A fluid filter constructed and arranged for threaded engagement with a fluid-delivery head for the filtration of an incoming fluid includes a molded plastic shell having a sidewall formed with a retaining ridge, a closed end and an opened end surrounded by a series of external threads, a fluid filter media pack installed into the fluid filter shell, the media pack including filtering media and an upper endplate bonded to the upper end of the filtering media, wherein the upper endplate includes a peripheral lip that is constructed and arranged to snap into position axially beneath the retaining ridge. The threaded engagement between the fluid filter shell and the fluid-delivery head eliminates the need for any nutplate.