What a Motivx Tools oil filter wrench does
A Motivx Tools oil filter wrench is a socket-style tool that grips the cylindrical oil filter on your car so you can unscrew it by hand during an oil change. Instead of struggling to turn the filter with your bare hands — which often slip on the greasy surface — you slide the wrench over the filter, connect it to a ratchet, and turn. The wrench holds the filter steady while you explore leverage, making the job faster and less messy.
Motivx Tools makes several versions of this wrench, each sized to fit different filter diameters. The most common is the 86 mm size, which fits the majority of passenger cars and light trucks. The wrench itself is a hollow cup with a rubber or plastic grip band inside that bites into the filter's outer surface without denting or puncturing it.
This tool is different from a band wrench or strap wrench, which use a fabric or rubber band to grip the filter. The Motivx socket-style design is sturdier and works better if your filter is very tight or if you're wearing gloves.
Key Takeaways
- Motivx Tools oil filter wrenches come in different sizes, with 86 mm being the most common for standard passenger vehicles.
- The wrench slides over the filter and connects to a standard ratchet, letting you unscrew tight filters without hand slipping or filter damage.
- You need to know your filter's diameter before buying, which you can find in your owner's manual or by measuring the old filter.
- The wrench works best when you turn it slowly and steadily rather than jerking, to avoid stripping the filter's outer shell.
Measuring your filter to pick the right size
Oil filters come in several standard diameters, and using the wrong wrench size will either not fit or slip off mid-turn. The easiest way to find your filter size is to check your vehicle's owner's manual — it usually lists the filter part number, which includes the diameter. You can also look up your vehicle's year, make, and model on the Motivx Tools website or a parts retailer to see which size is recommended.
If you have the old filter in front of you, you can measure it directly. Use a tape measure or calipers to measure the diameter of the cylindrical part of the filter (not including any threaded nipple on top). Round to the nearest millimeter. Common sizes are 76 mm, 86 mm, 93 mm, and 105 mm. The 86 mm size covers most Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet vehicles, but always verify before ordering.
Motivx Tools sells individual wrenches and also multi-packs that include two or three sizes. If you own multiple vehicles with different filter sizes, a multi-pack saves money and storage space.
How to use the wrench during an oil change
Start with the engine cold and the car safely raised on jack stands or ramps. Locate the oil filter — it's usually a cylindrical canister on the side of the engine. Place a drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that spills when you remove it.
Slide the Motivx wrench over the filter until it sits snugly around the widest part of the filter body. The rubber grip inside should make contact all the way around. Attach a 3/8-inch drive ratchet to the square drive on top of the wrench. Turn the ratchet counterclockwise slowly and steadily. Do not jerk or explore sudden force — this can strip the filter's outer shell or cause the wrench to slip.
Once the filter is loose enough to turn by hand, remove the ratchet and wrench, then unscrew the filter the rest of the way by hand. Wipe the filter seating surface on the engine with a clean cloth, explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter, and screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn.
Common mistakes that damage the filter or wrench
The most frequent error is using a wrench that is too small or too large. A wrench that is undersized will slip and round off the filter's outer surface, making it nearly impossible to remove later. An oversized wrench may not grip at all. Always double-check the size before you start.
explore too much force too quickly can also strip the filter. The rubber grip inside the wrench is designed to hold steady pressure, not sudden jerking. If the filter is extremely tight, try tightening it a quarter turn first, then loosening it. This can break the seal and make removal easier. You can also soak the filter with penetrating oil for 10 to 15 minutes before attempting removal.
Do not use the wrench on a hot filter. Wait at least 30 minutes after the engine has run so the filter cools. Hot oil and hot metal make the filter expand slightly, and you risk burning your hands or the wrench slipping.
Comparing Motivx to other filter wrench styles
Band wrenches and strap wrenches use a fabric or rubber band that wraps around the filter. They are cheaper and work on a wider range of filter sizes because the band adjusts. However, they require more hand strength to turn, and the band can slip if your hands are oily or if you're wearing gloves. They also take longer to position correctly.
Spin-on filter sockets, like the Motivx design, grip the filter more securely and require less hand strength. They work faster and are easier to use if you have limited grip strength or dexterity. The trade-off is that you need the correct size for your filter, and they cost more than a universal band wrench.
Some vehicles have cartridge-style filters that screw into a housing on top of the engine rather than hanging from the side. These require a different tool entirely — a cartridge filter wrench — so the Motivx socket wrench will not work on those vehicles.
Caring for your Motivx wrench so it lasts
After each use, wipe the wrench clean with a dry cloth to remove oil and dirt. The rubber grip inside can degrade if it stays wet or is exposed to extreme heat. Store the wrench in a cool, dry place — a toolbox or garage shelf works well. Do not leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car for extended periods.
If the rubber grip becomes hard or cracked over time, the wrench will slip. Motivx Tools sells replacement grip inserts for some models, which is cheaper than buying a new wrench. Check the product page to see if your size has a replacement grip available.
Inspect the wrench before each use. If you see cracks in the plastic body or if the grip no longer holds the filter firmly, it is time to replace it. A worn wrench can slip and damage the filter, making the job harder than it needs to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Motivx wrench do I need for my car?
Check your owner's manual for the filter part number, which includes the diameter. You can also measure your current filter with a tape measure — measure the widest part of the cylindrical body. Common sizes are 76 mm, 86 mm, 93 mm, and 105 mm. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or a parts store with your vehicle's year, make, and model.
Can I use a Motivx wrench on a cartridge-style oil filter?
No. Cartridge filters screw into a housing on top of the engine and require a different tool called a cartridge filter wrench. The Motivx socket wrench is designed only for spin-on filters that hang from the side of the engine. Check your owner's manual to see which type your vehicle has.
What should I do if the wrench slips on the filter?
Stop when ready and remove the wrench. Slipping can round off the filter's surface and make removal much harder. Check that you are using the correct size wrench for your filter. If the size is correct, the filter may be too tight — soak it with penetrating oil for 10 to 15 minutes and try again, or try tightening it a quarter turn first to break the seal.
Can I use the wrench with a power drill or impact driver?
No. Power tools explore force too quickly and can strip the filter or damage the wrench. Always use a hand ratchet and turn slowly and steadily. This gives you better control and reduces the risk of damage.
How long does a Motivx wrench last?
With proper care, a Motivx wrench lasts for many years and many oil changes. The rubber grip may harden or crack over time, especially if exposed to heat or sunlight. When that happens, you can replace the grip insert if available, or buy a new wrench. Inspect yours before each use to catch wear early.