Parametric socket/filter wrench

A parametric socket especially suitable for removing filters from cars, vans etc which have a multi sided region on the end of the filter. Not intended for disassembling parts from Chieftain tanks. Don't use these with impact tools, don't apply excessive force.

Features

• Fully parametric: Customise sides, diameter, depth and other aspects to produce your ideal socket.
• Square drive: Works with 1/4", 5/8" and 1/2" ratchets, extensions and torque wrenches.
• Labelled: The interior of the socket lists the diameter and number of faces for easy identification.

How To Customise

All dimensions are in mm. The critical parameters are the number of sides, the diameter and the depth. You can measure an existing oil filter to determine these or refer to the many online resources available to look these up. You can leave the other parameters at their defaults unless you wish to fine tune your model.

• Sides: The number of sides (sometimes called flutes) on the filter.
• Diameter: The diameter is usually the distance across the flats of the filter and can be measured with a caliper. However for filters with odd numbers of sides the diameter is actually the distance between the centreline of the filter and the point at the middle of a side and then multiplied by two.
• Wall Thickness: Thickness of socket wall.
• Depth: The depth of the socket walls. No attempt has been made to have the socket follow the shape of the filter housing outside of the multi sided section. Simply push the socket onto the filter until it seats lightly. Make sure that the depth of the socket is sufficiently large to engage with the full depth of the multi sided part of the filter.
• Internal Chamfer: The chamfer at the base of the socket walls. Used to strengthen the socket in this region. This chamfer reduces the effective depth of the socket so increase the socket depth to compensate if necessary.
• Chamfer: The size of the chamfers applied to edges to reduce their sharpness when being handled.
• Clearance: Clearance added to sides of socket drive faces and to each of the sides. This value will determine how tight or loose the socket will fit the drive and filter. The default should be satisfactory. Do not make zero or it is very likely the fit will be too tight.
• Socket Type: 0=1/2" 1=3/8" 2=1/4"

🧩 Recommended Print Settings

• Infill: If you use a thick wall then increase the infill %. Using 100% will make it very strong!
• Supports: No supports necessary.

Using

• Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for torque settings.
• Do NOT use these filters on hot engines especially if you have made the socket from a material such as PLA.
• These wrenches will not be strong enough if the oil filter is overly tight such as if the thread has been crossed or has been tightened with excessive torque. Oil filters should be removable with little force (typically only finger tight) but there are situations in which a commercially made wrench of steel or cast alloy will have to be used to remove the filter.
• Always check that the socket will fit the new filter before using it to remove the old one but be aware that It is possible that the new and old filters have differing geometry settings if they are from different manufacturers and in which case you may have to print two versions.

Change requests

• The ranges of values for the parameters has been set to prevent obvious incompatibilities but not all combinations will produce a usable socket. If you find the limits do not meet your needs then they can be readily relaxed if you contact me.