I too say use a strap wrench there is no filter that can not be taken off with a strap wrench !!(make surethe strap is nylon)I woulld not be poking it with a screwdriver once you do that you are screwed !! and it gives you less metal to work with . Go to lordco oryour local parts storeand buy a strap filter wrench and it WILL come off !!!

 

I'm a fan of a big pair of channel lock pliers myself. Has worked everytime for me.

 

I had the same problem with my filter. The strap wrench finally worked but it took a good hour or more to loosen it up.
Anyone relocate their filter to a more accessible location? What product did you use?

 

They also make a filter " socket" that resembles a big socket that can be used with a 3/8 socket wrench. It fits the end of the filter .

 

same trouble here,
used a LARGE screw driver thru it and a hammer
what a pita

 

12 inch channle locks is what i use all the time, moms car, bros truck, lawnmower, sno blower.\\

no dickin' around with sh**y oil wrenches

 

I used Channel locks myself and it worked great. You would think that dodge and the dealerships would be smart enough not to tighten them down that tight.

 

Pretty obvious that the original filter went on without any oil on the rubber gasket...wouldnt you like to talk to the guy that put it on!!!!! Had a similar situation on my hyundai pony in 1987....filter wouldnt come off and the filter wrench started crushing the filter...so I tried the screwdriver thru the filter and shredded the filter right around which left me with oily jagged edges to work with....finnaly got if off with a chain wrench and when the filter finally let go it did so with a big "crack" and then gave in....

 

I go for the strap's when theirs room (on my 2500 there's pleanty), but if it fights me or their isn't room (my wifes cars always seem to have the filter in a spot where there is hardly any room) the oil filter socket + extensions as needed + breaker has always worked. As far as the screwdriver trick, it really should be your absolute last resort. If it just tears the case your in a world of hurt!

Oh ya, on the explitives, over the years, especially when I was young and ended up working on my old beaters in the snow and cold, I'm convinced cursing the part seems to help. I think I've even made up some pretty foul utterances on occasion, usually right after I manage to slip off a bolt or nut, and skin my knuckles with cold hands!