how to remove a broken oil filter that may be cross threaded?

This is going to be tough to go through because we can't see how bad this is. Generally speaking though you need to be very careful to not ruin the threads. You can use vice grips but be very gentle. Soak the area in pb blaster as well. Alex

Experienced mechanic probably has already made a tool for this - may let you borrow it. Flat bar steel - two 1/4 x 1 1/2 bolts - make tool to match up with holes in a new filter - remove outer filter canister - use tool to remove remaining filter base.. Works like a charm!