How do you remove fastener clips?

Removing fastener clips can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the basic techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for removing different types of fastener clips, as well as provide tips and tricks to make the job easier.

What are fastener clips?

Fastener clips, also known as plastic fasteners, plastic clips, or panel fasteners, are small plastic devices used to attach two parts together. They are commonly found in consumer products like electronics, appliances, furniture, and automotive interiors.

There are several types of fastener clips, but they all work in a similar way – two interlocking plastic pieces clip together to hold the parts in place. The most common types are:

• Push pin clips – A male pin pushes into a hollow female socket.
• Christmas tree clips – Ridges on the male piece lock into the female piece.
• Screw post clips – A male threaded post screws into a female barrel.
• Snap fit clips – Male and female pieces interlock when pressed together.

Fastener clips are useful because they allow products to be assembled and disassembled easily. However, they can become brittle and break over time. When a fastener clip breaks, you’ll need to remove it and install a replacement to reattach the parts.

Gather the Right Tools

Removing fastener clips is most easily accomplished with the right tools on hand. Trying to pry them out with just your fingers is difficult and can result in broken nails or skin abrasions. Here are the basic tools you’ll want to have ready:

• Needle nose pliers – Allows you to grip and pull out broken clip pieces.
• Flat head screwdriver – Helps pry up and pop out clips.
• Flashlight – Illuminates hard to see areas.
• Gloves – Protect your hands from sharp edges.

You may also find the following specialty tools helpful for stubborn clips:

• Panel clip removal tool – Shaped like pliers but with thin, curved metal tips designed to grab onto fastener clips.
• Fastener clip extraction kit – Comes with interchangeable drill bits made to drill into and extract broken clips.

Inspect the Clip

Before attempting removal, take a close look at the type of fastener clip you’re dealing with. Note the location and position of the clip. Try to determine if the male or female portion is broken by wiggling the pieces gently. Knowing what type of clip it is and which part is damaged will guide the removal technique.

Also check if there are any screws or additional parts holding the assembly together. You may need to remove these first to gain access to the clip.

Removing Push Pin Clips

Push pin clips are arguably the easiest fastener clip to remove. Follow these steps:

1. Wedge a flat head screwdriver under the flange on the female socket portion of the clip.
2. Gently pry upwards, working the clip loose from its mounting hole.
3. Once freed, use pliers to extract the female socket of the clip from the mounting hole.
4. For broken male pins still lodged in the socket, grasp with pliers and wiggle firmly to remove.

Troubleshooting Push Pin Clip Removal

• If the flange on the female socket is broken, use pliers to grab the remaining portion and twist out.
• Drill a pilot hole next to stubborn pins, then insert a screw and pull out with pliers.

Removing Christmas Tree Clips

Christmas tree clips get their name from the shape – the male piece has ridges like a pine tree. To remove:

1. Take a flat head screwdriver and gently pry up on each ridge, working it loose from the female socket.
2. As you free each ridge, the male piece will become loose enough to remove by hand or with pliers.
3. For broken male pieces, try pliers first to wiggle remnants free from the socket.
4. For stubborn bits, drill next to the socket to make space for something to grip onto, like a screw.

Troubleshooting Christmas Tree Clip Removal

• Bendable pick tools can help reach into tight spaces between ridges.
• Use a Dremel rotary tool to grind down ridges before prying and pulling.
• If the female socket is badly damaged, drill pilot holes around the perimeter to weaken and then chisel it out.

Removing Screw Post Clips

As the name suggests, screw post clips consist of a male threaded post that screws into a female barrel or socket. To remove:

1. Use pliers or wrench to unscrew the post by turning counterclockwise.
2. If resistant, apply penetrating oil to loosen the threads.
3. Once unthreaded, pull the post out of the barrel.
4. For broken posts, grip what remains with pliers and unscrew.
5. Use a tap and die set to clean out the threads of the barrel if needed.

Troubleshooting Screw Post Clip Removal

• Drill into the post to provide a slit that gives pliers something to grip.
• If the barrel is badly damaged, drill around its base to weaken and then pry it out.
• Place a rubber band around pliers’ grip for better traction on slick posts.

Removing Snap Fit Clips

Snap fit clips work by the male and female pieces interlocking when pressed together. To separate them:

1. Wedge a flat head screwdriver into the seam between the pieces.
2. Gently pry apart until the pieces unlock from each other.
3. Pull the loosened pieces out by hand or with pliers.
4. If one piece is broken, use pliers to remove the remnants from the other piece.

Troubleshooting Snap Fit Clip Removal

• Bendable pick tools help reach into tight seam spaces.
• Tap gently around the clip with a hammer to help loosen a stuck connection.
• Try alternating flexing the pieces back and forth until they detach.

Preventing Clip Breakage

While fastener clips are designed for assembly and disassembly, they can fail over time. Here are some tips to help prevent clips from breaking prematurely:

• Avoid forcing clips past their insertion point – this stresses and damages them.
• Check for debris, dirt, or damage before reassembling clip connections.
• Replace old, worn out clips during routine maintenance.
• Use plastic conditioner spray to keep clips from becoming brittle.

Replacing Broken Clips

Once you’ve removed the damaged fastener clip, you’ll need to install a replacement to reattach the parts. When selecting replacement clips:

• Match the style and size of the original clip.
• Choose a higher quality metal clip for frequent disassembly.
• Buy a variety pack to have spares on hand.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new clip. This usually just involves pressing, screwing, or popping the pieces into place.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY fastener clip removal is possible in many cases, it’s best to call a professional technician for:

• Clips deep inside complex machinery that are hard to access.
• Assemblies with dozens of interconnected clips.
• Clips made from fragile materials like thin plastic.
• Products still under warranty you don’t want to void.

The right technician has specialized tools and experience to remove tricky clips and properly reassemble the components.

Conclusion

Knowing the fundamentals of removing damaged fastener clips saves you time and money on repairs. The key steps are using the right tools, analyzing clip type and damage, carefully prying up and out each piece, replacing broken clips, and calling a pro for complex jobs. With some patience and care, you can take out old clips and get your devices fixed up and reassembled.