I'll offer one more general suggestion for removing oil filters. Buy some rubber gloves, the "industrial" chemical resistant kind. I bought mine at Northern Tool but they're all over. I've found them really useful for removing filters by hand. The glove protects your hand from hot engine part (within reason) and the grip makes it seem that you're much stronger, and able to remove most filters without tools. And they keep the hot oil from getting all over your hands. If they get messy, just wash them with some soap and water to keep them grippy.