Any tricks to getting a filter off a lens?

I used the channel lock plier trick on a video camera with a special size filter. It was a B&W multicoated filter, special order, I needed to get it off to put a wide angle adapter on the camera. The channel lock pliers worked like a charm. Broke the glass of the filter too.

You don't mean to say that wasn't supposed to happen, do you? The filter was only $75.

I use two rubber bands, one on the filter, and one right next to the filter on the lens. Twist in opposite directions. Works every time.

The filter is trashed, so are you willing to sacrifice it? If so, the answer is very easy. Take a hacksaw and cut a slot about 2mm deep, across the diameter (i.e. opposite sides of the filter mount ring). Then take a long straight edge (such as a steel ruler) and use that as a wide "screwdriver blade" to rotate the filter ring off, remembering to undo it anticlockwise. That will give you a good "bite" and plenty of leverage to screw it off. If it won't come off after that, then the filter threads must be distorted, and it will be rather more difficult and a trip to the repair shop will be required.

You could always press the front of the filter firmly against something like anauto tire and turn the lens to try to break it loose.