I purchased a tool from Aircraft Spruce that clamps to the filter and punctures a hole in the side. It then acts as a spout to pour the oil out of the filter into a container. I use an old oil bottle with the top cut off to catch the oil.
The trick is to loosen the filter 1/2 turn before you puncture it, and then turn it back to drain the oil (unless you have room on the other side of the filter, which I don't on my 78 172N). I wouldn't say it eliminates the mess all together, but limits it to a few drips on the oil pan under the filter that I can wipe with a rag (the faster I unscrew and remove the filter, the fewer the drips). Hope this helps.
I have seen where people have taken flat aluminum and partially rolled it then bend tabs to bolt onto the filter body houseing. When you change oil you put a margarine container under the end of the aluminum and it drains in the container. hope that has some value to you
The best "tool" in my arsenel is an empty aeroshell oil bottle cut down the sides,leaving the spout on. (resembles a tray) It fits nicely under the filter (may need to trim a little to clear the oil cooler hose) and never spills a drop. Another good trick is a quart or gallon ziplock bag over the filter, spin it off a few turns let it drain for about 10 minutes and no mess...
