Oil filter wrenches

Replacing the oil and filter is one of the most important maintenance jobs owners can still carry out themselves on modern cars. As service intervals get ever longer, some drivers prefer to change the lubricant more frequently than the manufacturer recommends. The theory is that doing so cannot harm the engine, and that it may even reduce wear as it means the oil is always performing at its best.

A key part of ensuring the oil is working properly is renewing the filter. This is the innocuous little can tucked out of the way round the back of the block, and it works non-stop to strain millions of tiny pieces of metal swarf and burned carbon. Without it, your engine would wear out much sooner.

Although filters are only fitted hand-tight, removing them will take a great deal more effort - and this is where the filter wrench comes in.

Before buying, you need to check the size of your filter and where it is. The latter is most important because clearance - or lack of it - around the filter will often determine the type of wrench you need. Where there is room, using a simple steel-band type (some of which are adjustable) with a long handle is probably best. Where space is restricted, however, you will need to look at a wrench which turns by using a ratchet and extension - either a tripod type or a product that has a nylon strap to grip the filter.

Also available are chain wrenches, although these are quite fiddly. And because the chain has to be kept lubricated, they can be messy to use.

So which are the products to twist and shout about? We headed into the workshop with seven of the leading tools, plus an oily filter, to find out.

A scrap Vauxhall Astra filter and housing was at the heart of this test. We secured it in a vice, then tried to remove the 75mm filter - a common size - once when it was dry, and again smeared in oil.

Filter wrenches are notoriously awkward to use, so we were looking for a product that would grip and turn easily, without slipping or needing frequent adjustment.

Verdict

With these tools, your choice will depend heavily on the amount of space you have and the diameter of your car's oil filter.Where there's room to spare, even if it's only a quarter of a turn, Draper's OFW100 is still the best bet. But the ITC wrench isn't far behind, and would do the job nearly as well.
If space is at a premium, then a strap is the answer - and the Clarke CHT245 would definitely be our weapon of choice.