How do I remove those "xmas tree" interior panel fasteners without breaking them?

barrys · 06-23-2009, 03:01 PM

It seems like a really stupid question but:
How do I remove those "xmas tree" interior panel fasteners without breaking them?

If I redo my headliner, I know I'll need to take out a bunch of those and in trying to remove one, it looked and felt like the head was going to snap right off. If anyone has any tips on removing those without breaking them, I'd love to hear.

I've got some decent interior panel removal tools that seem just right for getting under the head of the fastener and around the xmas tree shaft. But still, I'd like to hear more before yanking those puppies out.

85_Ranger4x4 · 06-23-2009, 03:25 PM

After destroying several of mine with flathead screwdrivers I came across a tool that is supposed to do it without breaking them. It looks like a small gasket scraper/prybar thing with a V shape cut in the end of it.

Since I got it I haven't had to pull one...

**fastpakr** · 06-23-2009, 03:26 PM

I've always wanted to try one of those tools to see if they actually work. So far I've just reconciled myself to breaking them every time.

**ForOffRoadDriving** · 06-23-2009, 04:06 PM

ive always just used the panel removal tools when taking them out, but i ran into the need to make a larger one for my under hood padding so i just welded a fender washer to a screw driver and nipped one side out of it.

i was thinking i may have needed to put a bend in the shaft for leverage but it worked out well

barrys · 06-23-2009, 04:19 PM

> gasket scraper/prybar thing with a V shape cut in the end of it.
That's the tool I got. Here's a pic:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99739
As you would guess and typical of HF "quality," those puppies are a little too flexible for my taste, but a lot better than nothing.

Captain Ledd · 06-23-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrys

> gasket scraper/prybar thing with a V shape cut in the end of it.
That's the tool I got. Here's a pic:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99739
As you would guess and typical of HF "quality," those puppies are a little too flexible for my taste, but a lot better than nothing.

There's a ton of different designs out there, most will work. Alot of Auto parts places will sell replacements as well. The Napa and Car-Quest around here sell all kinds of those trim clips.

barrys · 06-23-2009, 05:49 PM

It's all about the color. Finding the right sized snap is no problem. For those who haven't shopped there yet, these guys are great:
http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/
If I had black trim, I'd slice them all off with a razor knife and just plop a new set in. No Ford dealers have stock on the old trim pieces.
So, if I can get most or all of them out in one piece it would be great.

COPPERHEAD85 · 06-23-2009, 06:48 PM

I broke down and bought one when I had to replace the regulator in the wifes jeep,wish i had of got it a long time ago.Works great.

Nice job offroad!That should work better than the store bought!

barrys · 06-23-2009, 11:36 PM

When you guys pull those fasteners, do you yank the f#$^ out of them or try to slowly wiggle them out?

I got a couple of them out in tact, but they were a bear. I'm curious if giving them a good yank makes them more likely to break or maybe more likely to pop out in one piece.

Colin · 08-14-2009, 10:25 PM

I use the claw on my hammer and pull them like nails, never broken one yet.

rngr4x4beast · 08-14-2009, 10:30 PM

i used a nail puller that deck builders use and that worked perfect and i was taking a headliner out

MountainMike · 08-14-2009, 10:38 PM

I use a tool like this I got from princess auto
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=683

I usually pull with my hands, removed an explorer door panel today and didn't break any

06-23-2009, 03:01 PM	#1
barrys Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Year: 2010 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 V6 Class: 2WD Street Used For: Daily driver and being a "friend with a truck" Posts: 253 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	How do I remove those "xmas tree" interior panel fasteners without breaking them? It seems like a really stupid question but: How do I remove those "xmas tree" interior panel fasteners without breaking them? If I redo my headliner, I know I'll need to take out a bunch of those and in trying to remove one, it looked and felt like the head was going to snap right off. If anyone has any tips on removing those without breaking them, I'd love to hear. I've got some decent interior panel removal tools that seem just right for getting under the head of the fastener and around the xmas tree shaft. But still, I'd like to hear more before yanking those puppies out.
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06-23-2009, 03:25 PM	#2
85_Ranger4x4 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Between Omaha & Des Moines Year: 1985 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 5.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: A weapon of massive consumption. Posts: 11,201 Rep Power: 51 iTrader: (0)	After destroying several of mine with flathead screwdrivers I came across a tool that is supposed to do it without breaking them. It looks like a small gasket scraper/prybar thing with a V shape cut in the end of it. Since I got it I haven't had to pull one... __________________ 1985 Ford Ranger Custom, 4x4, PA 3" BL, 5.0 HO wannabe, C5 Transmixer, 31 spline T/L 8.8 w/ disc brakes. Build Thread My Ranger is not old; no one would call her old. She has a bluff bow, lovely lines. She's a fine truck: weatherly, stiff and fast... very fast, if she's well handled. No, she's not old; she's in her prime.
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06-23-2009, 03:26 PM	#3
fastpakr Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Roanoke, VA Year: 1994 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.3 Lima Class: 2WD Posts: 2,724 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (1)	I've always wanted to try one of those tools to see if they actually work. So far I've just reconciled myself to breaking them every time. __________________ 99 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 1992 F-150 4wd, 5.0/C6
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06-23-2009, 04:06 PM	#4
ForOffRoadDriving WRENCH WERKS Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: HIGHLAND, MICHIGAN Year: 1994 Make: FORD Model: RANGER Engine: 3.0L Class: 2WD OFF ROAD Used For: EVERYTHING A RANGER CAN DO, AND LOTS OF THINGS IT SHOULDN'T Posts: 2,723 Rep Power: 18 iTrader: (0)	ive always just used the panel removal tools when taking them out, but i ran into the need to make a larger one for my under hood padding so i just welded a fender washer to a screw driver and nipped one side out of it. i was thinking i may have needed to put a bend in the shaft for leverage but it worked out well __________________ 1994 Ranger 4X2 Off Road, Built Not Bought! http://www.therangerstation.com/foru...ad.php?t=37621
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06-23-2009, 04:19 PM	#5
barrys Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Year: 2010 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 V6 Class: 2WD Street Used For: Daily driver and being a "friend with a truck" Posts: 253 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	> gasket scraper/prybar thing with a V shape cut in the end of it. That's the tool I got. Here's a pic: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99739 As you would guess and typical of HF "quality," those puppies are a little too flexible for my taste, but a lot better than nothing.
	Tweet

06-23-2009, 05:49 PM	#7
barrys Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Year: 2010 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 V6 Class: 2WD Street Used For: Daily driver and being a "friend with a truck" Posts: 253 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	It's all about the color. Finding the right sized snap is no problem. For those who haven't shopped there yet, these guys are great: http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/ If I had black trim, I'd slice them all off with a razor knife and just plop a new set in. No Ford dealers have stock on the old trim pieces. So, if I can get most or all of them out in one piece it would be great.
	Tweet

06-23-2009, 06:48 PM	#8
COPPERHEAD85 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: west tennessee Year: 85 Make: ford Model: ranger Engine: 302 Class: 4x4 Used For: Yard Decoration Posts: 3,518 Rep Power: 24 iTrader: (6)	I broke down and bought one when I had to replace the regulator in the wifes jeep,wish i had of got it a long time ago.Works great. Nice job offroad!That should work better than the store bought! __________________ Stabbings aren't funny Beatings aren't funny Clowns aren't funny But Beating and Stabbing a Clown...Thats Funny!
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06-23-2009, 11:36 PM	#9
barrys Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Year: 2010 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Engine: 4.0 V6 Class: 2WD Street Used For: Daily driver and being a "friend with a truck" Posts: 253 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	When you guys pull those fasteners, do you yank the f#$^ out of them or try to slowly wiggle them out? I got a couple of them out in tact, but they were a bear. I'm curious if giving them a good yank makes them more likely to break or maybe more likely to pop out in one piece.
	Tweet

08-14-2009, 10:25 PM	#10
Colin Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Barrie ON Canada Year: 1998 Make: MAZDA Model: B4000 SX 4X4 Engine: 4.0L Class: 4x4 Used For: Truck Stuff Posts: 2,909 Rep Power: 31 iTrader: (0)	I use the claw on my hammer and pull them like nails, never broken one yet. __________________ Elwood: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses." Jake: "Hit it."
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08-14-2009, 10:30 PM	#11
rngr4x4beast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: riner va Year: 2002 Make: ford Model: ranger Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: everything Posts: 479 Rep Power: 8 iTrader: (1)	i used a nail puller that deck builders use and that worked perfect and i was taking a headliner out __________________ hi tech redneck
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