Filter wrench recommendation

[CndUltra88]

Simple enough right?
Welp, it was time to change the oil on the new to me fuggly 
Drained the cc and the transmission oils and wiped the underside installed two new o-rings.
Well, when I went to the other side of the bike and fumbled with a couple of extensions and the ratchet and the stupid end cap wrench I have been using for a number of years.
FFS, the last monkey musta used an impact gun to install that filter cause it wouldnt budge
Checked that I had the cut-away indexed and yup all good there.
Tried it again and it moved, but I was tightening it (rightie tightie).
Sooo, flipped the switch and gave it a go and then, pop the dam thing breaks on me.
Four piddley spot welds was all that was holding this together and being Good Friday and all everything was closed for the day
Anyways, just venting cause as I have said in the past I like to fix things till they break:)
So, if anyone has a fav tool to share that will work on the fuggly please chime in.
I'm paying the Harley tax in the morning, unless someone has a better tool of choice.
Rob

[Ohio HD]

I like these from Rivco. Just be sure to check your wrench to fender clearance before giving it a big grunt on a stuck filter.


https://rivcoproducts.com/shop/harley-davidson/hd-021/

[Panzer]

Try this 88.
I use it and it works for me.

                     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Davidson-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Guar-for-Life-76mmx14flute-XL-most-all-bikes/222352927126?hash=item33c5446996:g:dSAAAOxyhs9RBzzf

Local auto supplies might have them cheaper.

[PoorUB]

Any auto parts store will have a cap wrench to fit the HD oil filter. You might have to cut out a notch to clear the crank sensor. In your case I would grab a new filter and head to the parts store and buy a steel cap wrench that fits. When you get back home, unscrew the crank sensor, slip a thin cloth rag over the filter and force the filter wrench on over the rage covered filter. The rag will take up the clearance and make the wrench fit tighter. Then use a ratchet or breaker bar of your choice and turn it lefty-loosey or counter clockwise, while crossing your fingers and toes. If this don't get it then good luck. You have ventured into the Big F'n Hammer, screw driver into the filter zone, with the required cussing a swearing.

[thumpr54]

sometimes a lowly strap wrench is handy......

[kd]

    If the filter is real tight they will sometimes dent the canister making it hard to find a new position but then there's always the hammer and screw driver method PoorUB mentioned.

[PoorUB]

I have never had any luck with a strap wrench on a over tightened filter. The strap wrench just crushes the filter.

[bobo]

for stubborn oil filters I have had good luck with this 63500 "Big Range" Filter Wrench lisle tools
hope this helps

[kd]

I have never had any luck with a strap wrench on a over tightened filter. The strap wrench just crushes the filter.

I have a few types and a stiff metal one seems the best.

[HogMike]

I've got a couple sizes of these:
KD I think, been using them for years.

[CndUltra88]

Any auto parts store will have a cap wrench to fit the HD oil filter. You might have to cut out a notch to clear the crank sensor. In your case I would grab a new filter and head to the parts store and buy a steel cap wrench that fits. When you get back home, unscrew the crank sensor, slip a thin cloth rag over the filter and force the filter wrench on over the rage covered filter. The rag will take up the clearance and make the wrench fit tighter. Then use a ratchet or breaker bar of your choice and turn it lefty-loosey or counter clockwise, while crossing your fingers and toes. If this don't get it then good luck. You have ventured into the Big F'n Hammer, screw driver into the filter zone, with the required cussing a swearing.

Thanks PoorUB, I was at my local autoparts store and they had a few choices.
Problem is they aint like PePZone or Autoboyz and the choices they offer.
I'll have to wait till Saturday for the turning of the key ceremony and pay the Harley Tax for a few cap wrench:(
I do appreciate you guys listening to my tales of woe and the choices you mention.
I hope I do not need the BFH and screwdriver while trying not to bite my tongue off.
Thanks Guys for humoring me this evening.
Rob

[98fxstc]

I have one similar to these

Quite a few varieties in bi-directional and counter clockwise rotation
I cut a few short pieces of rubber hose to slip over each leg to assist grip
I also have the 'Wench' that Brian showed.
I use it to start the really tight ones but find range of movement is very limited.

[Breeze]

PoorUB's  tip about using a rag between filter and cap wrench, works like a charm. I don't even try to loosen the filter before using a piece of old t-shirt to shim things up.

[Helmwurst]

Yea the same dumbarss that changed mine musta have changed your filter too !!!! What is up with these "Certified Techs" ? I go 1/2 turn after gasket contact, that's it !! Never had one come loose and they do not leak. Comes off pretty easy months later with the overpriced HD filter wrench.

[cbumdumb]

I have one similar to these

Quite a few varieties in bi-directional and counter clockwise rotation
I cut a few short pieces of rubber hose to slip over each leg to assist grip
I also have the 'Wench' that Brian showed.
I use it to start the really tight ones but find range of movement is very limited.

That is what I used my fuglies works good.

[nibroc]

I use large channel locks

[Norton Commando]

I use large channel locks

Yep me too, for those odd occasions where the filter was over-tightened during installation.

Jason

[Hossamania]

I've got a couple sizes of these:
KD I think, been using them for years.

This is what I use as well. I've not had a problem with it crushing the filter, and I tend to overtightened filters, I've seen two spin off while riding over the years, though I don't think I go much more than 3/4 turn after contact. They are tight on removal, but not ridiculous.
I think if kept toward the end of the filter, there will be less chance of crushing it, as the end cap adds strength.

I use large channel locks

How do you get them in there with an oil cooler? I'm always surprised how tight it  is in there.

[kd]

That's similar to the style of band wrench I use too.  Having an OEM oil cooler nixes the channel lock option.

[rigidthumper]

I use the one from HD, got a can of plasti-dip, and cleaned/scuffed/sprayed the inside- after it cures, will grip/spin the ones installed by conan the caveman.

[Tynker]

Try this 88.
I use it and it works for me.

                     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Davidson-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Guar-for-Life-76mmx14flute-XL-most-all-bikes/222352927126?hash=item33c5446996:g:dSAAAOxyhs9RBzzf

Local auto supplies might have them cheaper.

I also use this cap wrench. However what do is drill a small hole in the side of the cap wrench, and insert a 1/2" sheet metal screw in the cap and filter,and I have never had a problem removing the filters, even on a new bike, where they use a impact wrench to install dry.

[Jackpine_Savage]

I like these from Rivco. Just be sure to check your wrench to fender clearance before giving it a big grunt on a stuck filter.


https://rivcoproducts.com/shop/harley-davidson/hd-021/

Second this... good wrench and good tip on fender.

[Norton Commando]

Having an OEM oil cooler nixes the channel lock option.

Yeah you're right, not to mention that the regulator rectifier is in the way, too.

Jason

[Jim Bronson]

Next time use a K&N with the nut on the end. I've never had a problem with those.

[88b]

I like these from Rivco. Just be sure to check your wrench to fender clearance before giving it a big grunt on a stuck filter.


https://rivcoproducts.com/shop/harley-davidson/hd-021/

That's what I use on HD filters, the later TC Baggers with the oil cooler is virtually impossible to do without it. I had one with a Hiflo filter which is smaller that took a lot of getting off .

[Moparnut72]

When I did the 5,000 service I had a helluva time getting the filter off. The dealer did the 1,000 mile service. The resident gorilla must have put the filter on. I used  the end cap socket type off filter wrench. It slipped badly as it didn't fit very well. I borrowed my Indy's wrench to get it off. Now I still use the socket style cap that goes over the end of the filter. I cut a piece out of the plastic bag that I carried the filter an oil home in and place it in the cap. It tightens it right up and works fine. Those sheet metal cap type don't work worth a damn. I use HyFlo filter, the K&N would be nice but their rating has dropped  in recent history.
kk

[Ohio HD]

I think the resident gorilla just doesn't oil the gasket. They stick pretty good if you don't.

[CndUltra88]

Got the filter off after paying the harley tax.
Which really wasnt that bad at $14.00 Canadian, considering the local auto parts store was the same and it wouldnt fit the Harley Filter.
Popped the old off eazy peazy and screwed the new one back on.
What I noticed about the old on they used 4 points of contact for spot welds the Harley has six points of spot weld.
Guess my original had served me well since 2003...but, the wind therapy felt good after re-filling the empty crank case.
Thanks for lending an ear and the offers of other tools.
Really helped guys.
Rob

[Boe Cole]

Makes me wonder if they oiled the rubber o ring before the installed the filter.  Could be the whole thing was installed dry and time/heat did the rest.....

[Phu Cat]

I'v Used the 3/4 turn after contact for every car and bike I've Owned since 1970.  But the change I made that makes the biggest difference is relocating the filter to behind and below the left rear floor board.  No mess and it's easy to get to.  When installing the filter I spin it easy until it just makes contact with the filter base, then make a mark on the filter case at 3 o'clock then continue tightening it until the mark I made gets to 12 o'clock and I'm done.

PC

[kd]

I'v Used the 3/4 turn after contact for every car and bike I've Owned since 1970.  But the change I made that makes the biggest difference is relocating the filter to behind and below the left rear floor board.  No mess and it's easy to get to.  When installing the filter I spin it easy until it just makes contact with the filter base, then make a mark on the filter case at 3 o'clock then continue tightening it until the mark I made gets to 12 o'clock and I'm done.

PC

Don't you mean 9 o'clock?   Righty tighty 

[Hossamania]

9 o'clock Canadian, 3 o'clock US.

[kd]

   ... but I'm in your time zone. 

[Jeevz]

I'v Used the 3/4 turn after contact for every car and bike I've Owned since 1970.  But the change I made that makes the biggest difference is relocating the filter to behind and below the left rear floor board.  No mess and it's easy to get to.  When installing the filter I spin it easy until it just makes contact with the filter base, then make a mark on the filter case at 3 o'clock then continue tightening it until the mark I made gets to 12 o'clock and I'm done.

PC

Don't you mean 9 o'clock?   Righty tighty 

I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.  Pretty sure 3 to 6 to 9 to 12 = 3/4 of a turn clockwise.   

[kd]

    Oooops   I missed the 3/4 turn part.      I don't know why but I also assumed it was a Flo style reusable filter.  Maybe because me and many others use those with our relocated filters and I imagined it.   The Flo style aluminum filter body has a thin o-ring that won't take a 3/4 turn.     My apologies.

Now I'm wondering why Hoss didn't pick that up.     He likes to beat on us road glide folks when we leave an opening .... as seldom as that is. 

[PoorUB]

He isn't that quick. Give a day or two and he will come up with some comment about you Road Gliders!

[thunderrat]

"sometimes a lowly strap wrench is handy......"


I agree,  works every time (I hope I just didn't jinx myself )