Rivet-clip puller pliers: anyone tried?

[visionguru]

When removing plastic rivet clips on cars, I've always used screwdrivers to pry up the pin first, then pry the whole clip off. 50% of the time, the clips got destroyed, and I had to scan through dealer's catalogue to order the proper replacements.

Recently, this tool got me interested. From its design, I think it's very useful for dealing with those clips.

The tool seems a patented design of a Chinese factory. The newest version has plastic liners to protect body panels. Has anyone tried?

 

[dledinger]

Looks like it would work. I may actually pick up a pair, as I tend to have the same results as you do with other methods. Fortunately I’m not an auto guy.

 

[rabakoe]

I have this pliers and it works great for the push pin style plastic rivets common on many late model vehicles along with ATV body panels. There's a few different varieties of angles and offsets out there depending on your application.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFN9NQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Edit: Price went up since I purchased, there are cheaper options out there than this Gearwrench model.

 

[SkinnyG]

Of all the tools I've used for those, I've found this style to be the most useful.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Have the Harbor freight version of post 4 and 5 have been using them for years.
I Use the screw driver handled fork tools also.
But I prefer to use the Non marring pry tools with forks on the end any where that is visible because of less chance of leaving scratches and ect..

 

[markhm]

Looks like tool in first post can't grip the pin until it is already lifted up initially by screwdrivers or other tools. The jaws appear way to large to get into the recesses in the housings around the pins.

 

[plinker]

I picked up the same pair from amazon for 10$, they work ok. They also can cut the piece which may or may not be useful depending on the situation. I have several different tools for push pins as no one covers everything IMO.

 

[kythri]

I've got a pair, but haven't had call to use them yet.

 

[mr.lemons]

I have some and used them a few times. The design requires a bit of space around the clips to get the jaws flat on the surface. The jaws are quite sharp (not enough to cut anything) and fit between the two parts of the clip to lift the first part up before removing the it. I find they work better than pry tools if there is enough room to use them. The finish on them is rough with sharp edges so they may mark plastic. Not been an issue for me as the clips are usually not on show. Price on ebay is $4 direct from China so worth a try.

The clip in the pic is damaged because I had been trying different tools to see which worked best.

 

[unslow1]

I've got a pair, but haven't had call to use them yet.

Same here.

 

[kythri]

The jaws are quite sharp (not enough to cut anything)

I suppose I shall have to attempt to cut something with them myself. That honestly has been the biggest reason I hadn't tried them yet - I received them, and then figured I'd be too ham-handed with them, and cut the tops off of the plastic plugs.

 

[mr.lemons]

I suppose I shall have to attempt to cut something with them myself. That honestly has been the biggest reason I hadn't tried them yet - I received them, and then figured I'd be too ham-handed with them, and cut the tops off of the plastic plugs.

I should have said not sharp enough to 'accidently' cut anything. You can definitely snip the tops of clips if you try too.

 

[Elsinore13]

Mueller Kueps brand clip lifters kick all other clip tools asses. I have a lot of different clip tools and these are by far my new favorites. Smooth and slick, nicely finished with a sharp edge to get under the tightest fitting clips. Amazing stuff right here if you have a frequent need for this type of tool.

http://https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01NCNHFHV/ref=psdcmw_15707231_t1_B00XN5V9HM

 

[tym]

Mueller Kueps brand clip lifters kick all other clip tools asses. I have a lot of different clip tools and these are by far my new favorites. Smooth and slick, nicely finished with a sharp edge to get under the tightest fitting clips. Amazing stuff right here if you have a frequent need for this type of tool.

http://https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01NCNHFHV/ref=psdcmw_15707231_t1_B00XN5V9HM

Link not working for me.

 

[tyyost]

I’ve had great luck with the steck pliers I learned about on GJ. http://https://www.amazon.com/Steck-Manufacturing-21720-Sure-Plier/dp/B000JFNAK8

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a couple pairs of those. They actually work pretty good on push pin trim connectors as long as the pin head isn't recessed much. They're great for front air dams and wheel housings. They're also good for pulling nails out of tires.

On a side note, those green handled Mueller Kueps clip lifters are nice but, I think VIM versions are pretty handy too.

 

[bas157]

Mr Lemons, you got a link or item number for the $4 ones from Ebay?

 

[Luciferi]

I have a set like this red one, works well if have enough space above. I got it specifically for dealing with rzr and can am which are annoyingly filled with those clips.

If I have a vehicle that I will be servicing for years to come, I will replace those clips with nutserts and allen head bolts. Makes it so much easier and you don’t have to worry about marring up plastic

 

[mr.lemons]

Mr Lemons, you got a link or item number for the $4 ones from Ebay?

Sorry didn't see your post until now. They are on UK ebay at £3.29.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Diag...527166?hash=item2ced767fbe:g:mGIAAOSwOjddGyhF

I tried some of the pliers recommended above and found they did not work so well on the clips I tried them on. The jaw tips are not long enough so the pliers crush the head of the clip and it was difficult to lift the top part out. I've seen a vid of them working very well on smaller clips though.

 

[CobraRed]

It appears Astro carries the composite protective shoulder version, theirs has an adjustable set screw

http://www.astrotools.com/adjustable-non-marring-precision-panel-clip-pliers.html

 

[mr.lemons]

It appears Astro carries the composite protective shoulder version, theirs has an adjustable set screw

OP mentioned them but I couldn't find any so thanks for the link.