How to Remove Stuck Filter From Step-Up Ring

[Nick Scribner]

A UV filter won't unscrew from a step-up ring. Is there any way to remove it?

 

[DavidVogt]

Try putting a thick rubber band around each piece, to give you more grip when twisting (and a tiny bit more leverage too). Worked for me one. Good luck!

 

[PJPfeiffer]

A UV filter won't unscrew from a step-up ring. Is there any way to remove it?

possibly use a rubber band around the filter and another on the step up to increase friction .... or explore temperature differences by placing the step up on a very hot cloth for a minute or so.

 

[TomS53]

Past suggestions that I remember reading may help, use a rubber band on each of the ring and filter for better griping ability.

Use 2 filter wrenches, one on the ring and one on the filter.

Then as you have found out, remember not to over tighten the combination next time used.

 

[Schrodingers_cat]

Couple of additional methods I have used successfully:

I wrapped a leather belt around the filter and held the ends together. That distributes the griping force and prevents distorting the filter when attempting to turn. Same way a jar wrench with a rubber gripping strap works.

Or place the lens filter down on a rubber mat, press and turn.

Last resort, as the nuclear option. I once cut two slots 180 degrees apart on the forward edge and place a knife across and through them, using the knife handle to turn the filter. This one was on a well used lens I bought on eBay where the seller said he had tried a filter wrench and been unable to remove it. When I got it off it was obvious somebody had severely cross threaded it. Ruined the filter of course, but I got a useable lens for $25

 

[WillemB]

Stuck filters mostly have aluminium thread. Before screwing these on, apply, véry slightly, a little vaseline (petroleum jelly) evenly into the filter thread and rub off eventuell excess with a piece of cloth. Never screw on tightly. Brass rings are seldom stuck...Sometimes it helps to loosen a filter by applying a little drop of penetrating oil around the circumference and (always) rub off excess fluid. After waiting an hour or so, press and try turning the filter ring on a piece of some rubberlike tile...

Cheers

 

[FrancoD]

If the thick rubber band trick alone does not work, screw them back onto the lens and tape the stepping ring to the lens itself. Then try again.

 

[ZodiacPhoto]

Stuck filters mostly have aluminium thread. Before screwing these on, apply, véry slightly, a little vaseline (petroleum jelly) evenly into the filter thread and rub off eventuell excess with a piece of cloth.

I use a regular graphite pencil - go around the mating surfaces and threads on both pieces. If your lens thread is plastic, you don't need to do it to the lens.

To remove the stuck ring: my wife uses a pair of silicone rubber gloves for baking / cooking. They worked every time I tried!

 

[MediaArchivist]

A pair set me back $5. Make sure you get lens filter wrenches, and not oil filter wrenches!

 

[Val Bueno]

Put the gloves on

Place the stepup ring and filter in between the palms

Chant namaste three times (or any other favorite saying/prayer), press and twist.

This method relies on the strength of your chest, upper arms and the grip comes from the rubber on the gloves. You could also use the rubber on the fingers of the glove to turn the filter, but this relies on the strength of your fingers. If you have arthritis like me, that ma not be enough.

If you don't want to buy the gloves, sneak the filter into the nearest DIY store and "borrow" theirs.…...

But try buy them anyway.

Aloha,

Val

 

[henryp]

A pair set me back $5. Make sure you get lens filter wrenches, and not oil filter wrenches!

Lens filter wrench sets.

 

[bayville126]

A rubber grip pad used to remove jar caps placed on a flat surface , press the filter down and turn. You might use another pad to get a grip.

 

[Badwater]

A UV filter won't unscrew from a step-up ring. Is there any way to remove it?

Yes, you can buy a tool

Or use the 2 fingers and thumb on one hand and the same on the other, and space your fingers and thumb equally around both filter and ring, with 3 point contact on both hands, apply slow even pressure, while you unscrew.

 

[Nick Scribner]

Try putting a thick rubber band around each piece, to give you more grip when twisting (and a tiny bit more leverage too). Worked for me one. Good luck!

Thanks! That worked brilliantly!

 

[Kambui]

I screwed the stepup ring to my lens and taped it to the lens .. tried unscrewing my variable density filter and it separated ... this is a method I saw on another forum

 

[mamallama]

I screwed the stepup ring to my lens and taped it to the lens .. tried unscrewing my variable density filter and it separated ... this is a method I saw on another forum

That is a good way to apply circumferential force with no radial distortion which is the secret of removing a stuck filter.

 

[Mark B.]

I screwed the stepup ring to my lens and taped it to the lens .. tried unscrewing my variable density filter and it separated ... this is a method I saw on another forum

The very first reply solved the OP's problem 4 months ago.

 

[robertokeywest]

holy smokes!

I rarely take the time to reply to online threads, but I was having a helluva time removing a pricey 82mm circ pola from a step down ring. i didn't even bother looking, so i ordered my umpteenth filter wrench set and it arrived yesterday. so, after 'screwing' with this rig for about 20 minutes, I went online and found this thread on dpreview.

I had heard all the other stuff before, like,

should have bought brass filters

don't overtighten your filters (duh)

graphite

wd-40

hot/cold water

and all that jazz. however, I must admit, I scoffed at the idea of taping the lens to the stepping ring, but it worked immediately!!!!

god dang, I love the internet

cheers,

rob o'neal

 

[jonnyrocket]

A UV filter won't unscrew from a step-up ring. Is there any way to remove it?

Nick Scribner wrote:

A UV filter won't unscrew from a step-up ring. Is there any way to remove it?

I just came to Costa Rica and was freaking out beacuas my polarizer got stuck with the step-down ring. I Couldn’t find any of the items that were suggested here and at the end the silicon glove idea led me to use a peak design camera strap that has a plastic/silicon looking stripes on one side of the strap to help it grip to the shoulders. Lo and behold it worked right away!

 

[sirhawkeye64]

A UV filter won't unscrew from a step-up ring. Is there any way to remove it?

Rubber bands work well

Or you can try a filter wrench, but DO NOT try to use any type of household clamp-style wrench (like those adjustable wrenches). You will mess up the outside of the filter and could possibly damage filter threads if you bend the outside of the filter ring.