Stands are only like $10-15. I dunno if I'd get under a car that was supported by stands I made. Unless you're really confident in your welding skills. ANyway, I didn't have a problem getting the filter off after a shop did the oil change. I bought the "cap" thing Antarius is talking about (I thought that was called an oil filter wrench ) but I didn't even need it. Careful you don't burn your arm on the exhaust pipe like some people (hehe).