Do Filter Wrenches Work?

Vincent Peri · Jun 13, 2019

I have a couple of stuck filters on my 35mm lenses. Has anyone tried a plastic filter wrench like this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/807010-REG/Sensei_FW4858_48_55mm_Filter_Wrench_Set.html

Do they work?

Thanks for any comments.

Ian C · Jun 13, 2019

Yes, they work. Be sure to buy the correct size set. They’re made in at least two different size ranges.

The wrenches keep the filter rings circular as the loosening force is applied. When you attempt to separate stuck filters without the wrenches, the outer filter ring temporarily springs into an oval shape due to the diametrically-opposite gripping force of thumb and finger. That makes the outer ring “pinch” the inner ring, locking them together and making it much harder to separate.

I think it’s a good idea to use a toothpick or straightened paperclip to apply a tiny amount of petrolatum (Vaseline, for example) onto the male threads just before assembling to make the sticking together of filters less likely.

Kino · Jun 13, 2019

You can make a quick custom lens wrench by simply tracing around the end of the lens on a sheet of 1/4 inch plywood and forming the outlines of the wrench on the outside of the circle. Leave a 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap where the handles meet and cut the wrench out with a jig or coping saw. Place a rubber band around the lens to avoid scratching the filter before using.

If really stubborn, put a drop of naptha on the gap between the filter and the lens body to ease the friction a bit.

Sirius Glass · Jun 13, 2019

Ian C said:
Yes, they work. Be sure to buy the correct size set. They’re made in at least two different size ranges.

The wrenches keep the filter rings circular as the loosening force is applied. When you attempt to separate stuck filters without the wrenches, the outer filter ring temporarily springs into an oval shape due to the diametrically-opposite gripping force of thumb and finger. That makes the outer ring “pinch” the inner ring, locking them together and making it much harder to separate.

I think it’s a good idea to use a toothpick or straightened paperclip to apply a tiny amount of petrolatum (Vaseline, for example) onto the male threads just before assembling to make the sticking together of filters less likely.

+1, they can work in most cases. I have a set in the size that I need.

jeffreyg · Jun 13, 2019

I've had mixed results with the filter wrench you showed on the BH site. II's best to use filters that are in brass filter rings and to not tighten them too hard. When you put a filter on a lens screw it until it just tightens and back off a tiny bit. Sometimes a rubber jar lid opener can work. Actually my lenses are bayonet connections so some of my filters that are screw type I have to use an adapter .

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

John Koehrer · Jun 13, 2019

jefferyg's rubber jar opener works very well if you put it on the table, set the lens in place filter side down; press and twist.

RalphLambrecht · Jun 14, 2019

Vincent Peri said:
I have a couple of stuck filters on my 35mm lenses. Has anyone tried a plastic filter wrench like this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/807010-REG/Sensei_FW4858_48_55mm_Filter_Wrench_Set.html

Do they work?

Thanks for any comments.

Yes, they work but in general ,one trick is to not squezee the filter too hard when unscrewing it and remember most filter threads unscrew counter-clockwise;also, never lube filter threads; hardened lube makes it harder to unscrew.

Deleted member 88956 · Jun 14, 2019

Most of the time all you need is work rubber gloves. The ones that are good snug fit on your hand (so not the thin surgical type). They give proper feedback so you don't squeeze it too hard and you feel right away whether you're making progress. I do mean MOST of the time

Vincent Peri · Jun 14, 2019

John Koehrer said:
jefferyg's rubber jar opener works very well if you put it on the table, set the lens in place filter side down; press and twist.

No luck there. I'll order the filter wrench, and if that doesn't work, I'll just wait until the lens needs a CLA to have the filter removed.

By the way, the filter is a Nikon L37c 52mm on a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS lens.

neilt3 · Jun 17, 2019

I tend to hold the lens and press the filter flat against the sole of my shoe firmly .
The rubber grips the whole filter and prevents it from moving whilst you turn the lens .
I've never had a stuck filter that this method hadn't unscrewed with ease .
I did buy a set of the plastic filter wrenches years ago but don't remember ever using them , whenever I need them I don't have them with me , but I've always got shoes or boots on .

c.d.ewen · Jun 17, 2019

Try this Amazon Search (Can jar opener for elderly). All sorts of contraptions for the arthritic. I have one of those squeezable things with four different size holes. Each hole has a different sized opening front vs back. Nice soft plastic surfaces.

Charley

Do Filter Wrenches Work?

Deleted member 88956

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