Craftsman Oil Filter Wrenches: A First Oil Change Made Easy

A jaw wrench (like the 3-jaw) sits over the end of the filter. As you turn it with a ratchet, the metal jaws close in and grip tighter. It needs access to the bottom of the filter but very little side room. Locking oil filter pliers work like big adjustable pliers that clamp around the filter body and lock, so you can twist hard without them slipping. They need some room to swing the handles.

A band wrench has a steel strap that loops around the filter and tightens as you pull the handle. A swivel handle lets the handle angle away from the band so you can reach filters tucked behind other parts. Band wrenches fit a narrow range of sizes, so you must match the size to your filter. Check your filter’s diameter (or look it up by your car’s make and model) before you buy.

The CRAFTSMAN Oil Filter Wrench, model CMMT98352, is a 3-jaw design with a universal fit for oil filters from 2 to 4-1/2 inches in diameter, the widest range in this group. Its metal jaws grip the filter tightly as you apply torque with a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch drive ratchet.

It is built from heat-treated carbon steel with a powder-coated red finish, and at 6.9 inches long, its compact, low-profile design is made for gripping in confined areas. Because you turn it with a ratchet rather than by hand, you can get a lot of leverage with little movement, which helps on cars where the filter is hidden behind other parts.

This is the pick if you already own a socket set and want one wrench that fits most cars in the driveway. You do need a ratchet, and access to the end of the filter. If you plan to add power tools later, our guide to the Craftsman 1/2-inch impact wrench covers the next step up, though oil filters should always be loosened by hand-controlled tools.

High score Our score: 9.6/10

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CRAFTSMAN Locking Oil Filter Pliers, Adjustable, Pliers for Automotives (CMMT98303)

9.6/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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CRAFTSMAN Locking Oil Filter Pliers

Best for: Stuck filters on many vehicles

Pros

• Adjustable 2.5 to 4.5 inch jaws
• Locking grip
• Dipped comfort handles
• Full Lifetime Warranty

Cons

• Needs room to swing handles

The CRAFTSMAN Locking Oil Filter Pliers, model CMMT98303, have adjustable jaws that fit filters from 2.5 to 4.5 inches (64 to 116 mm). The locking action lets you clamp onto the filter and then focus all your effort on turning, instead of squeezing.

The handles are dipped for comfort and a secure grip, and the pliers carry a Full Lifetime Warranty. The listing gives a weight of 0.27 grams, which is clearly a listing error for a steel tool, and lists a “cutting width” of 4.5 inches that actually refers to jaw capacity.

These are the most forgiving choice for beginners: they fit nearly every passenger car filter, need no ratchet and work well on stubborn filters that are overtightened or stuck. They need some room around the filter body to open and swing the handles.

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CRAFTSMAN CMMT14121 cm Oil Filter Wrench (L), Red

8.6/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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CRAFTSMAN CMMT14121 cm Oil Filter Wrench

Best for: Trucks and SUVs with larger filters

Pros

• Fits 3-3/4 to 4-3/8 inch filters
• Swivel handle for tight spaces
• Dimpled auto-adjusting band
• Comfort grip

Cons

• Narrow size range

The CRAFTSMAN CMMT14121 cm Oil Filter Wrench is the large band wrench. Its stainless-steel, auto-adjusting band fits oil filters from 3-3/4 to 4-3/8 inches. The band is dimpled for extra grip on the filter, and the swivel handle angles to reach tight spaces. A comfort grip handle makes it easier to hold.

At 8.9 inches long, it is the longest tool here, which adds leverage. Its size range suits larger filters often found on trucks and SUVs, but always check your filter size first, since band wrenches do not stretch beyond their range. It is a good match for someone who does oil changes on one larger vehicle and wants a simple hand tool.

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CRAFTSMAN CMMT14119 Small Oil Filter Wrench

8.4/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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CRAFTSMAN CMMT14119 Small Oil Filter Wrench

Best for: Compact cars with small filters

Pros

• Fits 2-7/8 to 3-1/4 inch filters
• Grips without crushing filter
• Swivel handle
• Dimpled steel band

Cons

• Narrow size range
• Too small for truck filters

The CRAFTSMAN CMMT14119 Small Oil Filter Wrench is the small band wrench, with an auto-adjusting stainless-steel band for filters from 2-7/8 to 3-1/4 inches. The description adds that a unique yoke and link assembly provides a firm grip without crushing the filter, and that swivel tension adjusts easily on the handle.

It has the same dimpled band, swivel handle and comfort grip as the large version, in a shorter 7.4-inch length. It suits compact cars and smaller engines with small filters. For a household with both a small car and a truck, the small and large band wrenches together cover a wide spread of sizes, or the locking pliers can cover both.

First, let the engine cool a bit so the oil is warm but not hot, and place a drain pan under the filter. Turn the filter counterclockwise (left) to loosen it. If it will not budge by hand, fit your wrench as close to the base of the filter as you can, where the metal is strongest, and apply steady pressure rather than jerky force.

Locking pliers and the 3-jaw wrench give the most grip on a truly stuck filter. Once it breaks loose, finish unscrewing by hand and tip it upright to avoid spills. When you install the new filter, lightly coat the rubber gasket with fresh oil and tighten by hand as the filter instructions direct; overtightening is what makes filters stick next time. If you also service air filters on bikes or small engines, a dedicated air filter cleaner is worth keeping in the same garage kit.