Using a chain-type oil filter wrench as a chain whip

if the chain pitch between pins is 1/2 inch you might be able the chain oil filter wrench to work as a chain whip, but it looks like it would be awkward. and you may not get enough leverage as the handle is somewhat shorter than a regular chain whip.

You can see in the picture below a regular chain whip has two sections of chain. one of which stabilizes the lever where it presses up against the sprocket. The oil filter tool has a toothed edge designed to grip the oil filet in the equivalent area. You might be able to make hat work, maybe not.

When I'm missing an tool I will not use often I just use a local bike store to do the one operation I don't have the tool for. Sometimes they charge me but for quick jobs (like loosening a cassette lockring) they'll do it for free if I buy some small items.

You say that local bike stores don't have a chainwhip - why not just order one online?

You can also make one out of a stout section of wood and some old chain. It's only got to last for one job.

One alternative I’ve used for years: Just clamp an old chain into a vise (or tie it to any other solid object), stand the wheel on the ground, wrap the end of the chain around the biggest (or second biggest) sprocket, hold the wheel firmly and use your cassette wrench to open the lock ring.

You can make your own chainwhip, either "from scratch", as the video below shows, or using the oil filter wrench for sourcing the base parts (handle, piece of chain).

I agree with others that the "oil whip" has a somewhat short handle. Taking a cassette off can be a pain without proper leverage, so I would look for a longer (1.5 to 2 times longer) piece of metal to serve as a handle for a DIY variant.

On several occasions, I have used a vice grip (locking pliers) and an old chain. Wrap the chain all the way around the cassette, and clamp on to the chain as snug as you can. There will be a little bit of slack, but that is OK.

Depending on your cassette, make sure you avoid any aluminum cogs, if there are any. this would probably only be the case if your biggest cog is a 42 or bigger.

Lastly, worth noting, it is well worth the money to get a nice big wrench for the cassette tool. The first time I did this I was using an adjustable wrench that was barely big enough for the cassette tool and I struggled terribly. Once I got the big one inch spanner wrench, it was so much easier.

I have tried using the vice as another user suggested, although it has never worked for me, I agree that it is worth a try.

Good luck.