Tool Review: Lisle 7-pc Offset Filter Wrench Set
When performing an oil change on a vehicle with a cartridge-style oil filter, a specialty socket or wrench is required to remove the oil filter cover and gain access to the filter itself. When that cover is tucked away in an area of the engine that is difficult to reach, however, the process becomes more challenging. The Lisle 7-pc Offset Filter Wrench Set was designed to eliminate that challenge.
“On certain cars, it's a lifesaver,” says Matt Fanslow, shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, Minnesota. “[The Lisle Offset Filter Wrench Set] saves a tremendous amount of time.”
Fanslow says the technicians at Riverside were skeptical when they first received the set, not knowing if they would find it useful. But after performing oil changes on several Mini Coopers, notorious for their difficult-to-reach oil filter position, they were sold.
“We've got a shared toolbox the shop owns, and all the stuff inside it is specialty tools, and this is in the top drawer because they use it a lot,” Fanslow says. “We have other kits that have a couple of the offset wrenches, but the [Riverside technicians] grab [the Lisle set]. They're not grabbing the other ones.”
The offset filter wrench set comes in a blow molded case with a nice latch to hold it closed, Fanslow notes, adding that both the wrenches and the slots in the case are marked with sizes so each one has a designated spot. The outside of the case features a picture of what the wrenches are used for, as well as a list of vehicles they can be used on.
“It's little stuff like that that we probably take for granted, but every little bit saves a little bit of time and keeps things organized,” he says.
Riverside Automotive is laid out in separate sections, Fanslow explains, and should another section of the shop have the need, he would gladly purchase another set of Lisle offset filter wrenches.
“We like that they're not overly-complicated, but they're built to do the task,” he says. “It's enough to do the job, it's not overkill. It does what it needs to do, and the price point is great ... if one of our other sections is starting to do more and more oil changes, we'll just buy another [set], we won't even hesitate.”
Fanslow had only positive things to say about the Lisle 7-pc Offset Filter Wrench Set, and the same can be said for the other technicians at Riverside Automotive.
“I grab [the set] and I see that it's got oily handprints all over it and it's been used,” he says. “I went around and asked everybody about it, and they say, ‘oh, that thing's great.’”
