Oil Change Tool

MCoulombe · Jun 4, 2018

Hey guys,

A little background, I'm a design engineer for an aftermarket suspension company. After doing a couple of oil changes, and never having the correct tools to do so, I came up with an oil change wrench. Super simple, one end is for the filter housing, the other for the oil drain plug. Just seeing if there is any interest for these, probably would end up being around $10/ piece depending on the quotes I get back. Hopefully the attached picture shows up, I'm a noob so apologies in advance!

southpawboston · Jun 4, 2018

Cool... would it be laser cut, water jet cut, or...?

I would imagine casting is out of the question for a small production run, but this has real potential. You could really market this broadly to the VW community. You could start a crowdfunding campaign.

MCoulombe · Jun 4, 2018

It would be laser cut, I have a different revision that was nicer. However, the end for the drain plug has to be that thickness, so it would have to be aluminum and machined which would make it a $40-50 wrench. At that price I don't think anyone would justify spending the money on it.

avs · Jun 4, 2018

It’s a good idea but you’re targeting certain group of people who still drain their oil from the oil pan. I use an oil extractor to extract oil rather than taking out the drain plug. Nice and clean. No mess.

Also, using a socket with extension to remove the oil filter housing is easier since it gives you more space to turn the ratchet than a box wrench.

ReadTheBook · Jun 4, 2018

I think this is a great idea, however, what makes a person buy/need this if I have a flat blade screwdriver and a socket already? I think that, along with the proliferation of oil extractors (so no need for plug removal) may be a problem for you sales wise. I also want to torque my filter housing to spec, which I do with a torque wrench.

Good luck though, it's a good thought and maybe some people will want them.

seanmcd1 · Jun 4, 2018

eh, kind of a good idea but I already had about two dozen various standard screwdrivers laying around for the oil pan "bolt" - and I prefer a socket for the oil filter housing. Many others are going to prefer a socket for the filter housing too, as they'll want to use a torque wrench to tighten it back down.

MCoulombe · Jun 6, 2018

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have yet to find a screw driver that fits the oil drain plug without galling it up, must not have quite the assortment you guys have! I kind of figured most would have the necessary tools already, but I like having one tool for the job.

Golfs everyday · Jun 9, 2018

Nice job on designing the tool. If I did not already have a socket and plug tool I would've definitely ordered from you.

Keep up the great work.

Gibberoni · Jun 13, 2018

Got an STL for it? I can 3d print out of ABS or PETG.

MCoulombe · Jun 14, 2018

I think I went about it all wrong, Rev2 will have a bottle opener designed in. Who doesn't want a bottle opener that you can also change your oil with?! haha

Gibberoni,

Thanks for the offer, we have a 3D printer out work that I printed it out with already.

The Fed · Jun 17, 2018

MCoulombe said:
Thanks for the feedback guys. I have yet to find a screw driver that fits the oil drain plug without galling it up, must not have quite the assortment you guys have! I kind of figured most would have the necessary tools already, but I like having one tool for the job.

The drain plug is not meant to be reused.

Gibberoni · Jun 21, 2018

MCoulombe said:
I think I went about it all wrong, Rev2 will have a bottle opener designed in. Who doesn't want a bottle opener that you can also change your oil with?! haha

Gibberoni,

Thanks for the offer, we have a 3D printer out work that I printed it out with already.

I was being selfish and wanted to just print one for me, not the masses, haha.

shortyb · Jul 4, 2018

Nice idea. However, I think the legs of the wrench are a bit short, and combined with a plastic housing for the filter feel that slip would be a big concern. Talk about bunging something up. Maybe consider closing the wrench and having all six sides available to grip the nut. I'd get one even though I extract.

Oil Change Tool

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