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Trim removal tools: what to use on clips and panels

3 min read · Getting started

The right tool is the difference between a clean job and a pile of broken clips and scratched paint. A basic trim tool kit costs little and covers most clip and panel jobs.

The main tools

• Forked clip tool: a narrow fork that slides under a clip head on both sides of the stem. Best for Christmas tree clips and push pin clips.
• Wide flat pry tool: spreads the force along a panel edge. Best for door cards and pillar trims.
• Clip pliers: pincer-style jaws that grip under the head and lift the clip straight out.
• Small hook or pick: for lifting centre pins on rivet clips.

Why plastic tools?

Nylon tools are softer than paint and trim, so they are less likely to leave marks. A screwdriver concentrates force on a small point, slips easily and can gouge paint or crack plastic.

Using them well

1. Get the tool as close to the clip as possible.
2. Lift straight up, not at an angle.
3. Release each clip part way before pulling any one fully.
4. Protect painted edges with tape if you need to lever against them.

Our kits

We sell a 38-piece auto trim removal tool kit and a car trim clip removal tool set. Have replacement clips on hand too: see how to remove car trim clips for which ones break most.

A basic kit

• Wide flat plastic pry tool for door cards and large panels
• Narrow plastic tool for gaps around dashboards and consoles
• Forked clip remover for push pins and tree clips
• Short screwdriver set for scrivets and screws
• Torch and a small magnetic tray

Protecting paint and trim

Put masking tape on the painted edge next to where you will lever. If you must use a metal tool, wrap the tip in tape or a cloth. Work slowly in cold weather, when plastics are more brittle.

Which tool for which clip

Mistakes that damage trim

• Levering from the middle of a panel instead of next to a clip. The panel bends and the clip stays put.
• Pulling a panel off at an angle, which snaps tree clips at the stem.
• Forgetting a hidden screw, so the panel cracks around it.
• Resting the tool on the paint as a pivot point. Use a cloth or tape under it.

Looking after your tools

Plastic tools wear at the tip. When the edge gets chewed or rounded, it no longer slides behind the clip easily, and you are more likely to force it. Keep the set together in a bag so you are not tempted to grab a screwdriver.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an expensive trim tool set?

No. A small set of plastic tools and a forked clip remover handle most jobs.

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