Handy way to remove stuck filters: Since we are talking about filters this morning, I thought I would share this old trick to remove a filter that is stuck on the lens. If you just...

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

Since we are talking about filters this morning, I thought I would share this old trick to remove a filter that is stuck on the lens. If you just grip the filter more tightly and try to twist, the filter ring will distort and make it even harder to twist off. If instead, you place a good sized rubber band around the filter, your hand won't slip and you can usually get it off. Anything stuck worse, will require a filter wrench.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Ron Dial wrote:

Since we are talking about filters this morning, I thought I would share this old trick to remove a filter that is stuck on the lens. If you just grip the filter more tightly and try to twist, the filter ring will distort and make it even harder to twist off. If instead, you place a good sized rubber band around the filter, your hand won't slip and you can usually get it off. Anything stuck worse, will require a filter wrench.

That all seems about right.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I carry a light wrench with big opening and small teeth. Used to have on my boat.
It is wide enough to open anything beingcarefull not to dont damage. The wrench is
called a RoboGrip by RIGID. It comes in a set and is made in the USA.
If it is a lens I would put a cloth in between teeth lens.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Best thing to use is a rubber jar opener. A flat, round piece of thin rubber that helps you grip the filter. The edge of filter rings are serrated, and one of these openers (using pressure down on the filter instead of squeezing the sides of the filter) usually grabs the serrated edge and the filter twists off easily. Another plus is that the jar opener is flat and fits anywhere in your bag without taking up space.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

lowkick wrote:

Best thing to use is a rubber jar opener. A flat, round piece of thin rubber that helps you grip the filter. The edge of filter rings are serrated, and one of these openers (using pressure down on the filter instead of squeezing the sides of the filter) usually grabs the serrated edge and the filter twists off easily. Another plus is that the jar opener is flat and fits anywhere in your bag without taking up space.

I agree. Rubber jar openers work effortlessly even on the most stubborn stuck filters. And they can be found at most dollar stores.

Dan R Loc: Way Way Way Upstate NY

Another great way would be to get a computer mouse pad or something like that. Stand the lens up, with the lens filter down flat on the pad, using pad to grip the front of the filter, from all around, apply a little pressure and unscrew the lens from the filter.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

There are also devices for opening kitchen jars which are a rubber strip held in an adjustable size loop. They are the same principle as automotive filter wrenches, chain pipe wrenches and so on. They provide the even, soft grip and also a lot of leverage which makes the job that much easier. I've never tried one on a filter but I do say that this kind of device works even better than a rubber pad.
Example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Filtrete-Universal-Wrench/21609437

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

lowkick wrote:

Best thing to use is a rubber jar opener. A flat, round piece of thin rubber that helps you grip the filter. The edge of filter rings are serrated, and one of these openers (using pressure down on the filter instead of squeezing the sides of the filter) usually grabs the serrated edge and the filter twists off easily. Another plus is that the jar opener is flat and fits anywhere in your bag without taking up space.

Yes. There has been one in each of our gear bags since they came out, more than 20 years ago.

Andy "Ain't got the grip I useter" H

Georgews Loc: Wellington, New Zealand

Unfortunately won't work on my filter now on one of my lenses. Was photographing night lights on the wharf , tripped and took a tumble. Took 3 people to get me to my feet but to add insult the drop bent the filter ring so I am stuck with it on. Bugger.

Charlie7

A small zip tie puts equal pressure around the filter. Easy-off.

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Remove filters by simply tapping. If you're not convinced, read the comments.

Avoid the problem in the first place by using CaptainC's idea of pre-lubricating the filter threads with pencil graphite.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

And I thought duct-tape would solve any problem!

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

aflundi wrote:

Remove filters by simply tapping. If you're not convinced, read the comments.

Avoid the problem in the first place by using CaptainC's idea of pre-lubricating the filter threads with pencil graphite.

I've seen the finger tap used, and actually it works most of the time. But is putting pencil graphite in the vicinity of optics really a good idea?

Andy

jcboy3

Georgews wrote:

Unfortunately won't work on my filter now on one of my lenses. Was photographing night lights on the wharf , tripped and took a tumble. Took 3 people to get me to my feet but to add insult the drop bent the filter ring so I am stuck with it on. Bugger.

Use a rubber band around the filter, and then a strap wrench. The rubber band acts as a spacer and grip surface.

In general, an actual filter wrench is very light and portable. I take two sizes whenever I travel.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

Next time you are at your physician's office or lab, grab a couple pair of the blue exam gloves (rubber, not plastic). They'll gladly hand them to you free (they are disposable, but not in the usual way; they don't wear out with one use. Pop them in your bag and you're good to go!