So in doing a bulb change on the fogs I attempted to take off the front top cover of the bumper and was not able due to this little clips.....


Apparently when it's being assembled the "builders" must just press these in instead of screwing them on therefore becoming stripped as its virtually impossible to unscrew them

.....I'm changing them to these.....


As they're easier to install and remove...anyone else have this problem?? and know of any tool other than a Phillips head screwdriver to take them off?...I may have to just cut them off with a pair of pliers as you can't unscrew them.......

Thanks

 

Apparently when it's being assembled the "builders" must just press these in instead of screwing them on therefore becoming stripped as its virtually impossible to unscrew them


As they're easier to install and remove...anyone else have this problem?? and know of any tool other than a Phillips head screwdriver to take them off?...I may have to just cut them off with a pair of pliers as you can't unscrew them.......

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Actually, Chrysler has been using that same fastener for years, they are not actually threaded, and are not stripped, just ribbed for your displeasure. however some times you can unscrew them partialy, and sometimes not. You can however put a hooked dental pick under the 'screwhead' and pull them right out, after you pull the center out, then the 'balloon' colapses and the outer fastener will pull right out. BTW I am a senior master tech and have dealt with more oddball fasteners than you can shake a stick at! From all the manutacturers!

 

Actually, Chrysler has been using that same fastener for years, they are not actually threaded, and are not stripped, just ribbed for your displeasure. however some times you can unscrew them partialy, and sometimes not. You can however put a hooked dental pick under the 'screwhead' and pull them right out, after you pull the center out, then the 'balloon' colapses and the outer fastener will pull right out. BTW I am a senior master tech and have dealt with more oddball fasteners than you can shake a stick at! From all the manutacturers! [/QUOTE]


As you probably know since you've dealt with all types of vehicle retainer clips. the ones used ..ehem by the manufacturer that makes my other car... , uses the ones that you can use as flat head screw driver to pull the center portion off and 99% of the time you can reuse them instead of having to replace them, so on that note I think if not too cold this weekend and I have enough of these Honda clips....damn I said it...I will replace all the ones on the bumper and the plastic cover under the front axle.
I thought I was doing something wrong when I couldn't get these off and was actually rounding the center portion that is suppose to unscrew.......any ideas other than replacing these critters...or am I on the right track...

Thanks for the reply JonGiovani

 

You could have also said UUHHH G.M. and been talking about those same diffrent continent made clips....LOL
Honestly I would reuse the same clips over again (or if they get messed up buy O.E. replacements) now that you will know the secret to them.
The problem with switching clips is this, even though most of them look the same at first blush, they have several diffrent diameters, but more important, the 'balloon' is diffrent from fastener to fastener and the thicknes of materials being fastend together is diffrent, making the 'bonding' groove or depth diffrent. I.E. if you put a diffrent dimensioned fastener in, it may push in and lock but may lift out easily, or may not 'lock tight'. Hope this makes sense, Jon

 

You can get replacements cheap. I bought new ones for my rear inner fender from a chevy dealer.

 

Guys have just been screwing a drywall screw partially in and then pulling them out. They use them over and over.

 

I use a pocketknife to pry the center part up so I can pull them out with my hand.

Yea it scratches them a little but get a frickin life if you care about a 1/16" scratch on a piece of plastic.

 

My Jeep store quoted these at $2.60 each if I wanted OEM parts.
I think I'll go down to AutoZone.

 

before I go off and change the clips, I will measure all dimensions with a caliper and with luck I can use the one I bought for my Element years ago....
BTW this palce in Long Island is a good source and cheap.....
click here

 

If you need these or other clips your best bet is to go to an auto paint supply store. I bought a box of 25 for $6.50. I figure they should last me a while