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I've been casting about for a removal tool for this sort of fastener:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/646/clip.jpg

Honda uses several variations of this for many plastic panels. Up to now I've used a slim blade screwdriver, but it's far from ideal, especially when the fasteners are in recessed pockets.

Yesterday I tried a paint can opener I had, worked very nicely. The right-angle blade is perfect for getting into corners, and the blade just the right width:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/646/paint-can-opener.jpg

A combination of pull and leverage get the fasteners out very easily, without damage.

Thanks Mendel!

God only knows how many of those plastic buttons I've busted trying to pry out.:o

Snap-on, Matco and Mac tools all have several variation of trim clip removal tools they look like a flat blade screwdriver with a forked end of some sort. I've also had good luck using a dental pick to get them out as well.

Snap-on, Matco and Mac tools all have several variation of trim clip removal tools they look like a flat blade screwdriver with a forked end of some sort. I've also had good luck using a dental pick to get them out as well.

I've seen those, but I wonder how well they work in practice. You need a fair amount of lateral room around the fastener with those, judging from the pictures, and you often don't have that room. The head of the fastener typically has two recesses, 180 degrees apart. The paint can opener blade width just fits that recess, and the 90 degree configuration means you can snake it in anywhere.

If you pull and lever it is very effective at popping them out.

Hi Mendel;

Your local "Princess Auto" store has the answer. ;)

As you know, you walk in the right time and you'll find good bargains in the tools department - heck, even in the surplus section.

Cheers;

MSantos

I've seen those, but I wonder how well they work in practice. You need a fair amount of lateral room around the fastener with those, judging from the pictures, and you often don't have that room. The head of the fastener typically has two recesses, 180 degrees apart. The paint can opener blade width just fits that recess, and the 90 degree configuration means you can snake it in anywhere.

If you pull and lever it is very effective at popping them out.

They work great, I use them on an almost daily basis.

I've just been using a screwdriver on my Insight aero panels... I think I'll try to find one of those paint can openers to use instead.

Thanks for the tip!

Hi All:

___My take... Break em out with whatever tool you have available (small flat blade screw driver anyone ;)) and install new ones when it’s time to reinstall.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I agree, whatever works. There is one variation of the fastener where the cap has a high raised edge surrounding the central button. There's a couple of those (for example) on the plastic trim at the front of the engine bay. That's one that works better with flat blade screw driver, at least to lift it out of the depression.

Sears sells a staple remover that works great. Its basically a screwdriver with a forked end. I removed hundreds of them with it.

p.s. its in the screwdriver section i think

From the picture in the first post that fastner looks to me like a type used by many companies. Picture isn't really clear enough to say for sure. But if so it is one of the easier to remove fasteners, if not ...... .

To release that type all you need to do is push the small center part in deeper. The "nail" portion in the center is smaller closer to the head and when pushed further in the barbs collapse and the fastener easily comes out of the hole. If it isn't the push to remove type the center nail won't go in further.

Pull the nail back back out after removal and reinsert to the flush position when reinstalling.

No, it's not that type, the ones that push in at the center. The pictured ones can only be released by lifting the center.

I like those push-in ones though, would be nice to see those more widely adopted: they're easier to deal with. Honda does use them in a few locations, a black plastic "bulkhead" between front door hinges and fender cavity on the HCHII, for one.

No, it's not that type, the ones that push in at the center. The pictured ones can only be released by lifting the center.

I like those push-in ones though, would be nice to see those more widely adopted: they're easier to deal with. Honda does use them in a few locations, a black plastic "bulkhead" between front door hinges and fender cavity on the HCHII, for one.

Ok, thought it was worth the mention. The push in ones are sweet once you know that they work like that.

I have a tool for pulling chips and jumper on circuit boards that might work. It looks like a tweezer with very thin blades and the ends bent in at a 90 angle. I haven't but it looks like the metal could be bent to any desired angle.

Sometimes it is easiest to just order a bag of new ones, or ask the folks at a body shop for their recommendation.

Yup, a bag of them isn't expensive. And I only break a few each time I deal with them, so it's been long enough since I bought the bag that I don't remember the price. Not much, though, 'cause I'm cheap. ;)

The ones I have dealt with on my CRX are threaded. Not very well, mind you, but a bit. You unscrew them and they back out, releasing the tabs on the other side. Well, sometimes they do. Sometimes they need to just be pried out, or broken off, or ....

-soD