5 Ways loosen engine oil filter FILTERS, there are of many sizes and colors... All have one thing in common, all are difficult to loosen For that reason I propose... Five ways to loosen the filters Sometimes you can loosen by hand Caution! the filters can be very hot 1st method - Extraction tape (the most common) 2nd method - Extractor type octopus (the most effective) 3nd method - chain Extractor 4nd method - pipe wrench , Stillson wrench or Stillsons 5th method - Make a hole to the filter and leverage with a large screwdriver Make the hole in the back, so as not to damage the thread Use this method as a last resort, may cause some undesirable break