Trim removal tools? Or good old screwdriver?

[rider9195]

How many of you guys actually use trim removal tools? I have always been in the habit of using a very small flat head screwdriver and being careful as to not damage anything.

Is there really a difference in how a trim tool would perform? Are they worth it?

 

[The Frisco Kid]

Panel and trim removing tools are far superior to just using a flat blade! They save the little plastic panel plugs (whatever they are called) and I've never scratched an interior panel when using the right tool.

Even if you buy cheap ones, use the panel poppers! Just one piece of replacement trim from the stealership would pay for a set of SnapOn panel tools and most likely then some more!!


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Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

 

[kythri]

I use them all the time.

They're non-marring plastic, so I don't have to worry about scratching stuff.

The larger assortments are nice, as they have tools that provide better leverage or are wider to more evenly distribute force, saving me from breaking a trim piece (which did happen long ago when I tried to pry stuff out using flat screwdrivers).

 

[Tsquare]

I always us trim removal tools - plastics is preferred so not to scratch, rip or tear precious parts

 

[Outlander]

I even use them to remove the plugs on my ATV plastics.

 

[rshadd]

trim tools for sure.

 

[sselander]

Take a look at Bojo's website, they offer many of the plastic (nylon) trim removal tools as well as scrapers, pry tools and much more.

You can get lost for hours looking at their extensive tool collection
http://www.bojoinc.com/
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Also this thread:

plastic pry tools for cars; which is the best brand?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58296

 

[Fedwrench]

I use them daily. Look at it this way, when trying to disassemble a door panel or dash, you're at war with the dipshit engineers and bean counters that designed all of those fragile clips and connectors holding everything together. Trim tools are just another weapon in your arsenal against them.

Now, there are many types of trim tools. They're often their own friggen section in a tool catalog these days.

However, I like a couple of fiberglass ones to minimize scratching. They'll still leave a mark though so, care is required.
I also like a wider flat blade steel knotched tool that spreads the pulling force out over a wider area to prevent panel damage.
Long bladed ones are nice for getting that last fastener out in the middle of the door.

Kind of a long answer but, yes, trim tools with operator skill are a lot better than a screwdriver. However, never discount the value or usefulness of a pocket screwdriver.

 

[rider9195]

Thanks guys! Any recommended sets? I was looking at the OTC set and still am finding other sets that seem to be just as good.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you have a Snap On guy they sell the best metal panel tools. Trust me I have tried them all. For plastic ones they also a couple nice sets that are just rebadged bojo from above. I ONLY work on the interior of the vehicle and have been since 1996. I only do electrical and that involves a lot of panel removal. We would get fired if we were seen using a flat blade screwdriver on interior panels. So yes get a good set of trim tools NOW!!! Snap on set part# asg103br
Asgd102br
Dpt7a
A181
pbn500-plastic non marring.
I own all of them and they truly do have their place in your box if you do any interior work.
I would have linked to Snap Ons site but it's down.

 

[LXCam]

Panel and trim removing tools are far superior to just using a flat blade! They save the little plastic panel plugs (whatever they are called) and I've never scratched an interior panel when using the right tool.

Even if you buy cheap ones, use the panel poppers! Just one piece of replacement trim from the stealership would pay for a set of SnapOn panel tools and most likely then some more!!


___________________

Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

X's 1000. The good ones are well worth the cost of admission and even the cheap crappy ones have their place at times. Anymore some of the plastics used don't repair well without major effort and cost and really just damaging one could cost you a fortune in cash and wait time.

I made one pickle fork type out of extreme grade fiber board on a 30" handle to reach way inside on door panels as this particular model had a bad habit of breaking the interior tabs off. What a life saver.

 

[ZRX61]

I have an entire drawer of them, use them all the time.

 

[Ign]

I use them daily. Look at it this way, when trying to disassemble a door panel or dash, you're at war with the dipshit engineers and bean counters that designed all of those fragile clips and connectors holding everything together. Trim tools are just another weapon in your arsenal against them.

Now, there are many types of trim tools. They're often their own friggen section in a tool catalog these days.{snip}

So true and so true!

If they'll fit your needs, get this KD body clip set, too. The split-blade "pliers" laugh at the christmas tree fasteners which otherwise love to break, or take minutes with a screwdriver when they should take under 2 seconds with the right tool. I love this set, esp the pliers.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-14995-3-pc-body-clip-set.aspx

But as Fedwrench said, there are so many possible applications these days you'll have to figure out what you want to work on or are most likely to work on.

 

[bczygan]

 

[amlv20]

Panel and trim removing tools are far superior to just using a flat blade! They save the little plastic panel plugs (whatever they are called) and I've never scratched an interior panel when using the right tool.

Even if you buy cheap ones, use the panel poppers! Just one piece of replacement trim from the stealership would pay for a set of SnapOn panel tools and most likely then some more!!


___________________

Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

Defenatly!! 2012 ford escape black painted center console upper panel with led lighting.....$315....yikes! All it takes is one slip of the screw driver and you are screwed.been there done hat most new car interiors are held together by those damn clips.ive torn a parts dashes and dropped head liners with only removing two bolts rest is clips.the right panel tools are worth it,if your DIY then go cheap as you won't use it enough,if you're in a shop get the best you can afford.

 

[Steevo]

I have removed many automotive interior panels using basic tools like screwdrivers and putty knives.
That is why I also have a large supply of replacement panel plugs/keepers. They get ruined when you take them off using the wrong tools.
Once I learned that, I decided that even a HF set of panel tools was superior to screwdrivers.

 

[Mike662]

Definitely trim tools. I'm not a pro, so I don't need something that will hold up to daily use.

I have this set of plastic pry tools, and this set of trim tools from harbor freight.

I replaced two window regulators in the last month (thanks, Jeep). MUCH easier with the right tools.

 

[justanengineer]

If youre going to skimp on using the proper tools, at least skimp properly. A butter knife takes trim off 1000x easier and with less marring than a screwdriver.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Bojo tools.

but there area many similar tools out there.

 

[mailpup]

I'm a non-professional and I have a set of trim removal tools that I got from Griot's Garage. It came in a kit bag.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

I use Bojo tools... I purchased my set from "ferngang" on eBay.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/231068426760?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

I have used a small screwdriver on some things that are hard to access with these tools... Like taking the headlight switch knob off on MB's.

 

[Danglerb]

I've got a bag of nothing but trim tools, mostly HF for the "Bojo" clones, but haven't broken any yet. Maybe its actually a help to have cheap ones that I use gingerly.

OTOH half the time I either don't know how to release a clip or its glued shut from a cheap paint job, so I at least break the clip with a good tool.

What I use a lot is a Lisle with a nylon bead on the shaft so you don't mar the paint.

 

[Supe]

I use Bojo tools... I purchased my set from "ferngang" on eBay.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/231068426760?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

I have used a small screwdriver on some things that are hard to access with these tools... Like taking the headlight switch knob off on MB's.

Thanks for link. I hit buy.

 

[Ign]

I also just got the HF Bojo clones, 5 pc set item 67021. Did I COMPLETELY waste my $6.99? It was an impulse strolling thru the store. Sounds like they're ok per Danglerb. I won't use them all that often, mostly just personal use.

 

[illmatyk]

They are worth the money. I've had my set for couple years now. It's a Japanese brand( forgot the name ), my good friend picked them up for me while he was living back there. I do alot of door panels and dashboards so they are very handy for me.