I use an oil filter wrench that has a strap on it that's made from what
looks like webbed seat belt material.  It attaches to a 3/4" drive socket.
Works great for me--I just wrap the strap around the filter first and then
plug in the socket.  I've been using it for almost ten years.  Of course,
the filter is never on more than hand-tight--but somehow hand-tight never
seems to want to come OFF using just my hands.

Donald Baxter
'85 Vanagon GL