|
|
|
||||||||
|
UOFW Comparison to Common Oil Filter Wrenches
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Universal Oil Filter Wrench (UOFW) is a tool specifically designed to remove stubborn, hard-to-reach, and confined automobile oil filers of all sizes (foreign and domestic) without inducing dents or punctures to the filter. Features of the UOFW include: slim profile, powerful non-slip grip, multi-method tool rotation, and an adjustable quick-release/close attachment to the oil filter.
Below is a brief description of some of the difficulties normally experienced with commonly available oil filter wrenches and how the UOFW overcomes those problems.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Standard Band-type Filter Wrench
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The ubiquitous band wrench, oddly enough, is still the one most often found on store shelves. Thirty years ago before the engine compartment of an automobile became crowded with hoses, wires, sensors, and other structures; the classic band wrench was
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
a very good performer. In modern automobiles however, car designers have given placement of the oil filter little regard in order to accommodate additional engine parts in conjunction to producing compact cars with smaller engine compartments.
The major drawback of this wrench style (as well as those similar to it) is that it requires a considerable clearance surrounding the oil filter to allow the attached handle produce grip and eventually break the filter free. This excessive space requirement has in most cases rendered it practically unusable due to interference from engine crowding.
The UOFW however does not require a turning handle adjacent to the oil filter where objects can get in the way. Instead, the adjustable quick-release gripping clamp comforms to the contours of the oil filter with only the low-profile thumbscrew tightening mechanism against the outer canister skin. The user can then fit a ratchet wrench with a suitable extension bar (if necessary) to the top of the UOFW, leaving hands free of obstructions to remove the filter. The image below illustrates how a ratchet wrench with an extension bar attaches to the hex-shaped drive of the UOFW, and allows easy access to the oil filter. The oil filter in this picture is completely surrounded by the chassis frame rail, transmission pan and tubing.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(Click to view larger image)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Another disadvantage of the standard band wrench is the limited filter diameters one can attach to, usually requiring the purchase of at least two band filter wrenches of different ranges to accommodate a variety of filter sizes. The UOFW on the other hand is truly universal. Just one UOFW easily fits all spin-on oil filter sizes for motorcycles, automobiles and large trucks...foreign and domestic.
The problem of a handle getting in the way in a confined area espcially applies to two other common wrench designs... the chain wrench and pliers wrench.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Swivel-handle Band Wrench
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
This variation of the standard band wrench has a handle capable of folding upward or downward along the filter clamp to help the user avoid surrounding obstructions. Unfortunately, the area
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
around many oil filters is still too congested to allow a slight angle of the handle to do much good. Moreover, an angle of the handle anything less than 90 degrees perpendicular to the filter awkwardly shifts necessary turning power from the user's arm to his wrist. This incomfortable position is especially felt when the oil filter can only be reached at or near arm's length, which is usually the case, and can result with a knuckle-busting injury when the filter finally breaks free.
The UOFW applies its torque more efficiently and effectively at and around the central axis of the oil filter where it's ergonomically natural and safer for the user.
Like the standard band wrench, each swivel-handle wrench is limited to a certain range of filter sizes it can attach to, requiring once again the purchase of two wrenches of this type for the average range of filter diameters.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| page created with Easy Designer |