Do you actually need a oil filter wrench to change your oil?

Can't I just use my hand?Do you actually need a oil filter wrench to change your oil?
if it's properly torqued, you won't be able to turn it with your hand (at least, not at first). as i throw away the old oil filter anyway, i just stab it with a screwdriver, break the torque, then screw it off by handDo you actually need a oil filter wrench to change your oil?
Simplistically, yes, you may be able to use your hand to


REMOVE a used oil filter, but there are several reasons that a filter wrench should be used. First. if you are changing your oil when the engine is hot, you might get burned grabbing a hot oil filter. Second, when a filter is put on new, it is tightened usually a prescribed distance after the gasket contacts the engine block (eg: 1/4 turn after contact). As the engine heats up over the period of time between oil changes, the gasket tends to get ';stuck'; and become impossible to remove by hand. Third. there may be physical obstructions that prevent you from getting your hand into the best position to exert the force necessary to do the job. In summary: Use the right tool for the job. Filter wrenches are cheap, and they are designed so that you can REMOVE an old filter safely, effectively and cleanly. Also, NEVER use a filter wrench to install a new filter unless you absolutely cannot get your hand into a position to tighten the filter properly. (If you must use a wrench to tighten the filter, be very careful not to over-tighten it. Always use your hand (free of oil) when you can to INSTALL an oil filter. Sounds weird, but this will help you from over-tightening the filter and making removal extremely difficult at your next oil change. Good luck. Hope this helps.
Sometimes using a piece of course sandpaper wrapped around the oil filter will be enough to loosen the oil filter, if you can get your hand around it. This only applies if you have enough space to get your hand in to turn the oil filter. My 2008 Impala V6 requires a special wrench to remove the oil filter because there is not enough room to to loosen it by hand.



If you can get a grip on it and can turn it go ahead, if not, then an oil filter wrench is pretty cheap. Stabbing it witha screwdriver will work, but can be pretty messy and the oil can be hot.
You dont need one usless the person that did it before didnt lube the gasket or tightened it really tight then you will have a hard time with out one
Yep, if you want to change all of it. But if you've got one helluva right arm and a good grip, maybe not.
No you don't. You need one to change the oil filter.
no u dont need to just try it with ur hand and if loosens off just get it out