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Automotive trim removal tools

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AmateurMechanic

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Sep 12, 2015
Messages
229
I'm about to undertake a repair project on a Honda SUV that requires removal of quite a few trim panels and wanted to pick up some decent trim tools. The Honda service manuals reference these KTC kits, but it seems they are pretty hard to source in the US and I'd have to wait for them to be shipped (only Frankstools and a couple of other sites carry them).

http://www.frankstools.com/ktcintrretok.html

Looking around, I see quite a few places that sell similar looking trim tool kits. HF has one that looks like a close copy of the KTC kit, and the best part is I could drive down and pick one up tomorrow.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-auto-trim-and-molding-tool-set-67021.html

Anyone have experience with the HF set? Would it work decently as a replacement for the KTC kit for 1 or 2 big jobs? If the HF kit is not good, any other recommendations for decent trim removal kits?
 
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NKlamerus

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Feb 3, 2014
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Location
Springfield, Or. (From Florida)
Check these out.
Prime Autobots® ABS Material Auto Trim Removal Tool Kits 12Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DF35TH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Can't beat the price and I love the ring on the picks, much more control than a standard pick set.

They might have another kit available if you need those exact sizes. If not, I'd recommend the Harbor Freight set...The car won't notice a difference.
 
E

ecotec

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Oct 5, 2010
Messages
5,469
I have been reading a lot of threads, on this site and others, about auto trim tools.

The general consensus seems to be HF for cheap and right now ($7ish with coupon) and Bojo for made in USA top of the line ($37 and free shipping for the platinum 14pc set, less for smaller sets).
 
K

kd3pc

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Aug 10, 2013
Messages
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Northern Neck
more important than the tool, is knowing where the little critters attach and how and which way they "go" when you pull up or out on them.

If this is your first foray in to this, I would suggest reading shop key or an illustrated parts breakdown and get some spares on hand from the dealer or dorman at the local parts place.

You will crack or overpower some, and some will likely just pull out...they are not really made for dozens of cycles. Or even one, if old
 
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bcradio

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Jan 30, 2012
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New Mexico
kd3pc said:
more important than the tool, is knowing where the little critters attach and how and which way they "go" when you pull up or out on them.

If this is your first foray in to this, I would suggest reading shop key or an illustrated parts breakdown and get some spares on hand from the dealer or dorman at the local parts place.

You will crack or overpower some, and some will likely just pull out...they are not really made for dozens of cycles. Or even one, if old
Click to expand...

This is so true right here. Take these words to heart and it will save you possibly lots of frustration.
 
G

gotwheels

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Jan 2, 2011
Messages
120
AmateurMechanic, The HarborFreight yellow & blue polymer trim tool sets will serve you well. The metal set with varying length handles are a good value as well. Lisle has a similar short handled metal trim tool that is very nice. The metal ones, also assist with the plastic rivet fasteners as well.

Your Honda manual gives you great disassembly information, including the type and location of the fasteners.

You should have no problems - Good luck!
 
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Brownsfan

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Apr 16, 2012
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5,975
Location
Cleveland Ohio
The Harbor freight trim tools are fine for occasional use. If using them daily they won't last long. The yellow ones are absolutely **** if using daily. The blue may last a little longer. I use the black Snap On set. They are re-brand bojo. If I had known that prior I certainly wouldn't have bought from the truck. These are the only ones I have ever used that have held up to daily use. I think I used the HF yellow ones 3 times before they were absolutely useless and broken. Again for just this one project by all means get the HF set because they will do the job. They just won't do it daily.
 
S

SkinnyG

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Jan 27, 2011
Messages
749
Location
Orange Park, FL
NKlamerus said:
Check these out.
Prime Autobots® ABS Material Auto Trim Removal Tool Kits 12Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DF35TH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Can't beat the price and I love the ring on the picks, much more control than a standard pick set.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. I've never seen those little picks like that. I've had a nice set of Mac trim tools for years, but at $7.59, I can't afford to not throw these in the toolbox. Cheers.
 
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ecotec

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Oct 5, 2010
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SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I bought the HUGE bojo set with the 4 scraper kit included and i love them. fleabay was my friend there. http://www.bojoinc.com/index.php/14-piece-master-pry-kit-platinum-p-n-ath-mp-ungl.html

Any of them will really work for you though. Bojo, HF, screwdriver with a rag. As long as you know where to pry on and what surfaces can be pried on.
Click to expand...

That is the Bojo set that I am trying to talk myself into. The dealer someone mentioned above seems to have that set for around $37 pretty consistently. It seems like a pretty good deal.
 
F

FigureItOut

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Sep 14, 2015
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Bentonville AR
ecotec said:
That is the Bojo set that I am trying to talk myself into. The dealer someone mentioned above seems to have that set for around $37 pretty consistently. It seems like a pretty good deal.
Click to expand...
That's the one you want. You'll find that only a few of them are really needed often, but having all of them comes in handy. On occasion I'll be having a little trouble with a trim piece, so I go look at the whole set and the right tool pops out at me. Plus, the scrapers that the bigger set comes with are really nice to have. The per piece price also comes down with the bigger set.
 
C

ChrisLS8

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Jan 16, 2015
Messages
1,964
SkinnyG said:
Thanks for the link. I've never seen those little picks like that. I've had a nice set of Mac trim tools for years, but at $7.59, I can't afford to not throw these in the toolbox. Cheers.
Click to expand...

Those are for removing various OEM radios
 
W

wkndwarrior29

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Jan 19, 2015
Messages
719
Location
NorthEast
For the plastic trim tools, I ordered the hf clones and several multi kits on eBay from China. It gives you a variety of different shapes and handles and if you need to cut them down then you won't feel bad about it. $20 buys a handful of different sets.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
T

toplessHO

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Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
14,081
Location
central florida
I have the HF set,have broken a couple.
My go to ones are the metal w plastic handle snapon and Lysile

for practice go to the local pick a part yard and do a dry run of the repair you need to do.No heartburn if a clip or panel breaks,but still try and be careful.


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kd3pc said:
more important than the tool, is knowing where the little critters attach and how and which way they "go" when you pull up or out on them.

If this is your first foray in to this, I would suggest reading shop key or an illustrated parts breakdown and get some spares on hand from the dealer or dorman at the local parts place.

You will crack or overpower some, and some will likely just pull out...they are not really made for dozens of cycles. Or even one, if old
Click to expand...
 
S

signcrafter

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Joined
May 9, 2012
Messages
12,467
Just a heads up if you know what kind of trim fasteners you are dealing with you can order extras from amazon. Usually come in packs of 100 for 5-6 bucks or you can buy variety packs for 10-20 bucks. They're just chinese plastic clips but I've found they work pretty decent for what they are. I've got a pretty good collection now and whenever I know I have a job coming up that involves removing trim I try to order whatever kind I will be removing so I have them if needed. Most of the time you can reuse the old ones but it's nice knowing you have replacements when one breaks or bounces on the ground and vanishes.
 
H

hangfirew8

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Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
879
Location
Central Maryland
I bought these over 5 years ago and they have held up well. They seem to be fibreglas not just plastic. Mine came in a blue wrap.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NMCE04/?tag=atomicindus08-20
91aeShfLktL._SX425_.jpg

There are other good choices.
 
F

Fedwrench

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Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,959
Location
Valley of the sun
ecotec said:
So many times I just used a screwdriver...
Click to expand...

I used to my pocket screwdriver for most smaller trim panels but, in recent years the trim panels themselves are made cheaper being thinner and of poorer materials that a small pocket screwdriver might nick, dent, or gouge it. A thin nylon tool seems easier and safer to use.:beer:
 
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