Remove clips....

[Harvey]

OK... a simple question here, how do you remove this kind of clip? The only thing I can see is just pulling on them with plyers, is that the way to go? Don't they break? These aren't like the clips on the side panels which have a proper release method (you pop the inside out with a screw driver then the whole clip comes out nicely)

[N1rve]

There's a special tool to remove them.. it's like a bent screw driver with like a fork attached to it. But you could try using a flat head and popping them out carefully.

If you do break them... they're pretty cheap to replace.

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by N1rve

There's a special tool to remove them.. it's like a bent screw driver with like a fork attached to it. But you could try using a flat head and popping them out carefully.

If you do break them... they're pretty cheap to replace.

OK, I see what the tool looks like (I've seen it in the repair manual special tool section), I'll see if I can find one, otherwise I'll try using some thin pincers I have which should be able to slide beneath, or maybe try to make a tool out of sheet meta...


In all cases, you confirm that there's no special movement to apply (like turn clockwise while pulling, or push in center and pull on edges, or whatever else)? I just need to somehow pull it and it should come out?

[Target70]

Originally Posted by Harvey

OK, I see what the tool looks like (I've seen it in the repair manual special tool section), I'll see if I can find one, otherwise I'll try using some thin pincers I have which should be able to slide beneath, or maybe try to make a tool out of sheet meta...


In all cases, you confirm that there's no special movement to apply (like turn clockwise while pulling, or push in center and pull on edges, or whatever else)? I just need to somehow pull it and it should come out?

No special movement, it has a ball on the end, and the clip part is actually attached to the body. If you can, try to pull it out straight. The way I ended up doing it, was to slide my fingers between the foam and the metal body on either side of the clip, and pull the foam straight up and they will pop out with no scratches or damage.

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by Target70

No special movement, it has a ball on the end, and the clip part is actually attached to the body. If you can, try to pull it out straight. The way I ended up doing it, was to slide my fingers between the foam and the metal body on either side of the clip, and pull the foam straight up and they will pop out with no scratches or damage.

OK, thanks, I'll see if by any chance I can pick up the special tool, otherwise I'll do it with whatever I've got.


Sometime ago I came across a "paper" that listed all kinds of clips/fasteners used by different automative manufacturers and how they should be removed (tools, method, risk, ...)... it was pretty good, but can't find it anymore. Anyone have something similar?

[phobos512]

This?

http://www.wclco.com/Plastic_Compone..._Fasteners.php

[kevman_101]

I just pulled straight up on the foam and they poped out. They can shoot out so keep an eye in case they fly out the car or into a crevise some where. They do make a nasty sound I found when they poped out, but none broke .

[J_kennington]

Originally Posted by kevman_101

I just pulled straight up on the foam and they poped out. They can shoot out so keep an eye in case they fly out the car or into a crevise some where. They do make a nasty sound I found when they poped out, but none broke .

^ this guy. Just grab the foam...and yank straight up on it. Clip will come undone. It's how I did it when I installed my springs.

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by phobos512

This?

http://www.wclco.com/Plastic_Compone..._Fasteners.php

No, it wasn't that, but that's interisting all the same... anychance someone knows which one we're talking about here? Is it the "Snap Rivets" type? Not that it really matters....

[hur1ey02]

I just popped mine out with a flathead screwdriver using the rest of the foam as leverage. It felt like they'd shatter, but they are a pretty simple clip and it was easy to put them back in (so no damage!)


I had lost a socket (the 8mm one) while doing some taillight installs and had to fetch it.

[CruiseZen]

Originally Posted by Harvey

OK... a simple question here, how do you remove this kind of clip? The only thing I can see is just pulling on them with plyers, is that the way to go? Don't they break? These aren't like the clips on the side panels which have a proper release method (you pop the inside out with a screw driver then the whole clip comes out nicely)

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CICS1O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=ZERZ QSXTRBUG&coliid=I17LZAYZMKUZKL"]Amazon.com: Bojo- Blue Genius Car Trim Clip Pry Removal Tool Kit: Automotive[/ame]

These are the tools you will need to safely remove panels and clips. These are made of glass filled nylon (made in US) and not cheap brittle plastic (made in China) that will tend to break when you try use it.

[phobos512]

Originally Posted by CruiseZen

Amazon.com: Bojo- Blue Genius Car Trim Clip Pry Removal Tool Kit: Automotive

These are the tools you will need to safely remove panels and clips. These are made of glass filled nylon (made in US) and not cheap brittle plastic (made in China) that will tend to break when you try use it.

Link is broken.

[Tromatic]

Harbor Fright tools has a kit for those things.

There was a cheap plastic set but I dont see it now. The right tool for those things is nice, since finding the rattle causd by pieces of a brokn clip sucks.

http://t.harborfreight.com/6-piece-p...set-66188.html

[CruiseZen]

Originally Posted by phobos512

Link is broken.

I'll try again.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CICS1O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=ZERZ QSXTRBUG&coliid=I17LZAYZMKUZKL#productDetails"]Amazon.com: Bojo- Blue Genius Car Trim Clip Pry Removal Tool Kit: Automotive[/ame]