The Old Belt Strap Wrench
Intro: The Old Belt Strap Wrench
One day when doing an automotive oil change: I purchased oil and a filter, drained the used oil, and then discovered my brother had the tools I needed. I had no strap wrench, filter wrench, or filter pliers. I had to get the car running prior to him returning.
It is always best to use the right tool for the job, but what was I to do? IMPROVISE!
This is how I used an old belt as a strap wrench...
It is always best to use the right tool for the job, but what was I to do? IMPROVISE!
This is how I used an old belt as a strap wrench...
STEP 1: Proper Belt Selection
There are some recommended attributes the belt should posses.
--> Strong buckle -- The best type of buckle to use is one where the frame is a solid piece. Reversible belts may rely on a mechanical pivot that could fail in this application.
--> High friction strap -- The belt I used had a leather strap. The front was smooth and shiny, while the back was rougher and unfinished. Again, a reversible belt with two smooth sides may not be a wise choice. I do not know how a webbed belt would fair.
--> A strong strap -- The strap must be firmly attached to the buckle and be able to handle the force applied.
--> Strong buckle -- The best type of buckle to use is one where the frame is a solid piece. Reversible belts may rely on a mechanical pivot that could fail in this application.
--> High friction strap -- The belt I used had a leather strap. The front was smooth and shiny, while the back was rougher and unfinished. Again, a reversible belt with two smooth sides may not be a wise choice. I do not know how a webbed belt would fair.
--> A strong strap -- The strap must be firmly attached to the buckle and be able to handle the force applied.
STEP 2: Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty!
To turn loosen an item wrap the belt around it. The lose end should come up on the left and go through the buckle (See first photo).
Do not fasten the buckle, but pull the loose end back over the buckle. This will use the force applied to the lose end to cinch the belt around the item and then pull it to the left.
To tighten, reverse the positioning and pull the other way (See second photo).
Do not fasten the buckle, but pull the loose end back over the buckle. This will use the force applied to the lose end to cinch the belt around the item and then pull it to the left.
To tighten, reverse the positioning and pull the other way (See second photo).
STEP 3: Concluding Thoughts
Placing a strip of rubber (like from an inner tube) between the item to be turned and the belt will help increase the grip of the "wrench."
Be careful! As previously stated it is the best to the proper tool. Use some common sense to help prevent scraping up too many knuckles.
Good luck on your projects!
Be careful! As previously stated it is the best to the proper tool. Use some common sense to help prevent scraping up too many knuckles.
Good luck on your projects!
13 Comments
JanK217 6 years ago
Brilliant, worked first time, many thanks.
JDP6 7 years ago
Thanks mang! I thought I was going to have to wait several hours for the nighbor to unlock is garage of toys... This did the trick! was able to get that old filter with just a little effort!
pokermind 8 years ago
Just used this method to unscrew a cross-threaded metal jar lid from a glass jar. It wasn't exactly easy (that sucker was jammed on tight) but taking it slowly, the lid eventually came off. Thanks!
randizzle3 9 years ago
Wow I wish I would have seen this before we ran into the same problem - not having an oil filter wrench on hand - I did something very similar to this theory using a wrench and an old car belt check it out if you guys don't mind tell me what you think https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKKteMZK1XA
scratchy_joe 13 years ago
Calorie 13 years ago
Seriously, I like the lateral thinking on this. I use my massive mits, but that's because I can turn the head off a cow (if need be.)
Good job. I hope that others comment. It's a good re-purposing.
jptrsn 13 years ago
Just bought a strap wrench for my own - pretty neat, and it uses webbing, so a web belt should work fine.
Calorie 13 years ago
In all seriousness I usually twist them off (oil filters.) If you put them on that hard in the first place you may find yourself out of an engine. The instructions say that you should turn it 3/4 of a turn. I can easily do both with my hands.
jptrsn 13 years ago
Calorie 13 years ago
As far as the grease goes, rub your hands liberally with hand lotion 30 minutes before you go to the garage. The oil in the lotion, which will now be in your pores, will minimize the amount of oil and grease that'll stain your hands.
jptrsn 13 years ago
Calorie 13 years ago
vanmankline 13 years ago