TIL those cheap plastic trim removal tools are actually worth it

I always thought a flathead screwdriver worked fine until I saw a tech at the shop next door pull a dash panel in under a minute with no marks. I tried one on a 2018 Civic last week and it saved me from buying a new clip set. Anyone have a favorite brand that holds up?

4 comments

4 Comments

mark_ward3mo ago

Yeah, that "no marks" part is the real win. I used a flathead on my old truck's door panel and left a bunch of little dents in the plastic. It never looks right after that. The cheap nylon pry bar just bends instead of gouging. I keep a set from the parts store in my toolbox now, the ones that come in a little roll. They're basically disposable but they last longer than you'd think.

angelarivera3mo ago

Ever try heating the nylon bar a little to get it to hold its shape better for tricky spots?

blake7921mo ago

What about using a heat gun on the plastic trim itself?

logan6583mo ago

Totally feel that, @angelarivera. I've wrecked so much trim with metal tools.