b4i4getit

Is it acceptable to hand tighten the oil filter instead of using a filter wrench ? I do it this way on my other vehicles and have never had a problem with leaks or removal of the filter.

Too-Fast

I have always hand tightened only, for the past 42 years, and never have had a problem.

Cheesecake 07

Yes

3LZZ06

u1arunit

Yep!!!!!

clogan

Ditto; 46 years for me.

2k Cobra

Spec on my 07 is 18 foot lbs. I read it two times. That's more than I can do by hand.

db2xpert

Interesting. Putting filters on by hand for 50+ yrs. Sometimes have to use a tool to get them off.

GeorgeSSS

My understanding is that when you put the filter on by hand very snugly, the filter swells (by design) and makes a tight seal against the fitting. That's why you put it on by hand but usually need a wrench to get it off. Maybe an urban legend, but that's what I understand.

I've always put on the filter snugly by hand and never had a problem.

Carnac

I know that the general thought (and instructions) is to just hand tighten, however, I've always added about a 1/4 turn with a filter wrench after I get it snug by hand. Always careful not to crimp the filter. I've been doing this over 30 years, never a problem.

Jim

peterpiper

yes.. hand tite to 3/4 - 1 full turn after contact.

I do have to use a wrench to get them off.

-pp

Vette5.5

I used a wrench to tighten one down as a kid, but never again after that. Come oil change time, couldn't get if off to save my life, with any kind of filter wrench I had. Ended up driving a lugnut wrench through it, and even that was tough. Luckily, I had the room. Just goes to show you what can happen.

michaelinmech

Over 30 years - 42 years - 46 years - 50+ years . . . .

I think we have a GRAND PRIZE WINNER

50 + YEARS wins the 'how long have I been hand tightening oil filters sweepstakes' !!!

I'd rather if we didn't shake hands

dcamick

OVER 1 YEAR FOR ME!!!

GOLD72

Truth be known I do essentially the same thing. I run the filter up until I just feel the filter gasket making contact to the block pad. Then one full 360deg turn and then maybe another 1/8 to 1/4 turn more usually by hand for good measure. Never a problem with over 40 years of DIY wrenching.

PS - How's the Wild Weasel doing??

Uncle Meat

I've always hand-tightened my oil filters. The one time I used a wrench to snug it up I had to drive a screwdriver through the filter to get enough leverage to wrestle it back off...

U.M.

b4i4getit

The consensus is hand tighten. I see the dealer guys using a filter wrench to put them on. Its probably another story to get the filter off. Another reason not to go to a dealer.

'06 Quicksilver Z06

I hand tighten and sometimes if my hands are still a little greasy, will add 1/4 turn at most, with a wrench.

Never had any trouble getting them off using a wrench.

08VRZ06

Always have tightened by screwing filter on till gasket contact then 3/4 turn more. Never had one leak or come loose and never difficult to remove. Been changing my own oil for the past 40 years.......

Mark

383vett

I would have written the same thing.