Derf00

I use the band wrenches that use a rubber type material instead of metal for the band itself. Better Grip.

You can also see if you can find a socket style filter wrench that fits filters that have the same size base your wrench fits. I have yet to find a filter that a properly sized socket style filter wrench can't get off.

Norm Peterson

I don't think I've ever crushed an oil filter by using a band wrench. Both of my band wrenches are all metal, and one of those was eventually DIY-modified to fit a much smaller diameter filter than the one it was originally purchased for.

Maybe that's because I set the band close to the end of the filter where the end of the filter provides maximum resistance to crushing?


Norm

dcarlinf1

On other cars I have used the screwdriver method but on my '11 GT I tighten by hand and loosen by hand. Motorcraft filters every time. I've done about 8 oil changes now and never a problem with the filter.

Simon1

The only time a filter has stuck on any of my cars is when a shop put the filter on too tight. I only put them on by hand, I take them off by hand. And I only change my oil about one time a year.

Nuke

I've been doing oil changes since the 70's and for the past 20-30 years, I've owned anywhere from 2 to 5 vehicles. The only times I crushed a filter or used the screwdriver method were on 2 or 3 factory-installed, torqued by a gorilla filters. As Norm stated, I seem to have no issues, even with tight filters, using an all metal band type wrench applied near the end of the can.