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How to measure a car clip so the new one fits

4 min read · Getting started

Car clips are not universal. Two clips can look the same in a photo and still differ by a millimetre on the stem, which is enough to make one fall out. Measuring the old clip, or the hole, is the quickest way to find a match.

What you need

A set of vernier or digital calipers is best. A steel rule works for heads and lengths, but it is hard to measure a small stem with a rule. If the old clip is broken, measure the hole in the panel instead.

The four key sizes

1. Head diameter: across the widest part of the top. Some clips have an inner head as well; measure both if you can.
2. Stem width: across the part that goes into the hole, just under the head. This is the size that matters most. It is usually close to the hole size.
3. Stem length: from under the head to the tip. It must be long enough to pass through every layer you are clamping.
4. Hole size: measure the panel hole if the clip is missing. Note whether it is round, square or oval.

Special cases

• Square or oval stems: write both sizes, for example 8 x 10 mm.
• Clips with a sealing washer: measure the head and the stem, and note the washer.
• Speed clips: measure the width, length and the hole or thread size. See speed clips.
• Washers: inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness. See sump plug washers.

Matching to our products

Most of our product pages list the head, stem and length read from the product photo. Start with the right type (rivet clips, scrivets, tree clips, trim clips), then compare stem width first, length second and head third. A clip whose stem is within a few tenths of a millimetre of your old one is a good start. The make in the product name helps narrow it down, but sizes decide the fit.

Still not sure?

Call us on 0499 001004 with your sizes, or with the make, model and where the clip goes. You can also read finding clips for your car make.

Tools that help

• Vernier caliper: the most accurate way to measure the head, stem and hole. Cheap digital ones are fine for clips.
• Ruler: good enough for the length and the head, but harder for small stems.
• Drill bits as gauges: push the shank of a drill bit into the empty hole. The largest bit that fits is close to the hole size.

Measuring the hole instead of the clip

If the old clip is lost or broken, measure the hole in the panel. Square holes are measured across the flats. If the car has two layers (for example a liner over the body), the clip has to be long enough to go through both, so measure the total thickness too.

Common measuring mistakes

• Measuring the stem over the ribs or legs, which are wider than the hole.
• Measuring a clip that has already spread open after being pulled out.
• Ignoring the head size, so the clip pulls through a large hole in a soft liner.

Rivet clips: sizes in our range

We measured the rivet clips in our own range from the marks on each product photo. Of 59 products with sizes, the stem (which roughly matches the hole size) runs from about 5 mm to 14.4 mm. The most common stem sizes, rounded, are 8 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm. Here is a spread across the range:

Sizes are approximate, read from the measurement marks on our product photos. Always compare with your original part.

Frequently asked questions

What does H, D and L mean on your product photos?

H is the head diameter, D is the stem diameter (close to the hole size) and L is the length of the stem. A second head figure in brackets is usually the inner part of a two-part head.

How close does the size need to be?

For the hole, aim for within about half a millimetre. A slightly longer stem is usually fine; a shorter one may not lock behind the panel.

Can I send you my measurements?

Yes. Call 0499 001004 with the make, model, where the clip goes and your three measurements, and we will suggest the closest match from our range.

Sizes and fitting steps in our guides are general. Check your vehicle's manual for anything specific to your car. Questions? Call 0499 001004.