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

[barrys]

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.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

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]

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]

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]

> 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/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=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]

> 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/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[rngr4x4beast]

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

 

[MountainMike]

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

 

[Mark_88]

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

I like Princess Auto...they have some of the neatest tools...

But I used a bicycle wrench for things like that...(I also used a wrench to reinforce my floorboards around the parking brake cable when it rotted out) or a very sharp knife...those fasteners are like $1.49 for ten at Canadian Tire...and are typically only used under the hood for the insulation pad...

 

[barrys]

Here's one thing I found out from experience yesterday...
If you spend about 10+ minutes per fastener wriggling away with your nice puller tool, they come out in tact.
If you wrench on them like the burly upholstery dude, they break in half in less than 30 seconds.

Some people have to make a living working on cars while others just pass extra time and a bit of gas...

 

[6cylboy]

Just got these:
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(S(fn5ljv55vnd2xbueorg1upac))/Detail.aspx?R=SER3705_0006568464

they work way better than the pry bar type and are very worth the money.