Funnels

About Funnels

Funnels are essential tools for safely and efficiently transferring liquids, oils, coolants, and other fluids in workshop, garage, and automotive environments. Whether you're topping up engine oil, filling hydraulic systems, or decanting chemicals, the right funnel prevents spillage, reduces waste, and keeps your workspace clean whilst protecting the environment from contamination. At TooledUp.com, we stock a comprehensive range of funnels from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, Faithfull, and Lumatic, designed to meet the demands of professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Our funnel selection includes specialist designs for specific applications, from standard plastic funnels for general workshop use to heavy-duty tractor funnels with integrated filters for agricultural machinery. You'll find offset neck funnels for hard-to-reach areas, flexible funnels that bend to access awkward spaces, and foldable funnels that save valuable storage space in mobile workshops. For automotive professionals, we offer specialist coolant filling kits and anti-splash funnels that make fluid changes cleaner and more efficient, whilst combo sets provide multiple sizes to handle everything from small bottles to large drums.

Modern workshop funnels are manufactured from durable materials including polypropylene, polyethylene, and chemical-resistant plastics that withstand petroleum-based products, coolants, and cleaning fluids without degrading. Many feature integrated strainers or filters to prevent debris contamination, whilst ergonomic designs with sturdy handles ensure safe pouring even when working with large volumes. Whether you're a mobile mechanic needing compact, portable solutions or running a busy garage requiring heavy-duty equipment, choosing quality funnels from established manufacturers ensures reliable performance and longevity.

Jargon Buster

• Tractor Funnel: A large-capacity funnel typically 250-300mm in diameter, designed for agricultural and commercial vehicle applications. Features an integrated filter or strainer to remove debris from oils and fluids before they enter engines or hydraulic systems.
• Offset Neck Funnel: A funnel with an angled or offset spout that allows pouring into recessed or hard-to-access filler caps commonly found in modern vehicle engine bays. Particularly useful when working around hoses, cables, and other obstructions.
• Polypropylene: A chemical-resistant plastic material commonly used in funnel construction. Resistant to most petroleum products, acids, and alkalis, making it ideal for workshop environments handling diverse fluids.
• Anti-Splash Funnel: Features a specially designed spout or internal breather system that prevents fluid from splashing back during pouring, particularly useful when filling pressurised or sealed systems where air displacement can cause backflow.
• Flexi Funnel: A funnel constructed from flexible materials allowing the spout to bend and manoeuvre around obstacles, ideal for accessing awkward filler points in crowded engine bays or machinery compartments.
• Non-Spill Filling Kit: A comprehensive system including funnels, adapters, and spouts designed for specific applications like automotive coolant filling, where sealed systems require specialised equipment to prevent air locks and spillage.

Who Uses Funnels?

• Automotive Mechanics and Technicians: For engine oil changes, coolant top-ups, brake fluid filling, and general vehicle maintenance in garages and mobile repair services
• Agricultural Workers and Farm Mechanics: Using tractor funnels for maintaining farm machinery, tractors, combine harvesters, and hydraulic equipment
• Plant Operators and Heavy Machinery Engineers: Servicing construction equipment, generators, and industrial machinery requiring regular fluid maintenance
• Manufacturing and Maintenance Engineers: For decanting fluids, oils, and coolants in factory environments and production facilities
• HGV and Commercial Vehicle Mechanics: Maintaining lorries, buses, and commercial fleets with larger capacity funnels for bulk fluid changes
• Marine Engineers and Boat Maintenance: Filling marine engines, hydraulic steering systems, and bilge pumps in cramped boat engine compartments
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Mechanics: For general vehicle maintenance, lawn mower servicing, and workshop tasks requiring clean fluid transfer
• Chemical and Laboratory Technicians: Using chemical-resistant funnels for safely decanting and measuring liquids in controlled environments

How to Choose the Right Funnels

Consider Your Primary Application: Standard plastic funnels suit general workshop tasks, but specialist applications demand specific designs. If you're working predominantly on modern vehicles, an offset neck or flexible funnel provides better access to recessed filler caps. Agricultural mechanics require robust tractor funnels with integrated filters, whilst those working with sealed cooling systems benefit from dedicated non-spill filling kits with vehicle-specific adapters.

Material and Chemical Compatibility: Ensure your funnel material suits the fluids you're handling. Polypropylene funnels resist most petroleum products, engine oils, and coolants, making them ideal for automotive work. For aggressive chemicals or solvents, verify the manufacturer's compatibility specifications. Higher-quality materials offer better longevity, particularly in commercial environments where funnels see daily use.

Size and Capacity Requirements: Funnel sizes typically range from small 100mm diameter models for precision work to 300mm+ tractor funnels for bulk fluid transfer. Consider both the opening diameter and spout length – larger openings speed up filling but may not fit confined spaces, whilst longer spouts reach deeper sumps and tanks. Multi-piece funnel sets offer versatility for workshops handling diverse equipment.

Filter and Strainer Features: Integrated mesh filters or strainers prevent debris contamination when filling engines, gearboxes, and hydraulic systems. This is particularly important when decanting from opened containers or working in dusty environments. Removable strainers simplify cleaning and maintenance, extending funnel lifespan.

Storage and Portability: Mobile mechanics and those with limited workshop space benefit from collapsible or foldable funnels that pack flat when not in use. Alternatively, consider combo sets with stackable designs that nest together efficiently. For fixed workshops, look for funnels with hanging holes for organised wall storage.

Special Features: Anti-splash designs reduce mess and improve safety when working with hot oils or pressurised systems. Transparent materials allow you to monitor flow and spot contamination, whilst graduated markings help with measuring fluid quantities. Ergonomic handles and sturdy construction ensure safe handling when working with full containers.

Popular Accessories

• Oil Drain Pans and Collection Containers: Essential for collecting waste oil during changes, working in tandem with funnels for complete fluid management
• Fluid Transfer Pumps: Manual or electric pumps for moving fluids between containers before funnel filling operations
• Measuring Jugs and Graduated Containers: For accurately measuring fluid quantities before filling through funnels
• Spill Trays and Absorbent Mats: Protecting work surfaces and meeting COSHH requirements when handling oils and chemicals
• Filter Papers and Mesh Strainers: Additional filtration options for particularly contaminated fluids or precision applications
• Funnel Storage Racks: Wall-mounted organisers keeping multiple funnels accessible and preventing workshop clutter
• Universal Adapter Sets: Extend funnel versatility by fitting different sized filler necks and caps
• Fluid Dispensing Bottles: For controlled application of oils and lubricants in precision maintenance tasks
• Workshop Roll and Cleaning Rags: Essential for wiping funnel rims and managing minor spills during fluid transfer

Safety Information

When working with funnels and fluid transfer, always follow HSE guidelines and COSHH regulations for handling hazardous substances. Ensure adequate ventilation when working with petroleum products, engine oils, and chemicals, as fumes can accumulate in enclosed spaces. Wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect against splashes, particularly when handling hot oils or corrosive fluids.

Inspect funnels before each use for cracks, splits, or chemical degradation that could cause unexpected failure during pouring. Clean funnels thoroughly between different fluid types to prevent dangerous chemical reactions or contamination. Never use funnels that have held petroleum products for food-grade applications, even after cleaning.

Store used oils and fluids in appropriate containers and dispose of them according to environmental regulations – never pour waste oils down drains or onto the ground. When working with hot engine oil, allow adequate cooling time before draining to prevent burns. Position drain pans securely beneath vehicles and machinery to prevent spills, and always have absorbent materials readily available for immediate spill response. Follow manufacturer instructions for specialist filling kits, particularly those dealing with pressurised cooling systems where improper use can result in scalding from hot coolant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a standard funnel and a tractor funnel?

Tractor funnels are significantly larger (typically 250-300mm diameter) with higher capacity for bulk fluid filling of agricultural and commercial machinery. They feature robust construction to withstand outdoor and farm environments, and crucially include integrated metal or plastic mesh filters to strain debris from oils before they enter engines or hydraulic systems. Standard workshop funnels are smaller, designed for general automotive and light machinery applications where precision and access matter more than volume capacity.

Can I use the same funnel for different types of fluids?

Whilst polypropylene funnels resist most workshop fluids, best practice dictates using dedicated funnels for different fluid types to prevent cross-contamination. This is particularly important for brake fluid (which absorbs moisture and contaminants easily), coolant systems (where oil contamination causes damage), and when handling chemicals. If you must use one funnel for multiple fluids, clean it thoroughly with appropriate solvents and allow it to dry completely between uses. Many professionals maintain colour-coded funnel sets to prevent accidental mixing.

Why would I need an offset neck or flexible funnel?

Modern vehicle engine bays are increasingly cramped, with filler caps often recessed beneath plastic covers, surrounded by hoses, cables, and electronic components. Standard straight-spout funnels simply can't reach these awkward positions without removing components. Offset neck funnels angle around obstacles, whilst flexible funnels bend to navigate tight spaces, saving significant time during routine maintenance. They're particularly valuable for mobile mechanics who can't afford the time penalty of removing engine covers for simple fluid top-ups.

How do I prevent spillage when filling sealed cooling systems?

Sealed cooling systems create air pressure that can cause coolant to splash back during filling. Specialist non-spill automotive coolant filling kits include funnels with integrated breather systems and vehicle-specific adapters that seal to the filler neck, allowing air to escape whilst preventing spillage. These kits also help purge air locks from the system during filling. For best results, follow the vehicle manufacturer's bleeding procedure and fill slowly, allowing air to escape naturally through the breather system.

What size funnel set should I buy for general workshop use?

For versatile workshop coverage, a 4-5 piece set covering approximately 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, and 150mm diameters handles most automotive and light machinery applications. The smallest suits precision work like topping up screenwash or small 2-stroke engines, mid-sizes cover standard car oil changes and fluid top-ups, whilst the largest manages gearbox oils and bulk filling. Professional mechanics often supplement this with a dedicated tractor funnel for agricultural equipment and a flexible or offset funnel for modern vehicles with restricted engine bay access.