What is the easiest way to take the oil filter off?

 

I take the bottom skid plate off with 4 bolts and then used a plumbing strap wrench to grip the filter and spin it off. Another easy way would be to buy one of the black plastic tools that grips the end of the filter and has a 3/8 square drive hole to use with a ratchet.

 

I leave the skid plate on a use a filter wrench to take it off. it is real easy. you might put it on jack stands to reach it better.

 

I use a filter cap wrench that goes onto 3/8" rachet. Although I only used it once, because I've only done the 10hr service. My next service hasn't come up yet. I won't need the cap wrench on the next service, I only hand tighten oil filters. You aren't supposed to torque them down like the jolly green giant or anything. I just make sure they are real snug with a firm grip.

 

I do the same thing as Nemmeh does (good call nemmeh) it's work's easy enough for me, and no taking off the guards.

 

The only problem with not taking off the skid plate when changing the oil filter is that it makes a big mess. I have the MetelTek plate, and the only hole on it is one for the oil drain plug. I've changed the oil filter once now, and it was a huge mess due to the oil coming out of the filter and pouring on the top-side of the skid plate. Yuck! I'd much rather remove the plate and then have no mess to clean up.