Jim,
We followed the adivce given by Evan Julber in this thread

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...7?dmode=source

and ordered a pipe cutter from Harbor Freight

"BTW, you can open your filter for inspection one of two ways: buy an
expensive oil can cutter or call Harbor Freight and order a $14.95 pipe
cutter (No. 3, Item 05983-OCZA, 1-800-423-2567)."

It works great.

Hai Longworth