Quality trim clips removal tool set wanted
- Thread starter GophersGarage
- Start date
ZRX61
Well-known member
I have a MAC set like that.
OP
GophersGarage
Well-known member
Is it the exact same ? Looks like many brands using that manufacture then
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Similar but, not the same. I think the Cal-Van set is a solid purchase at a much lower price (if you shop around) than the Mueller Kueps version. The two in one Lisle tool is sweet but, I wish they offered a second one that's a tad wider.
Vim tools has been making trim tools that are rebadged on most of the tool trucks.
In addition to prying type tools, you'll also want some push pin pliers:
www.harborfreight.com
lastly, a skin wedge tool available from amazon to the tool trucks is quite handy:
www.autotoolworld.com
Vim tools has been making trim tools that are rebadged on most of the tool trucks.
In addition to prying type tools, you'll also want some push pin pliers:
Push Pin Pliers
Amazing deals on this Push Pin Pliers at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
lastly, a skin wedge tool available from amazon to the tool trucks is quite handy:
Brown Aviation Tool Supply Co. T4130SW Skin Wedge-BAT4130SW
www.autotoolworld.com
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
The best is KTC. Made in Japan.
Also add this Vessel pick set. Made in Japan.
Also add this Vessel pick set. Made in Japan.
kbeefy
Well-known member
No matter how many you have, you will rarely have the right one. I should put them in a bag instead of a drawer so I don't need so many trips back to try a different one.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I have a cornwell rebrand of the same set. It works well. I keep one of them in my.cart.
At the end of the day there are always situations where whatever tool you're using for those clips is not ideal.
Formerjeeper
Well-known member
Part number or link for that Vessel set?The best is KTC. Made in Japan.
Also add this Vessel pick set. Made in Japan.
ricleh
Well-known member
kbeefy
Well-known member
Push pin pliers are usually my first attempt, if I can get to them from the top.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Pliers are also my preference. Steck makes a very nice pair. As does lisle. The clip lifters are not first choice for push pins, but they work amazing for wiring harness mounting tabs and fasteners.
OP
GophersGarage
Well-known member
Thanks guys yes I have lisle pliers
Elf pry tool and also other no name brands
That set I posted looks like a quality version to get
Elf pry tool and also other no name brands
That set I posted looks like a quality version to get
richfinn
Well-known member
I just use one of these for trim and delicate prying nowadays, retired all the plastic tools and bulky stuff with handles.
One of the best tools I've ever bought
I don't work on auto trim but I have that pry bar and it's incredibly useful for so many things. A great $20.00 investment, in my opinion.
I just use one of these for trim and delicate prying nowadays, retired all the plastic tools and bulky stuff with handles.
One of the best tools I've ever bought
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I just use one of these for trim and delicate prying nowadays, retired all the plastic tools and bulky stuff with handles.
One of the best tools I've ever bought
Awesome for splitting gasket surfaces after the initial break. Able to wiggle in tight areas and split the RTV.
four.cycle
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
3 Pc. New Skin Wedge Spoons-Aircraft,Aviation Tools | eBay
Used for removing aircraft skins and structural parts that have been sealed.
www.ebay.com
3-pack is actually a better deal $44 and change incl. shipping.
on the way.
thanks richfinn!
humpty
Well-known member
humpty
Well-known member
I bought it based on this terrible site... 
When I received it I was impressed that it was pretty stout unit. I used it a couple of times and thought it was such a game changer I bought one for my buddy.
When I received it I was impressed that it was pretty stout unit. I used it a couple of times and thought it was such a game changer I bought one for my buddy.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ I don't have an Amazon account. G/F has the Amazon account, but she's a bit north of me. Easier and faster for me to just go with Ebay - prices weren't all that much different. Looks like a decent unit.
I've followed this and other threads on this and for some reason I just cannot convince myself that plastic tools are the way to go.
I guess we'll find out when we start pulling inner door panels off that F150 in back.
I've followed this and other threads on this and for some reason I just cannot convince myself that plastic tools are the way to go.
I guess we'll find out when we start pulling inner door panels off that F150 in back.
BmwTechZiggy
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2021
- Messages
- 127
i bought the one off ebay. its ******* great. i figure they are all the same but with a different logo stamped into it
richfinn
Well-known member
I bought it based on this terrible site...
When I received it I was impressed that it was pretty stout unit. I used it a couple of times and thought it was such a game changer I bought one for my buddy.
Yep, me too, bought one on recommendation from GJ a while back, absolute Game changer as far as prying tools go, Key fobs, Tow eye covers, interior trim, prying sensors out of engine castings etc. I would be lost without it. Wish I bought a 3 pack now, just one of those tools you can tell was designed by a guy who has worked on stuff for a living and understands the job!!!!
jobo1004
Well-known member
Bojo has lots of sets to choose from as well. https://shop.bojotools.com/
I have the Mueller Kueps version and while expensive they are VERY high quality.
Also love those "Skin Wedge" metal pry sticks. Here is a pack of 3 for $26 so MUCH cheaper than anywhere I could find them. Amazon want's like $17 for one!
Skin Wedge - 3 Pack
Until you try one of these you won't really understand how useful they are either. It was an impulse purchase that turned out to be incredibly useful in many ways. I did not expect that!
Plus if you have never been to the Aircraft Tool Supply Company website your in for a treat!
.
.
.
Also love those "Skin Wedge" metal pry sticks. Here is a pack of 3 for $26 so MUCH cheaper than anywhere I could find them. Amazon want's like $17 for one!
Skin Wedge - 3 Pack
Until you try one of these you won't really understand how useful they are either. It was an impulse purchase that turned out to be incredibly useful in many ways. I did not expect that!
Plus if you have never been to the Aircraft Tool Supply Company website your in for a treat!
.
.
.
BmwTechZiggy
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2021
- Messages
- 127
One of my Audio installer buddies turned me onto this--- m3fabproducts.com they have bright neon orange sleeves for the metal skin wedges. makes it feel a lot nicer in your hands. might pick me up some
plinker
Well-known member
The lisle pliers (straight & angle), The VIM DT6200 are must have, rebranded by others as well.
Matco has a nice tool for various clips, many uses, especially for wire harness tabs, https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/UPR4M/U-NOTCH-UPHOLSTERY-TOOL/
I have one clip tool from Matco (Mueller Keups) and it's ideal for some asian push pins, thin enough to actually work where the pliers wont. I think this is it, https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/CL008/CLIP-LIFTER/
Aslo have a long & short Snap-on set, the longer one is more useful. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Soft-Grip-Trim-Pad-Tools/Soft-Grip-Trim-Pad-Tool/ASG187BR
Matco has a nice tool for various clips, many uses, especially for wire harness tabs, https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/UPR4M/U-NOTCH-UPHOLSTERY-TOOL/
I have one clip tool from Matco (Mueller Keups) and it's ideal for some asian push pins, thin enough to actually work where the pliers wont. I think this is it, https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/CL008/CLIP-LIFTER/
Aslo have a long & short Snap-on set, the longer one is more useful. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Soft-Grip-Trim-Pad-Tools/Soft-Grip-Trim-Pad-Tool/ASG187BR
BlitzcrankJapan
Well-known member
A little late sorry.
Vessel 9706EVA
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZK71VMY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
four.cycle
Well-known member
@tester19 - that "aircraft.com" is a dead link.
Vessel 9706EVA kit $86.97 including shipping from BowersTool
(tell him you're from GJ and he might throw in a freebie widget.)
Vessel 9706EVA kit $86.97 including shipping from BowersTool
(tell him you're from GJ and he might throw in a freebie widget.)
OP
GophersGarage
Well-known member
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...91GluCUSc0L._AC_SL1500_1400x.jpg?v=1584210392
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/2333/4742/products/21_2BeacDSrSL_1400x.jpg?v=1584210648
I noticed they have a XL version which I think I will get to to make for a complete set
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/2333/4742/products/21_2BeacDSrSL_1400x.jpg?v=1584210648
I noticed they have a XL version which I think I will get to to make for a complete set
WWheeler
Well-known member
Yeah it wouldn't load for me either until I removed the last "AutoDetectCookieSupport" part of the link. Try this...
FWIW I ordered the trio after I figured that link out. Came to $35 w/ shipping.
WWheeler
Well-known member
****, I cut too much off of the link to bring the product page up. This link will take you to it.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Use the link that WWheeler posted and it will take you right to it.
I sent an inquiry to them asking about COO but haven't heard back yet.
The ones I got through ebay are "imported" but the seller didn't know who made them or where they were from.
(that was from this ebay seller) (Apparently these are being made by more than one outfit, if I'm not mistaken.)
BTW: BowersTool is carrying several of the Vessel trim tools in singles - he's not carrying only the full-blown kit.
I sent an inquiry to them asking about COO but haven't heard back yet.
The ones I got through ebay are "imported" but the seller didn't know who made them or where they were from.
(that was from this ebay seller) (Apparently these are being made by more than one outfit, if I'm not mistaken.)
BTW: BowersTool is carrying several of the Vessel trim tools in singles - he's not carrying only the full-blown kit.
four.cycle
Well-known member
"Skin Wedge" trim tools in a 3-pack.
Currently the best price on these is from Aircraft Tool Supply Company
I paid more than I needed to by buying them from an Ebay seller (I wasn't aware of the ATS deal until after I'd already made the purchase.)
Either way: you're going to get a Taiwan-made unit.
They feel pretty stout - a lot stiffer and heavier than I had expected.
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
BlitzCrank -
Talk to me about those KTCs. I have a full set in Bojo's but have considered adding the KTC's
Talk to me about those KTCs. I have a full set in Bojo's but have considered adding the KTC's
IMO, forget anything metal. The plastic tool splits the load between clip and tool and the clips won't break while being extracted.
Something like this is perfect for $10 /€10 / £10 or you may upgrade to a 10-13 pc set but again you will only use one or two tools.
As a DIY, I get mad with pro mechanics who pry plastic clips with screwdrivers etc (and of course break them) instead of spending 10 on a plastic tool set, while at the same time they may spend 450 on the snappy truck for their 12th crowfeet set.
And of course they are too lazy to order the 10 cent clips they broke from the dealer. #rantover
Something like this is perfect for $10 /€10 / £10 or you may upgrade to a 10-13 pc set but again you will only use one or two tools.
As a DIY, I get mad with pro mechanics who pry plastic clips with screwdrivers etc (and of course break them) instead of spending 10 on a plastic tool set, while at the same time they may spend 450 on the snappy truck for their 12th crowfeet set.
And of course they are too lazy to order the 10 cent clips they broke from the dealer. #rantover
Last edited:
I can't begin to tell you how many of your plastic tools I have broken and had to replace on my dime trying to get push pins and different plastic clips/panels off without damage. There is no proper tool, you use what works without damaging the surrounding panel.IMO, forget anything metal. The plastic tool splits the load between clip and tool and the clips won't break while being extracted.
Something like this is perfect for $10 /€10 / £10 or you may upgrade to a 10-13 pc set but again you will only use one or two tools.
As a DIY, I get mad with pro mechanics who pry plastic clips with screwdrivers etc (and of course break them) instead of spending 10 on a plastic tool set, while at the same time they may spend 450 on the snappy truck for their 12th crowfeet set.
And of course they are too lazy to order the 10 cent clips they broke from the dealer. #rantover
As far as I'm concerned most of them should be a one time use part.
If you are willing to be without your vehicle for another day or two while the mechanic waits for the new plastic clips to come in I'm sure they would be happy to replace them.
I also have and use plastic pry sticks but like most tools it just depends on the application? Those plastic clips age and decay so bad that after a few years it's doubtful they will release without breaking regardless of how they are handled.
The plastic pry tools themselves will spit and break as they age too. Good thing is they are pretty cheap and I consider them to be a disposable tool.
.
.
.
The plastic pry tools themselves will spit and break as they age too. Good thing is they are pretty cheap and I consider them to be a disposable tool.
.
.
.