How to Tighten Oil Filter

When working on a car, it is essential to know how to tighten an oil filter. This blog post will help you learn the steps for how to tighten oil filter and what tools you need in order to do so. The first step in this process is making sure that the area around the vehicle is clean and clear of any obstructions.

Next, take off your gloves and put them in your pocket or somewhere where they can’t get dirty or hinder your work. After this, remove any filters from the engine, such as air cleaners, fuel filters, etc. Before moving on to removing the old oil filter from its housing by unscrew it with a wrench or ratchet handle if there isn’t one already attached to it. Once this has been done, please take out the old filter and set it to the side. Read on to know more!

10 Ways on How to Tighten Oil Filter

1. Oil Filter Wrench:

Perhaps the most common method on how to tighten an oil filter is an oil filter wrench. An oil filter wrench grips the edges of a metal or plastic oil filter housing with ridged teeth to be turned in either direction. It’s always best to use two wrenches when changing an oil filter, one on the top of the old filter and another on the bottom of the new filter.

Make sure that you do not use an oil filter wrench too tightly because the housing might break. Using an oil filter wrench is a quick way to tighten an oil filter or remove it from its holding bracket. You can also easily find one at any automotive store near you.

2. Bolt and Wing Nut:

You can also use a bolt and wing nut to tighten an oil filter. To do so, first, remove the old filter from its holding bracket by removing the drain plug of the oil pan. Next, clean out all of the leftover debris under where you will be working before putting back in place. Then put your new oil filter on the bracket and use the wing nut to tighten it.

3. A Chain:

Yes, you can use a chain to tighten an oil filter! This is made possible because most old oil filters are attached using bolts or screws instead of wrenches or clamps. Use two chains for this method, one on each side of the filter.

The chain folds over itself when tightened to its maximum point, thus drawing the oil filter. Make sure that you are careful in this method because you do not want to scratch your car’s metal parts.

4. A Bungee Cord:

Bungee cords are made of high-strength rubber fiber cords that have hooks on each end. If you have one lying around your car, then this method is a great idea. Use it to tighten an oil filter instead of getting another tool from the toolbox! First, hook the bungee cord over the top and bottom ends of the oil filter housing after you remove it from its original holding bracket. Then pull each end until both ends of the oil filter are securely tightened.

5. Cable Tie Method:

This is perhaps the quickest on how to tighten oil filter. First, get a new cable tie, cut off its head and place it over the oil filter housing. Next, pull both ends of the cable tie to securely tighten around the housing while pulling up with one hand and down with another. Watch out for sharp edges on the oil filter housing. This method is also ideal for those who do not want to go through the trouble of carrying an extra tool around the car.

6. Pliers Method:

This method uses a pair of standard household pliers. You can use this on plastic and metal oil filters alike so it’s appropriate for most situations. First, use the pliers’ ridged teeth to grip both sides of the oil filter housing once you remove it from its original bracket. Make sure that you do not place too much pressure when using this method or break your housing. Then turn the oil filter in either direction until it is completely tightened.

7. A Hammer:

A hammer can be used to remove an old oil filter, but you can also use it to tighten one too! Use a sledgehammer for this method because it’s much stronger than the average hammer that you have in your house.

Hit the hammer’s head several times over the oil filter housing to tighten it as much as you can. You can use this method on plastic or metal oil filter housings, so feel free to alternate between the two. Just make sure that you do not crack your oil filter housing before you tighten it completely.

8. A Screwdriver:

You can simply use a screwdriver to tighten a loose metal or plastic oil filter housing but remember not to overdo it. Instead, use the screwdriver to gently turn the oil filter housing in either direction until you feel that it is securely tightened. Make sure that you are using a flathead screwdriver for this method because its blade is stronger than other kinds of screwdrivers.

9. A Pair of Vise-Grips:

Vise grips, also known as locking pliers, can be used in tightening a new oil filter. However, you would not want to use the same vise grips that you use for twisting and turning screws because they might slip and scratch your car’s housing.

Use a medium-sized pair of vise grips instead. Grip the oil filter housing below the rim with one set of pliers while gripping it on top of its ridge with another set. The vise grips should be locked in place, then turn the housing towards you to tighten it.

10. A Long Pipe:

For this method, you can use a metal pipe that is the same size as the oil filter housing. You will need to use both your hands to tighten it securely. Use one hand to hold down the top rim and another to turn it in either direction until the filter is tightly secured. Be careful when using this method because the pipe is very long, and it could hurt someone if they get hit by it.

Some Tips and Suggestions

1. Make sure you have the correct oil filter for your car.

2. If it is a new installation, make sure not to overtighten the oil filter, which can cause damage.

3. Use a torque wrench to tighten it to 8ft/lbs.

4. Use a socket wrench to tighten it more than 8ft/lbs (be careful of the plastic).

5. Be sure not to wash or wipe off any oil films on the rubber gasket, which will ruin any seal.

6. You do not need to use a new washer; the original one will work.

7. If your car is leaking oil from the oil filter gasket, tighten it until you cannot turn it anymore, and then back it off a half-turn.

Conclusion

After reading this, you’ll know how to tighten oil filter properly. It’s essential for your car engine and should be done by a qualified person with the right tools. Remember, don’t over-tighten! The last thing anyone wants is something metal in their eye because they were trying to save money on replacing an old dirty filter that was overdue for replacement. We hope you found the information in this blog post helpful. If there are any comments, questions, or concerns, please let us know, and we will respond as soon as possible!