on my back with the car up on a two inch block of wood....anyway, as said, lately, I really don't need a wrench at all to remove the filters.

 

Old shade tree mechanic's trick: When you have a "cup" type filter wrench that slips on the filter. Add a couple of wraps of masking tape to the filter. Apply it sticky-side-out so it sticks to itself as you wrap it around. That way it adds further tack as it meets the filter wrench.