Basic tools question

[WindyCityPilot]

I'm interested in what kind of oil filter wrench everyone uses? The steel band kind? The socket type that fits over the end of the oil filter? Saw a nice set in the Sear catalog that has 5 oil filter sockets for a reasonable price. This seems to be the way to go as opposed to the steel band type.

 

Also what kind of jacks does eveyrone use? I assume at least a 3 ton jack and jack stands. Are the standard 3-ton craftsman jack tall enough to jack up an '06 Z-71 high enough to get the wheels off the ground and jack stands under it? What is everyone method for jacking up the truck? How about a set of ramps?

 

Just curious as I'm going to be making a few purchases and just wanted to see what everyone is using.

 

Thanks!

[Nice rig]

I still use the old steel band type, works for me. I also have a Black Jack 3-ton floor jack and stands, I think I picked them up at wallyworld. The jack get's my truck high enough to get the tires off with more jack to spare.

[ZZebes]

I use my trusty hand wrench. Because if i lose my hand wrench than i have bigger things to worry about than an oil change

 

oh and i dont use a jack or jackstands since the truck is high enough off the ground to where i dont need it

[asepgrad98]

get a band wrench. the filter sockets are hit and miss depending on the brand of filter.

 

ramps are nice for oil changes but not required. As far as jack and stands go just wait until they have a sale somewhere, it doesnt matter if you dont use it everyday.

[cmoore74]

Do a search on first oil change. I have yet to do mine (I only have 4500 miles and the 1st one was free at the stealership), but i understand it is very messy when you pull the plug and filter. I understand getting the front end up on ramps or jack stands helps a bit.

 

I have been using the band type oil filter wrench. This works fine as long as the filter isn't socked on there too tight otherwise you can end up crushing the side of the filter. The filter sockets might be nice if they are not too expensive.

[different_seasons]

oh and i dont use a jack or jackstands since the truck is high enough off the ground to where i dont need it

 

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I've got all the lifting tools but I usually just wiggle under there with a pan and wrench. I prefer the socket type for oil filters.

[SoCalChris]

On my first oil change, I had to use the "Ghetto Filter Wrench", because the wrench I had didn't fit the truck's filter. I had already drained the oil, and the nearest place that would sell a compatible wrench was over an hour away. It was pretty late, and I had to work the next day, so I didn't want to spend 2 hours driving for a new filter wrench.

 

I preffer the type of filter wrench that goes on a socket. It is much more comfortable for me to use, and isn't as cramped as trying to use a steel band wrench under there.

 

What's a "Ghetto Filter Wrench"? Take a screw driver & hammer. Hammer the screwdriver through the side of the filter, and use the screwdriver as a handle to turn it.

 

[gmcjoe]

I use the steel band type wrench.

 

There is enough clearance in my 2000 GMC Sierra 4x4 that I never need a jack or stands to change the oil

[Wingnut]

I have a nylon strap on a rod, and it's taken off every type and size of filter I've ever had.

[97whitez71]

I use a steel band wrench that has a swivel on it. Works on every vehicle I have changed oil on. Allows you to swivel the handle in whatever position you need it in.

[asilverblazer]

Filter wrench, whats a filter wrench. I just use my hand, hand tight on every filter I got. I suggest on jack stands, the widest base available, harder to tump over, or use CMU blocks.

[gmcjoe]

Filter wrench, whats a filter wrench. I just use my hand, hand tight on every filter I got.  I suggest on jack stands, the widest base available, harder to tump over, or use CMU blocks.

 

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The Mobil 1 filters I use still have a little drip when they are hand tight.

Frams seem fine.

[saltwater_addict]

i use the nylon strap with 1/2" ratchet or hand mostly hand ive also had to use the screwdriver method mostly always hand

[TEE]

I use filter wrench but, I make sure IN THE STORE that it will fit my filter correctly...some brands are loose and ain't worth two dead flies.

[pm26]

I have a boxful of socket oil filter wrenches: I found this company online that was selling all different sizes for something like $ 2.50 a piece, so I bought all sizes they had. I have about 12 different ones.