Trim and clip tools?

Danglerb · Dec 14, 2009

I hate screwing up panels and trim by improperly removing them, and I know that knowledge of the type of clip etc is the best remedy, nobody is selling extra smarts, but I do see a lot of tools for sale. Currently I have both the black, blue and yellow nylon sets from HF, a 4 pc metal set, and a Lisle I really like with a forked popper on the end a screwdriver handle and shaft that has a no mar bead on it.

I am wondering about door clip pliers, panel clip removers (pict below), and the two sets of assorted removers HF sells, plus any other suggestions.

The other weird pliers are for peeling a door skin, uncrimping the crimp.
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Fedwrench · Dec 14, 2009

The pliers on the left are more handy for removing exterior trim items like splash guards and similiar pieces. The widest blade trim tools in the lower left photo are good for door panels as the wide blade spreads the prying force out a bit to reduce the chance of damage. I would recommend having at least one long bladed trim tool. Often there is a door panel retainer in the center and you can't reach it without a long tool. The long tool is also handy for removing hard to reach hoses and electrical connectors. One item you don't have pictured that is useful are push pin removal pliers.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-2561-k-d-tools-3729.aspx
harbor freight is now selling their version for about $5.00. The nylon prybars vary greatly in quality and strength. I've seen some that bend more than the bezel you're trying to remove. You really only need a couple. A somewhat pointed one, and a wider one. Never underestimate the power of the small free pocket screwdriver for removing small bezels and connectors. :beer:

Monte · Dec 14, 2009

Danglerb · Dec 14, 2009

Ah, Push pin pliers, and I also added my favorite Lisle tool.

nw2571 · Dec 14, 2009

Danglerb said:
Currently I have both the black, blue and yellow nylon sets from HF,

Are these nylon panel tools worth picking up at HF prices?

Also, where did you buy that Lisle tool? I don't remember seeing them at Sears or even in their catalog.

Thanks!

Danglerb · Dec 14, 2009

When on sale all three sets of nylon tools from HF were maybe $10 total and fit in a big zip lock bag. Yes they do bend pretty easy, but once they are between the fastener and the paint, slip in a metal tool if you need to.

Lisle tool is Lisle 35260 Plastic Fastener Remover
http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-35260.aspx

Next time I am in HF, maybe today, I think I will be picking up everything I don't have and put all the trim stuff in one big plastic Home Depot tool box and mark it TRIM.

Moose-LandTran · Dec 14, 2009

Monte said:

YES.

I have one, it kicks ***. Whoops my Snap-on trim removers by a long way.

wreckercologist · Dec 14, 2009

Fedwrench said:
I would recommend having at least one long bladed trim tool. Often there is a door panel retainer in the center and you can't reach it without a long tool. The long tool is also handy for removing hard to reach hoses and electrical connectors.

The nylon prybars vary greatly in quality and strength. I've seen some that bend more than the bezel you're trying to remove. You really only need a couple. A somewhat pointed one, and a wider one.

+1. I've got a set of Mac plastic prybars and they have held up quite well. A guy I work with bought the blue colored ones (Astro? I think?) and they are junk. I only gave $20 or $25 for mine.

I agree with having at least one long trim clip tool. Not having one is a good way to screw up a expensive door panel or trim piece.

Lisle makes a neat trim tool that has a little rubber ball on the shaft that you can slid up to the end on the tool for more leverage. I need to get one.

kwhitelaw · Dec 14, 2009

http://www.bojoinc.com/products.html

these guys are the end all solution for plastic trim tools. they offer different "hardnesses" of plastic, so buy all 3 sets.. cheap too.

mn_commander · Dec 14, 2009

Danglerb-
I have been a bodyman for 12+ years , and I have tried them all. I have a pair (MATCO) like the ones pictured in the top left. Those are my "go to" panel removers. You NEED these for mid to late 90s GM truck door panels. If you are worried about scratcing the door, just put tape on the back side of the removal tool. I also have a 24" panel clip remover (MATCO) which comes in handy every once in a while, since some manufacturers like to put a clip in the middle of the door.

Danglerb · Dec 16, 2009

Stopped at HF this morning for a quick flashlight, and bought the push pin pliers and the fork within a fork remover pliers (top left in first post picts), both look a LOT like the KD tool, but were $5 each at HF. HF also has some hog ring pliers that look a lot like KD, and also are new arrivals.

The long handle set was $15 and flat metal set was $20, so I figured I would wait for a sale. Plastic pry bars and some window removal tools are on my waiting list too.

Danglerb · Dec 16, 2009

mn_commander said:
Danglerb-
I have been a bodyman for 12+ years , and I have tried them all. I have a pair (MATCO) like the ones pictured in the top left. Those are my "go to" panel removers. You NEED these for mid to late 90s GM truck door panels. If you are worried about scratcing the door, just put tape on the back side of the removal tool. I also have a 24" panel clip remover (MATCO) which comes in handy every once in a while, since some manufacturers like to put a clip in the middle of the door.

Thanks for the tip. Gorilla "duct" tape has worked well for me in the past as some kind of scratch protector. Wears well and not much goo.

Guessing a big part of the trick with the forks is picking the right size groove for the fastener?

Vinko · Dec 17, 2009

I bought the PB Swiss that Zuspiel reviewed about a year ago. They've been good for my applications.

bchee · Aug 31, 2010

Danglerb said:
Ah, Push pin pliers

Found this old thread.
I can't figure out how to use these :headscrat

treasureseeker · Aug 31, 2010

It has been awhile but I believe those grab the shaft of the push pin instead of prying up against the head of the push pin as most do. I worked in the Trim department at Roush and we would disassemble a brand new Ford vehicle down to a shell. We spent many hours trying to save all the push pins including taking a door apart to get to the back side if necessary as new ones were not available. One guy had a tool like in the photo and was necessary with the real stubborn ones. The view of the tool in the photo makes them look strange. Picture if you were to use a very thin pliers to get the shaft of a push pin and see the tool as a 90 degree pliers with very thin jaws.

nexum1919 · Aug 31, 2010

for the push pins, i usually grab the side cutter, angle head side cutter or end nippers depending on position. A light touch is required to pull them without cutting. Those 'push-pin pliers' are nice but most if the time the pins will be in an inaccessible spot...

For the trim and door panels, my go to tool is the famous "Steck Autobody STK21730 Easy Pry Tool" Best $10 ever spent!

Also, the yellow hard nylon trim remover set from HF has some real nice usable angles too. Avoid the blue set, it's pretty soft for stubborn panels and clips.

Lotek · Aug 31, 2010

treasureseeker said:
It has been awhile but I believe those grab the shaft of the push pin instead of prying up against the head of the push pin as most do. I worked in the Trim department at Roush and we would disassemble a brand new Ford vehicle down to a shell. We spent many hours trying to save all the push pins including taking a door apart to get to the back side if necessary as new ones were not available. One guy had a tool like in the photo and was necessary with the real stubborn ones. The view of the tool in the photo makes them look strange. Picture if you were to use a very thin pliers to get the shaft of a push pin and see the tool as a 90 degree pliers with very thin jaws.

Bought a set of those pliers when they first came out and gave them back, I found that a pair of dykes works better in most situations and doesn't leave as many marks. I use a couple of the nylon prybars, the long Snapon tool and a pocket screwdriver to disassemble interiors, masking tape if necessary. It really bugs me that GM sometimes designs parts so there is no way to disassemble them without leaving a mark. And Service Information usually says "remove bezel" without any clue as to where to pry or where the clips are :headscrat

...the joys of being the first to work on new cars. :willy_nil

Trim and clip tools?

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