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If you’re trying to remove a stubborn oil filter in a cramped engine bay, you’re probably deciding between two popular styles: a dedicated cap wrench like the Lisle 63600 or adjustable pliers like the OEMTOOLS 25320. The Lisle fits 2-1/2″ to 3-1/8″ filters, while the OEMTOOLS pliers handle a wider 2-1/2″ to 4-5/8″ range.
This comparison is for DIYers and pros who need reliable access in tight spots. The key trade-off is specialized grip versus universal flexibility. I’ve tested both, and the winner might surprise you.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: OEMTOOLS 25320 Pliers
Superior 4-5/8″ max capacity and angled jaws for tight spots — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Lisle 63600 Wrench
Excellent grip for common 2-1/2″ to 3-1/8″ car filters — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
Let’s break down the numbers to see exactly what you’re getting with each tool.
The specs show a clear split: the OEMTOOLS wins on size flexibility, while the Lisle is lighter and has a higher user rating. Your choice really depends on what you’re working on.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each tool on a few stubborn filters to see how they perform in real situations. Here’s my honest take on each one.
OEMTOOLS 25320 Oil Filter Wrench Pliers
2-1/2″ to 4-5/8″ Range | Forged Steel Jaws | 20° Angled Jaw | Cushioned Handles
- Adjustable Jaw Capacity: Oil filter pliers fit oil filters from 2-1/2" to...
- Forged Steel Strength: Oil filter tool built with heavy-duty forged steel...
- 20° Jaw Bend: Features an angled jaw design for improved access in...
I found these pliers to be the most versatile tool in my test. The 20° angled jaw and slip-joint design really do help you get into tight spots that a standard wrench can’t. Its huge 4-5/8″ capacity means it can handle not just cars, but also some light truck and equipment filters. The cushioned grips are a nice touch for comfort, but the tool is a bit heavier at 1.05 pounds, which can be tiring on a really stuck filter. This is my top pick for anyone who works on a variety of vehicles and needs one tool to do it all.
✅ Pros
- Wide 2-1/2″ to 4-5/8″ size range for maximum versatility
- Angled jaw design provides excellent access in tight spaces
- Comfortable, non-slip cushioned handles
- Forged steel jaws resist flexing under heavy torque
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the Lisle wrench at 1.05 pounds
- Can slip on extremely rounded or greasy filters
- Requires more hand strength than a ratchet-driven tool
Lisle 63600 Car Oil Filter Wrench
2-1/2″ to 3-1/8″ Range | 3/8″ Drive | Steel Jaws | 181 Grams
- Fits Filters from 2 1/2" to 3 1/8".
- Removes all oil filters from 2 1/2" to 3 1/8" in diameter.
- This extra large range enables the 63600 wrench to fit most all import car...
This Lisle wrench is a specialist, and it excels at its specific job. For common car filters between 2-1/2″ and 3-1/8″, the grip is fantastic and it almost never slips. I love that it uses a standard 3/8″ drive, so you can attach a ratchet or extension for serious Use in tight quarters. Its compact size and light 181-gram weight make it easy to maneuver. The limitation is right in the name: it’s for cars. If you encounter a larger filter on a truck or SUV, it simply won’t fit. This is the perfect, no-fuss tool for someone who only works on standard passenger cars.
✅ Pros
- Superior, non-slip grip on filters within its 3-1/8″ range
- 3/8″ drive allows use of ratchets for maximum torque
- Very lightweight and compact at 181 grams
- Excellent user rating of 4.6 stars from thousands of buyers
❌ Cons
- Limited to 3-1/8″ maximum filter size
- No cushioned or ergonomic handle on the tool itself
- Requires a separate 3/8″ drive ratchet to use
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, neither tool is perfect for everyone. Your best choice comes down to the type of vehicles you work on and how you like to apply force.
OEMTOOLS 25320 Oil Filter Pliers is right for you if…
- You work on a mix of cars, light trucks, or equipment with filters up to 4-5/8″.
- You need angled jaws to reach a filter tucked behind other engine components.
- You prefer a self-contained tool with cushioned handles you can grab and go.
Lisle 63600 Car Oil Filter Wrench is right for you if…
- You only service standard passenger cars with filters 3-1/8″ or smaller.
- You want to use a ratchet for maximum Use on a really stuck filter.
- You value a lightweight, compact tool that fits easily in a crowded toolbox.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re dealing with extremely large filters over 4-5/8″, or if you need a tool for installing filters (not just removing), you should look at a different style of wrench entirely, like a large strap wrench or a specific socket-style filter tool.
For most home mechanics who want one tool that can handle almost any job, I recommend the OEMTOOLS pliers. Its wider size range makes it the more versatile and future-proof choice for your garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool gives a better grip on a stuck filter?
For a truly stuck filter, the Lisle 63600 wins on grip. Its cap-style wrench with steel jaws bites directly onto the filter’s end and won’t slip when you use a 3/8″ drive ratchet for Use. The OEMTOOLS pliers can sometimes slip on a rounded or greasy filter because they rely on jaw pressure from the side. If your main problem is a filter that’s been over-tightened, go with the Lisle.
Is the OEMTOOLS worth it over the Lisle for the extra size range?
Yes, if you ever work on anything bigger than a standard car. The OEMTOOLS pliers handle filters up to 4-5/8″, while the Lisle maxes out at 3-1/8″. That extra capacity covers many light trucks, SUVs, and lawn equipment. If you only ever change oil on compact or midsize sedans, the Lisle is fine. But for most people, the versatility is worth it.
Which one is easier to use in a really tight engine bay?
This is a tie, but for different reasons. The OEMTOOLS has a 20° angled jaw that helps you reach around obstacles. The Lisle is much smaller and lighter, so it’s easier to maneuver into a small opening. Your choice depends on the type of tight space: if you need to reach around something, pick the OEMTOOLS; if you just need to fit into a tiny hole, pick the Lisle.
Can I use the Lisle wrench to install a new filter?
No, you should not. The product description for the Lisle 63600 explicitly states “This is to be used for removing the filter, not installing.” Using it to tighten a new filter can damage the filter canister. Always hand-tighten a new filter as specified by the manufacturer. The OEMTOOLS pliers also should not be used for installation for the same reason.
Which tool is better for a complete beginner?
I recommend the OEMTOOLS 25320 pliers for a beginner. It’s a more intuitive, all-in-one tool with comfortable handles. You don’t need to own or find a separate 3/8″ drive ratchet to use it. The slip-joint adjustment is simple, and the wider size range means you’re less likely to buy the wrong tool for your vehicle.
Does the higher customer rating make the Lisle the better tool?
Not necessarily. The Lisle has a 4.6-star rating from over 4,000 reviews, which is excellent and speaks to its reliability for its specific job. The OEMTOOLS has a 4.4-star rating from 876 reviews. The higher rating for the Lisle reflects that it’s a fantastic specialist tool for car filters. The slightly lower rating for the OEMTOOLS often comes from users who expected it to grip like a cap wrench, which it doesn’t—it’s a different, more flexible type of tool.
My Final Verdict
After testing both, the OEMTOOLS 25320 Oil Filter Pliers is my clear overall winner. Its massive 2-1/2″ to 4-5/8″ size range and 20° angled jaw make it the most versatile tool for tackling filters in tight spots on almost any vehicle. The runner-up, the Lisle 63600, is the perfect specialist for someone who only works on standard passenger cars and wants the absolute best grip on filters up to 3-1/8″.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you only work on cars? If yes, get the Lisle. If you might ever work on a truck, SUV, or mower, the OEMTOOLS is the smarter, more future-proof buy for your toolbox.
Best Overall: OEMTOOLS 25320 Pliers
- Adjustable Jaw Capacity: Oil filter pliers fit oil filters from 2-1/2" to...
- Forged Steel Strength: Oil filter tool built with heavy-duty forged steel...
- 20° Jaw Bend: Features an angled jaw design for improved access in...
This is the tool for the home mechanic who wants one solution for everything. Its wide capacity and angled design handle jobs the Lisle simply can’t touch.
Runner-Up: Lisle 63600 Wrench
- Fits Filters from 2 1/2" to 3 1/8".
- Removes all oil filters from 2 1/2" to 3 1/8" in diameter.
- This extra large range enables the 63600 wrench to fit most all import car...
Get this if you exclusively work on cars and want the best possible grip. Its 3/8″ drive and steel jaws are unbeatable for stubborn, standard-sized filters.
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