Advice on wrenches for oil changes.

[ryley]

Well I am helping out at a shop to gain experience, and hopefully a job there.

We do a fair few oil changes, mostly 13-14mm wrenches have been needed. I will pick up a Snap on 13–14 mm 0° Offset Metric Box Wrench, I was wondering what other common sizes for drain plugs. I think there was a 17mm for trucks, but didn’t do that many of them.

I have everything else, I just like some tools that will make it easier. i just grab two wrenches when it comes to the 13/14mm drain plugs. kind of sucks.

Thanks.

Topic

[Larry Bible]

For your purpose, make those box ends six point. as far as other sizes go, you will just have to wait and see. If you are only doing late models, metrics will probably cover it.

What about oil filter tools?

Good luck on landing the permanent job. Just pay attention, work hard and do quality work. A good attitude goes a long ways.

[ryley]

Ok, thanks.

I have use of the shops pliers style oil filter wrench.

Thanks, if nothing else I am learning a great deal, and fun to work there. I hate slide pins that are sized. It feels like a waste of time to try and fix it. I have always just got new calipers. but good to know how to. Heck I am questioning my work more the the tech that work there.

[Bluesnut]

Some Fords will require a 5/8 or 15 MM all depending.

[James O’Hara]

I would suggest that you get Blue Point Oil Filter Claw – FWA62121A There are 2 different versions of these you want the one I listed as it opens up larger Mac also makes one but, I feel the Snap-On is the sturdiest of them all (seen every other brands broken except Blue Point). If you are doing big rigs there is also this one Mac OFH160 Filter Claw 3 3/4″ – 6 1/2″ I would suggest a strap wrench but, if you are going to buy one buy the heavy duty one like this: Mac L60200 Heavy duty Strap Wrench

Another thing you might want to get is a form a funnel but, that is more of a luxury then needed. If you are going to be doing a whole lot of them I would suggest though this is also another luxury. OTC 5961 Drain Plug Pro Tool Kit This is mainly for hot oil changes though if you are quick enough you can knock the oil caddy over and not need one of these (yes i did that twice, second time i waited till the car drained all the oil out cause at that why not)

Fords are normally 13, 14, 15, 16 mm. There are not too many fractional drain plugs any more and most are ones metric will fit on. If you are doing big rigs you will need pipe plug male/female, hex/allen mm and fractional up to 1 7/16″, channel locks (aftermarket bs).

Here is a list of things to work towards if you are becoming a lube tech MDK22’s LOF tool list I suggest reading that thread from start to finish and watching the videos that are linked on youtube. It will give you a lot of basic knowledge to give ya a good foundation.

[Dave]

GMs are usually 15, some 14.
Dodge has some 16mm, imports have some 17 or 18mm and typically 13 or 14mm.
If you do pick ups or cube vans you might use 3/4, 13/16 and 7/8.
I find the extra long double box wrench with 14mm and 17mm to be useful.

[ryley]

Thank you for all the help. Yeah still building my tool chest. picked up a tool chest and some sockets this week. I am very good at hunting down deals.

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