One great thing Lexus did on it's 2004 RX330 was put a small catch basin under the filter. When you first loosen the filter oil will run out - but into the catch basin. The basin has a small hole in the bottom which will drip into your drain pan and not run down the engine block.

It is a simple solution to preventing a big mess.

 

If you can't get a good grip on the filter with or without a wrench, you can always spike it. Take a small screw driver and drive through the soft metal of the filter to get a leverage point. Make sure you drive through all the way. It will be messy, but it will help in breaking lose the filter. If that doenst help, bust out the heavy grip tools.

 

What can be easier that wrapping a plastic bag around a filter before taking it out?
But well, if you like to mess with BF and some paper towels, I got no problems with that. Suit yourself

 

Hey Nau

I love the plastic bag idea. Such an obvious solution - and one I would have never thought of...

Great suggestion! I have already started telling others!

 

BRILLIANT!!!
And we all missed it.

 

Hey guys,

I'm glad you liked it and I'm sure it will help to avoid the mess.
Less oil spilled - cleaner our nature will be.

Enjoy

 

I take a cardboard 1/2 gallon milk container and cut the top off. Cut it down more than halfway actually. Then just reach in, place it under the filter, unscrew, and all the oil drips into the wax coated container!

Got this tip from Planetsoarer I think

 

Changed my oil today. I spilled 2 drops. THANKS Nau!!!!

 

Congrats!
I did worse on my first try.
Next time you'll get no spills at all ;-)