Door Panel Removal Tool- a tool you can skimp on?

[methomas70]

I was just reading post #261 in the "The Orange Snap-on tools **** thread!" showing a sweet pair of orange-handled door clip tools, and it got me to thinking.

As I write this, I'm waiting for a part from the Toyota dealer, a door latch cable for my Tundra.

Yesterday, while disassembling the door panel, I used my Tool-Aid brand 87810 upholstery clip removal tool. I bought it maybe 7 years ago at an auto parts store (Napa most likely). I didn't keep the receipt for it, I'd guess I spent 7 or 8 bucks on it. But I did keep the package it came in. Made in (you guessed it) China, and nowhere is there mention of a warranty. (the Sears website sells this and Sears claims it has a lifetime warranty though). So far it has served me well.

So I looked up the Snappy tool on the Canadian site, (couldn't find it on US one) and A161BO lists for $35.50. I'm not sure if that converts to $8,000 or a nickel in American dollars.

The Tool-Aid tool isn't as well built as my Snap-on screwdrivers/pry bars; no doubt, "there is a difference". But I can't see the need for a clip tool to be 5 times the price. Oh sure, I guess if I worked in an upholstery, body or restoration shop and popped hundreds of thousands of clips, the cheaper tool's chrome might wear prematurely.

And no I'm not trolling the crowd. I have a bunch of SO stuff, its all been top-notch and money well spent. I'm just trying to make a valid point. There are tools that many of us agree should NOT be made by the lowest bidder. Am I going to run out and buy a TOOL-AID set of screwdrivers, combination wrenches, line wrenches, ratchets, air tools, jack stands, & torx sockets? HELL NO!

I think this one, in MY experience, CAN be skimped on.

Mitch

 

[Gary S]

I've found the same situation for lots of those specialty tools for working on car interiors and exterior clip removal. My 40 year old cheap ones work perfectly every time I need them.

A professional shop that uses these tools daily needs the expensive one so it lasts. The hobbyist doesn't need to dump excessive money into rarely used tools.

Usually you are prying on plastic parts. How strong does a tool need to be to do that?

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Not too sure of using that as a pry tool for clips.

I use Bojo... Affordable and high quality.

 

[pipsters]

I have a Lisle one that I believe is a Craftsman rebrand. Keep in mind when Snap On prices their tools, it almost seems that selling to the end user is an afterthought. Their bread and butter is large volume corporate or government sales for which they give considerable discounts and bundles on.

 

[shocksandstrutz]

why buy a ford over a kia....personal preference......i have paid more for tools just depite the warranty and name....thats it, both would work perfect....but i chose the higher cost just because i wanted to spend the money

 

[acdeucey]

As a DIYer this works for me:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-Wonder-Bar-II-Pry-Bar-55-045/100029546

It's gotten a pretty good workout this month as I had to replace both front window regulators on my Bonneville. Lotso "popping" practice.

Don

 

[ianguilly]

I have about 7 door clip removal tools, clips come in all sizes and shapes. I have the same one as pictured here and it is my go to one.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have about 7 door clip removal tools, clips come in all sizes and shapes. I have the same one as pictured here and it is my go to one.

x2 here. There are MANY different types of clips out there. I have about 7 or more as well. Not including the plastic non marring ones for dash pieces. Harbor Freight actually has a decent set of them. Like 5or6 pieces and a couple longer ones for clips way up in door panels. I had them and upgraded to the Snap On set. The snap on set is nicer but I definately could have got by with the HF set. The HF set did the same job but not as comfortablely and the snap on set had one specialty tool that I needed. So I did what any tool guy would do. Got the whole set

 

[Nocturnal-G]

x2 here. There are MANY different types of clips out there. I have about 7 or more as well. Not including the plastic non marring ones for dash pieces. Harbor Freight actually has a decent set of them. Like 5or6 pieces and a couple longer ones for clips way up in door panels. I had them and upgraded to the Snap On set. The snap on set is nicer but I definately could have got by with the HF set. The HF set did the same job but not as comfortablely and the snap on set had one specialty tool that I needed. So I did what any tool guy would do. Got the whole set

Snap On is relabeled Bojo, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Quickster]

I have a clip tool like that, some off brand red handle one I got from parts store. I will no longer use it on interior door panels. I've scratched the paint a little using that metal one to pry the door clips out.

However I will use it anywhere else where the cars paint will not be affected. Also gets used under cars to remove those plastic splash guards under radiators etc.

Buy a set of the nylon plastic pry tools for door panels

And +1 for bojo

 

[240sxguy]

I have a clip tool like that, some off brand red handle one I got from parts store. I will no longer use it on interior door panels. I've scratched the paint a little using that metal one to pry the door clips out.

However I will use it anywhere else where the cars paint will not be affected. Also gets used under cars to remove those plastic splash guards under radiators etc.

Buy a set of the nylon plastic pry tools for door panels

And +1 for bojo

Wrap it in electrical tape.

 

[fourtythree]

There are tools that you shouldnt skimp on, but honestly, I've never seen a reason that home/weekend mechanics need truck brand tools other than personal preference. Don't get me wrong, I own a growing collection of snap on stuff, but its not necessary.

 

[Brownsfan]

Snap On is relabeled Bojo, if I'm not mistaken.

I believe so. They are the best plastic panel tools out there.

 

[Jere]

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-69668.html
I have some of the HF yellow pry bars, they work great and haven't broken one yet. The blue ones they sell break pretty easily tho.

I have a metal unknown brand like in the first picture ( came free with some recall parts to fix a kids toy) the metal one works well but you have to be careful not to scratch what you are working on.

 

[CWP1616L]

Most door trim tools are too thick for my GM car. I have to use two thin putty knives (one on each side of the clip) to remove the door panel.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Cherry pick what you want long term from Bojo, and then fill in the rest.

Are the nylon trim tools from Snap-On better than the Bojo or HF tools for the price? Some say yes. I say no. And a I often ressemble up to two and even three vehicle interior a day as part of a floor team when necessary.

As metnioned above, it's as much as having all the right tools that work rather than a few of the best.

Long long pry tool for Dodge Caravan sliding door paneels? Gotta have it but just a few sources.

Xmas tree poppers? Gotta have it. AutoZone sells the KD units for $20. Blue Points are $38-$50 for the same tool.

Clips come is so many types and sizes you need lots of tools. If only Snap-On as a source, then get it.

If an alternative, get it.

I also suggest a "stuffer" commonly used in the pro upholostery world. I have several.

Uhpolster's stuffer
CS Osbourne & Co.
Harriosn, NJ.

Stuffer, pryer, clip popper and all around wunder tool.
http://www.csosborne.com

 

[Trey T]

I use a Lisle part no. 35400. I use this thing a lot, more than my Gearwrench ratcheting combo wrenches.

I use it to pry door panels and plastic fasteners/buttons.

 

[Fedwrench]

For door panels I prefer a wide thin blade that speads the force wider to prevent cracking like this one:

http://www.eastwood.com/door-panel-removal-tool-u-notch-ss-eastwood.html

For the tree type push in trim connectors, I like thes pliers: http://www.eastwood.com/panel-clip-removal-pliers.html

For removing swith plates, bezels, anything you don't want to leave a mark on, this set works well: http://www.eastwood.com/5-pc-trim-tool-set.html

lastly, never underestimate the power of the free pocket screwdriver for removing trim items.

 

[wafrederick]

There are some door panels you don't use the door panel tool on.Some slide up without using the door panel tool.

 

[Brownsfan]

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-69668.html
I have some of the HF yellow pry bars, they work great and haven't broken one yet. The blue ones they sell break pretty easily tho.

I have a metal unknown brand like in the first picture ( came free with some recall parts to fix a kids toy) the metal one works well but you have to be careful not to scratch what you are working on.

I had those and they bent and broke. I used them daily though. Once I got the Snap On set I have not had to buy another. I know they are rebadged bojo but they are the best ones I have used and would hold up to daily use.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

There are tools that you shouldnt skimp on, but honestly, I've never seen a reason that home/weekend mechanics need truck brand tools other than personal preference. Don't get me wrong, I own a growing collection of snap on stuff, but its not necessary.

I've bought more Harbor Freight Tools in the last few years then any other tools...Only because I most of my stuff is SO that I bought almost 25 years ago while I was in Tech school...I bought alot of stuff while in School (approx $12,000 in tools and boxes...) It was actually one of the best investments that I have ever made, with the 50% off..I will eventually pass them on to my son, who is due in late February....I could actually sell them and make a few bucks...

 

[Brownsfan]

I hope to pass mine to my son as well. But it looks more like my daughter will be the one who wants them. My nephew though is a candidate as well. I'm 35 so I hope it's a LONG time before I worry about that.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

A Cadillac dealer just had to pay for and replace my g.f's door panel on her brand new CTS because a tech thought he could skimp out on interior tools and used a flathead screw driver instead

 

[Brownsfan]

That's not skimping on a panel tool that's just plain dumb and lazy. I have never used a flat blade to remove door or any panels. That was one of the first things taught in my type of work. To the point it was a fireable offense if you damage a car because of it.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

$1,900 just in parts They still have a job there though which is why it won't be back there again for warranty work.

 

[Fedwrench]

There are some door panels you don't use the door panel tool on.Some slide up without using the door panel tool.

Excellent point. Service information is priceless. This and the post about damaging parts shows the importance of knowing more about what you're working on than perhaps your choice of tool.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Just a shade tree mechanic and I have not had to deal with many door panels, but at least on the Ford products I have dealt with, if you FIND and remove all of the screw, the panel slides up and off !

Some of the door trim uses those push in "thingies". I don't think any of those tools could even get in there for prying.

 

[jfcasey]

On clips like christmas tree's and the 2 piece ones where you pop the center out first its a lot easier with the right tool.

Most of the time on doors a gentle touch with some common sense will remove those white clips that slide into the door panel and then pop through the door frame. A lot of times you can get them loose without prying on anything once you learn where to use your hands.

If they break, the only good way I've found to remove them is with a pair of dykes, those push pin tools will just fold the sides up on the clip and won't remove it.

These are what I'm referring to...

 

[Spudland_Dave]

There are tools that you shouldnt skimp on, but honestly, I've never seen a reason that home/weekend mechanics need truck brand tools other than personal preference. Don't get me wrong, I own a growing collection of snap on stuff, but its not necessary.

Problem with the "its not necessary" is necessary means something different to everyone.
I've long said "everybody has a thing" by that I mean something they are informed about, passionate about, and pretty much live & breath by. One of my colleagues is into music and guitars...while I'd gladly pay 15k for a new Macsimizer or Epiq, he doesn't see the point in even having a cordless drill. BUT, he'd gladly drop 15k on a super duper whatever guitar without hesitation. For me, Tools & Equipment are my thing...I don't drink, don't smoke, don't go out, I spend time with my wife & kids here at home and play with my tools. So for me, yes, Truck brand tools are necessary. Even a 10.00 guitar isn't necessary and a complete waste in MY book...but I can appreciate HIS Thing...I wouldn't be able to listen to the radio without people like him.

Damn..I'm starting to sound like my father now...he used to get grilled by my inlaws about having "Tools he doesn't need"...he was a tool junkie like most of us, its genetic too because we all (Brother, Father and Me) have Tool trucks that we do business with...funny part is when they need a 3/4" Impact or Socket who do you think they go see?

Back on topic...a month or so ago my SO Driver pulled out a Promo Pack Instinct 3 pc trim pad tool set with 2 extra long bumper cover sockets..gave me a smoking deal on em and I took em home. Haven't even opened the package up yet.

 

[richfinn]

I've found most door cards on modern euro cars are hard moulded nowadays, I use a BoJo wedge to make a gap and then work my way around with a small LED torch to find and release the clips with a plastic BoJo lever, It's rare I use my metal tools as its just too easy to mark the paint job. I have a decent selection of clips and just replace any that break.

Don't get me started on finding the screws

 

[eric_koski]

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=161095540895

 

[amlv20]

I have a three piece SO door panel set and I use them for every thing from interior to under hood and undercar for all kinds of situations.i can't imagine working with out them.i also have the SO plastic non marring set only used for dash and plastic exterior panels.as a pro I say no get the best you can, as a DIYr I say don't worry and get it on the cheap.

 

[illmatyk]

I have clip removal tool like the OP posted. I bought it for about $10 USD ( maybe less when I went to Sydney for training ), tool is wonderful to use. I would have a bought an SO one but over there, SO is waaaaay more pricey than the US. I also have another smaller clip removal tool from Craftsman that I got for like $5. And a few panel poppers that a good friend of mine got for me in Japan.

 

[Delray]

I use a KD 3705 for plastic pop out retainers or wire spring clips on older vehicles. It doesn't twist the panel as much as the pry bars seem to. You could put electrical tape on the jaws to help prevent scratches if that might be a problem.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i mainly use the yellow HF bars; the price is right and you can regrind them to match the job better
i have a set of push pin pliers, they work ok, about as good as hose pliers
the main thing ive been using lately for removing the smaller panels is snap on oring picks; they have a really good feel and they spread the load so you dont f up the trim
be careful using your hands to pull panels off; plastic can be surprisingly sharp and its bit me a few times

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The reason i ask is that occassionally i have to use a small pair of 45* pliers and a rag for clips or a rag wrapped around a flathead screwdriver to remove trim and it's just tiring. When i worked in a shop (haven't been in a shop in two years due to ongoing W.C. case), i was using a snap on roll up trim tool set (was red) which i loved as well as the push pin pliers (straight and bent). My home box is a snap on KRSC46 so i try to get multi purpose tools (NOT the same as "do it all" tools) like those steck pliers which service many different clips rather than two pliers for push pins and a pry tool for christmas tree clips.

 

[Adam.C]

I agree with the OP. And I too have mostly Snap On. But some items I find just unnecessarily overpriced. Snap On headlights are just Coast rebrands. Pocket knives, some LED lights etc etc. And I don't mean just rebranded items.

These items aren't stupid purchases for pros due to the convenience of sale, lay away, warranty etc. But it may more difficult for part time mechanics to find the value in them.

One of my favorite trim tools is an old credit card. You don't need super steel to make a panel popper. You don't need special plastic. I would have no hesitation in using HF panel poppers if they were made from the right stuff (dunno if they are or aren't) panel poppers can also be easily reshaped with a belt sander.

 

[countryroad82]

I've had the Tool Aide panel tool along with KD and some cheapos. On a whim I bought a 3 piece Snap On set, which I promptly three all my others in my junk box. They grab a lot better on trim and Christmas trees. I recently got one of those indexing ones from SK and have been thoroughly impressed with it. But I do a lot of panel removal so I can tell a little more of a difference between the tools. It's not much of a difference, but it's enough for me.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I bought the bojo platinum set for 34. I bought the steck pliers. And I bought a lisle 3 piece set that has two metal pry tools, one bent and one straight and a manual window handle removal tool. 85$ shipped for the three.