The problem with oil filters is that most people have an unnatural fear of them leaking,,,and tend to over tighten them, which is OK until they have to come off again. The emery cloth is a good trick for the slippery ones though. But as most filters now have octagonal/ hexagonal socket shaped filter bodies, its safer to use the proper tool. As you point out, MB and other top mounted oil filters are relatively easy to access, but we have several Skodas ( VAG engines) and they are only accessible from underneath , so the socket is the only option, and even at that, you have to be carefull as they are plastic, including the retaining nuts.
Then there is the other 'nuclear' option ...driving a long screwdriver right through the stubborn filter using a big hammer. Only as a last resort and only if you know there is no protrusion from the engine into the filter housing.
Nuclear option is right Pete...car up on lift ( or worse, over a pit..or even wose...up on axle stands in the back yard as you try to generate some extra tax free funding..Then there is the other 'nuclear' option ...driving a long screwdriver right through the stubborn filter using a big hammer. Only as a last resort and only if you know there is no protrusion from the engine into the filter housing.
Been there , done that.
) you drive the screwdriver into the filter, and then the rush of dirty hot black oil running down the screwdriver, down your arm, past your elbow, your armpit and down your rib cage.....of course, with practice, you learned how to avoid a lot of this, but still it was a dirty job.
Then there is the other 'nuclear' option ...driving a long screwdriver right through the stubborn filter using a big hammer. Only as a last resort and only if you know there is no protrusion from the engine into the filter housing.
Been there , done that.
Was there too, Pete. That was the "civilised"version I was speaking about earlier. The other ones ranged ot +45 (Darfur ) to -30 ( Chechnya ) conditions, and the odd angry shot. ( And sometimes , more than the odd one.) But hot oil running down your arm still felt the same... LOL
( actually as long as it was only hot oil, it was not too bad...)Ahh the old screwdriver ploy ( I sound a bit like inspector Clouseau there )Was there too, Pete. That was the "civilised"version I was speaking about earlier. The other ones ranged ot +45 (Darfur ) to -30 ( Chechnya ) conditions, and the odd angry shot. ( And sometimes , more than the odd one.) But hot oil running down your arm still felt the same... LOL
I've done that many a time on Cortina's etc. But what I have now is a chain one a strap one and a Merc one. Happy Days. 
Yes Bayleaf....it was the "Universal GoTo" removal tool for the old type metal oil filter's. I have the same set up as you now. ( But stil keep a nice long flatbladed screwdriver, the one with the steel part running the lenght of it.....the hammerable one's. After all, you never know do you???Ahh the old screwdriver ploy ( I sound a bit like inspector Clouseau there )
Yes I've seen those on eBay. The one I got was from China (where else) quite sturdy construction and chrome plated and a good fit too. I suppose if you had one of the type you mention you could always drape a rag over the filter housing to get a bit more grip i.e. take up any slack.
Here's my oil and filter change kit,,,,,,all bought in the local motor factors, many years ago, and still going strong. TBH, I much prefer a good strong heavy duty filter socket too ( the pressed metal type. I'm not a fan of,,) and neither would I use the type with the side locking bolts on, especially the newer filter insert type as I'd be afraid of damaging the filter body. For the older type filter cartridge, it would probably be OK though.
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