I bought the one of ebay the was mentioned previously in this thread. It works well, not to bad price wise either.

 

I use a pipe wrench.

 

Crescent wrench: custom ground stubby handle, works like a charm.

 

O'Reilly's has one for 9.99.Use with a 3/8" drive socket wrench and it works like a charm.

 

Don't kill the messenger, but the 2009 FSM on page 9-1087 says:

Caution: Over torquimg the oil filter cap may cause damage to the oil filter cap resulting in an oil leak.

Note: DO NOT use an open end wrench on the hex on top of the oil filter cap.
Use a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) socket on the hex on the top of the oil filter cap, or an oil filter wrench on the outside diameter of the oil filter cap. Tighten the oil filter cap until fully seated. DO NOT exceed 25 N-m (18 lb ft)
**End FSM quote**

I believe these warnings would preclude Crescent, open end and pipe wrenches. My best guess would be plastic fatigue.

 

Sno White, this is not directed at you. Thanks for delivering the message from the spec.

It is meant as a "throw out for discussion" to the group in regard to reasoning in the manual.

I would have to wonder what the type of wrench has to do with torquing of the oil filter cap. I would think that the length of the wrench handle, albiet a ratchet, breaker bar or crescent wrench in the hands of a mechanic who does not have a gentle "feel" for 18ft/lbs would do more damage than what comes in contact with the hex surface of the fitting.

I just checked the cap on my SS and it appears to be metallic. I gently pinged it with a metal tool to see if it was and it seems to be, but could be mistaken as I have not done an oil change on this vehicle as of yet.

 

Well, I guess the first question should be who or what type/year of vehicles have metal filter caps and versus plastic. My 2009 LS certainly has a plastic cap, perhaps in past years or for the SS it is metal?

 

While the filter cap is being discussed, I thought I would mention that GM has experienced problems with SOME PREMIUM aftermarket filters. They also experienced problems with SOME aftermarket filter cap o-rings, which appear to be manufactured from a different, and inferior, rubber type product.

Maybe ChvyMgr can provide more info on this.....I was told it was in a Dealer Bulletin last month.

 

32 mm socket works well here.

 

32mm from Advance fits perfect.