Funnels

About Funnels

Funnels are essential workshop tools for safely transferring liquids, oils, coolants, and other fluids in automotive, agricultural, and industrial environments. Whether you're performing routine vehicle maintenance, servicing farm machinery, or working with hydraulic systems, the right funnel prevents spillage, reduces waste, and keeps your workspace clean whilst protecting the environment from contamination. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks 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 accessing hard-to-reach filler caps, flexible funnels that bend around obstacles in crowded engine bays, and foldable funnels that save valuable storage space in mobile workshops. For automotive professionals, we offer specialist non-spill 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.

Applications

• Automotive Mechanics: Engine oil changes, coolant top-ups, brake fluid filling, and general vehicle servicing in garages and mobile repair operations
• Agricultural Workers: Maintaining tractors, combine harvesters, and farm machinery with large-capacity tractor funnels featuring integrated filters
• Plant Operators: Servicing construction equipment, generators, and industrial machinery requiring regular fluid maintenance
• HGV Mechanics: Maintaining commercial vehicles, lorries, and fleet operations with heavy-duty funnels for bulk fluid transfers
• Marine Engineers: Filling boat engines, hydraulic steering systems, and pumps in confined marine environments
• Manufacturing Engineers: Decanting fluids, oils, and coolants in factory maintenance and production facilities
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home vehicle maintenance, lawn mower servicing, and general workshop fluid transfer tasks

Choosing The Right Funnels

Application Type: Standard plastic funnels suit general workshop tasks, but specialist applications demand specific designs. Modern vehicles with recessed filler caps benefit from offset neck or flexible funnels, whilst agricultural mechanics require robust tractor funnels with integrated debris filters. Sealed cooling systems need dedicated non-spill filling kits with vehicle-specific adapters to prevent air locks and spillage.

Material and Chemical Compatibility: Polypropylene funnels resist most petroleum products, engine oils, and coolants, making them ideal for automotive work. Verify material compatibility for aggressive chemicals or solvents. Higher-quality materials offer better longevity in commercial environments where funnels see daily use.

Size and Capacity: Funnel diameters typically range from 75mm for precision work to 300mm+ for bulk fluid transfer. Consider both opening diameter and spout length – larger openings speed up filling but may not fit confined spaces. Multi-piece funnel sets from MyToolShed.co.uk offer versatility for workshops handling diverse equipment.

Special Features: Anti-splash designs reduce mess when working with hot oils or pressurised systems. Integrated mesh filters prevent debris contamination when filling engines and hydraulic systems. Collapsible or foldable funnels benefit mobile mechanics with limited storage space, whilst transparent materials allow you to monitor flow and spot contamination.

Safety Information

Always follow HSE guidelines and COSHH regulations when handling hazardous fluids. Ensure adequate ventilation when working with petroleum products, 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 failure during pouring. Clean funnels thoroughly between different fluid types to prevent contamination. Never use funnels that have held petroleum products for food-grade applications. Store and dispose of waste oils according to environmental regulations, and position drain pans securely to prevent spills.

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 and integrated metal or plastic mesh filters to strain debris before fluids enter engines or hydraulic systems. Standard workshop funnels are smaller, designed for general automotive applications where precision and access matter more than volume capacity.

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 and surrounded by hoses and cables. Standard straight-spout funnels 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.

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, mid-sizes cover standard car oil changes, whilst the largest manages gearbox oils and bulk filling. Professional mechanics often supplement this with a tractor funnel for agricultural equipment and a flexible funnel for modern vehicles with restricted engine bay access.