That little clip on the oil filter housing; do I need it?

I changed my oil today and gouged the hell out of my hand reaching through my skid plate to take the clip off the side. Also ended up mangling the clip pretty badly; is it actually necessary to use that thing if the filter is torqued down properly?

 

I'm assuming it's only there to prevent the cartridge from backing out if it's not tightened properly.
I've never touched the clip when changing the oil. It jumps over the cartridge tabs as you loosen it.

 

In the history of the world how many oil filters have backed out because they weren’t tightened properly? That thing is a joke.

 

Ah damn, I should have known it didn't need to be removed in the first place. Well I guess I'll just leave it as is and check it periodically, but I doubt it's going to come loose. Thanks man

 

Yeah, doubt it. Mine have always been a pain to loosen, so I can't see it backing out even if it wasn't tight.
With that said, my OCD would force me to replace it anyways...

 

Hi All
Changed my oil today and that clip Y’all talking about..Ya mine doesn’t even touch the adapter and mine been leak free without over tightening.
Pulling the skid plate make it way easier..

 

I just bent it out of the way. You’ll be fine