Craftsman Small Oil Filter Wrench

When tackling the task of changing oil filters, particularly in compact and cramped spaces, having the right tool is crucial. The Craftsman Small Oil Filter Wrench, model CMMT14119, seemed like an ideal solution with its promise of a comfort grip handle and auto-adjusting band. After using it in various scenarios, I found both strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should consider.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this oil filter wrench was its build quality. The stainless-steel band felt robust and well-constructed, promising durability. The full polish chrome finish added a sleek look and likely helps in resisting rust and corrosion, a crucial feature for any tool that might come into contact with oil and grime.

The comfort grip handle lived up to its name. It’s ergonomically designed, making it easier to hold and apply necessary torque. The swivel handle is another thoughtful design element, making it simpler to maneuver in tight spots. I found this particularly useful when working on my lawn mower, where the oil filter is nestled amidst various brackets and components.

Performance

In terms of performance, the wrench had a few hits and misses. The auto-adjusting band, which fits oil filters ranging from 2-7/8 inches to 3-1/4 inches, worked well on most of the smaller filters I tried it on, such as those found on my lawn tractor and power generator. The dimpled band provided a good grip on the filters, preventing slippage during removal or installation.

However, things took a different turn when I attempted to use it on an over-tightened filter. The wrench struggled and ended up crushing the filter instead of loosening it. This was a disappointing experience, as it resulted in additional time and effort to remove the damaged filter. It seems that while the tool is effective under normal conditions, it falls short when dealing with filters that are excessively tight.

Ease of Use

For everyday use, especially on filters that aren’t jammed on too tightly, the Craftsman oil filter wrench performs adequately. The comfort grip and swivel handle make it easy to position and operate, even in confined spaces. However, the tool’s tendency to crush filters under significant pressure can be a major drawback.

One significant limitation I encountered was the size range. The wrench was too large for the oil filters on my Honda Accord and CRV. This meant I had to look for an alternative tool to complete the job. While this is not a fault of the tool itself, it’s something potential buyers need to be aware of. Ensure the size range matches the filters you intend to work on before purchasing.

Durability

Durability is another mixed bag with this tool. While the stainless-steel band and chrome finish give an impression of a long-lasting product, the actual performance under stress tests tells a different story. The tool bent under mild pressure during one of my uses, indicating that it might not stand up to heavy-duty tasks. This was quite unexpected, especially considering Craftsman's reputation and the lifetime warranty that comes with the tool.

Warranty

Speaking of the warranty, Craftsman's full lifetime warranty is a notable selling point. This gives some peace of mind, knowing that if the tool fails, you can have it replaced. However, the inconvenience of having a tool fail during a crucial maintenance task cannot be overstated. While the warranty covers the tool, it doesn’t cover the frustration and time lost when a tool fails to perform as expected.

Recommendations

Based on my experience, the Craftsman Small Oil Filter Wrench is a mixed bag. It has a lot of potential with its ergonomic design, comfort grip, and swivel handle, making it easy to use in confined spaces. For routine maintenance tasks, especially on small filters that aren’t overly tight, it works reasonably well. The stainless-steel construction and polished chrome finish also add to its appeal.

However, the tool’s performance under heavy stress is a significant drawback. If you often encounter tightly fitted or over-tightened filters, this wrench might not be the best choice. The tendency to bend or crush filters under pressure can lead to additional problems and frustration.

In conclusion, I would cautiously recommend the Craftsman Small Oil Filter Wrench. It’s a good tool for light to moderate tasks and fits well into tight spaces, making it suitable for lawn equipment and generators. However, for automotive use or scenarios where filters might be excessively tight, you might want to consider a more robust alternative. The lifetime warranty is a nice touch, but it doesn’t fully mitigate the tool’s limitations under heavy use.