The regular oil change might be the most recognizable maintenance task done to today’s vehicles. As part of this service, the oil filter must be changed, but sometimes it gets stuck. Do you know how to remove an oil filter without a tool? We show you the steps you need to know.
How To Remove Oil Filter Without Tool (DIY Alternative Methods)
By Hand
If you want to know how to remove an oil filter without a wrench, consider the benefits of using your hand. It’s one of the simplest ways to remove an oil filter without a wrench.
Of course, you should always wear gloves and make sure you get a solid grip on the oil filter.
However, depending on where the filter is, you might not be able to grab it effectively.
If you have big hands and the filter is recessed, this method might not apply to your situation.
Before learning how to remove a stuck oil filter without a wrench, make sure you place the drain pan in the appropriate location.
If you are able to get the oil filter off, there will be oil leaking out of it when it’s removed. You also need to recycle the used oil as per the EPA guidelines.
By Using A Screwdriver
How do you remove an oil filter with a screwdriver? If all else fails, it’s best to grab a handy screwdriver and take matters into your own hands. This is your last-ditch effort to avoid visiting a mechanic.
- 1Get a good look at the filter and put the drain pan in an appropriate location.
- 2Jab the screwdriver into the side of the oil filter. However, don’t thrust full force into the filter. Try to hit the middle of the filter and avoid any other car part. The tip of the screwdriver should come through the other side.
- 3Allow the oil to drain out of the filter.
- 4Twist the filter off with the help of the screwdriver.
- 5Once it becomes loose enough, you should be able to remove it by hand.
By Using A Belt Strap
If you don’t have the right tools on hand, you can learn how to remove an oil filter housing without a tool. With cheap items, it’s simple to make the tool that’s needed. Just gather a belt and rubber strip or piece of sandpaper.
- 1Put the drain pan in the appropriate location.
- 2Wipe off any grease from the oil filter to avoid slipping with the belt.
- 3Position the belt around the filter’s end. Put the loose part through the buckle. Pull the end over the buckle once again so it makes a cinch.
- 4Put the sandpaper or rubber strip between the filter housing and belt.
- 5Pull on the looser end. Move in a counterclockwise direction.
- 6Continue pulling until the filter becomes loose enough to remove by hand.
Make Your Own Removal Tool
You can figure out how to remove an oil filter cap without a tool by using several items that are sitting around your house. For example, you could do it with a bandana and socket wrench.
- 1Fold the bandana. You should roll it until it looks like a strap.
- 2Circle the bandana and tie the ends into a square-shaped knot. Don’t make the strap too short.
- 3Slip the socket extension into the slackest knot part. You may need to loosen it.
- 4Tighten up the knot to make it secure on the socket extension.
- 5Put the drain pan in an appropriate location.
- 6Put the bandana on the filter.
- 7Twist your socket toward the filter. This pulls the strap tighter. Twist until it becomes tight.
- 8Attach a wrench to the extension and start turning.
- 9Once it’s loose enough, remove the filter by hand.
How To Remove Stuck Oil Filters Without A Wrench
With our steps listed above, you can learn how to remove a stuck filter without tools. Why do oil filters get stuck in the first place? It’s possible that you didn’t put a layer of oil on the O-ring, so now it is stuck. There’s also the chance that you tightened it too much when you installed it.
Either way, you will need some help to get it loose enough to remove by hand. Use the bandana or belt strap method before opting for the screwdriver option.
Oil Filter Removal Without Tools (Guide For Toyota, BMW & Harleys)
Toyota
If you want to remove a Toyota oil filter without a tool, you can use any of the methods listed above. It’s always best to start by hand and see if that works before investing a bunch of time in the other options. You might need to take different steps if you want to know how to remove a cartridge oil filter without a tool.
BMW
Do you want to know how to remove a BMW oil filter without a tool? When you perform a BMW oil filter removal without a tool, you want to be cautious not to hurt or damage any other component. BMW parts can be expensive, so you want to proceed carefully.
Harley/Motorcycle
If you want to know how to remove a motorcycle oil filter without a tool, you might find the process even easier. Removing a Harley oil filter without a wrench can take less time because of how simple it is to get your hands around the parts. In fact, it might take you longer to read about how to remove a Harley oil filter without a wrench than to actually do it.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Which way do you twist an oil filter off?
No matter which is the best way to remove an oil filter without a wrench, you will turn counterclockwise. Remember the saying, “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey,” which applies when working on most auto parts with threads.
Can you take an oil filter off and put it back on?
It’s not common to take the filter off and put it back on, but you can do it. It’s important that you check for leaks after reinstallation of the filter. If there are leaks, you want to fix the problem before heading out on the road.
Can I use the same oil filter twice?
Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil filter with every oil change. You should follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual. However, you could use it twice, but there’s no reason to. Oil filters are inexpensive, so there’s no reason to skip this step.
Conclusion
You don’t need a lot of time to figure out how to remove an engine oil filter without a tool. We’ve outlined the ways to remove an oil filter without a wrench, so you can choose what works best for you. Get the oil and filter changed, so your engine can continue performing at top levels.