mlcrycc

I have always gone hand tight, plus about a quarter turn with the oil filter wrench. But I also have always put a thin coat of grease on the oil filter O-ring, as well as the threads, prior to re-install....

Has always worked for me with no issues....

Mudflap

I also go hand tight, and then a slight crank with a wrench for good measure since my hands are usually slippery.

GidyupGo

Here's what I do. I tighten it until it makes contact with the base. Then, I make a reference mark on the filter by scratching some of the paint off. Then, it gets 1 full turn and that is it. I use a strap wrench if my grip is lacking on that particular day.

mcburns36

Have you ever dented the filter using the wrench?

GidyupGo

No, it applies even pressure so it doesn't happen. Oh, it could if you had the strap down in the middle of the filter at it's weakest point instaed at the crimping on the end.

Nuke

You'd have to really torque it on tight to damage it with a strap wrench. As long as you're only tightening it less than 1 turn from hand tight, my answer would be no, you won't damage it. And ALWAYS put a film of oil on the gasket before installing and ALWAYS wipe any debris off the mating surface on the engine.

mlcrycc

Only when removing the factory installed filter....Just keep the strap wrench down toward the end of the filter, around the "ribbed" area as best as possible....[8D][8D]

User 113021

I stabbed the factory filter with a screwdriver and used that as leverage to get that damn thing off. I hand-tighten now, and so far so good.

onederful100

i go hand tight. till its snug, then a half turn more, that's whats recommended. but my hand's got the rhino death grip so sometimes hand tighten is too much.

ShadyNinja

-like my old auto shop teacher used to say

put them on by hand, you will be able to get them off by hand.