Snap-on has come out with new Instinct non-marring trim pad tool sets.
The new Snap-on Instinct trim removal tool sets will each include two sizes of curved pry bars, covering the most common clip sizes.
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Snap-on says that the new tools are designed to be strong enough to remove clips and fasteners, while also being gentle enough so as to prevent damage to vehicle surfaces and interiors.
Each curved prying tool has a vinyl sleeve on the 90° bend, which helps to provide mar-free leverage.
The tools’ blades are have a nickel-chrome finish, and Snap-on’s iconic Instinct handles.
There will be three sets:
- ASGP102BR – red Instinct handles
- ASGP102BG – green Instinct handles
- ASGP102BO – orange Instinct handles
Price: $84 via the Snap-on online store
COO: USA
You could also of course buy them from your local Snap-on franchisee or representative.
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Compare: Gearwrench Tool via Amazon
Discussion
For those of you that regularly remove interior panels and trim fasteners from other areas of a car, would these new Snap-on non-marring trim pad removal tools be an upgrade over what you are currently using?
When I think of trim fastener removal tools, I think of fondue fork-like pry bars that have a shallow bend towards their ends. Or, cheap plastic pry bars and removal tools have been all the rage on Amazon.
With these new Snap-on tools, they increased the length of the prying tip past the bend, took the bend to 90°, and added what looks to be a thick non-marring cushion. It looks to me that you might need a little more clearance to rock the tool for trim fastener removal, but it also looks like these tools will give you a lot of leverage.
Here is what Snap-on’s existing soft grip handle trim pad removal tool looks like, and it’s also available in several lengths.
I’d say that pro automotive repair and body shop techs might expand their fastener removal kit with the new tools, rather than outright replace them. Given the tip geometry, I’d say that the new tools might come in handy, but there will likely be plenty of tasks where the typical fondue fork pry bars are still just fine and even better.
Chris
Snap on 😍😍
“Fondue fork” I like that term 😂 thats the one I have have.
Jared
These look pretty good to me. I was working in an autobody shop for a few months recently. Removing clips can be really annoying with lousy tools. It’s hard to get them off cleanly and undamaged.
I just bought the Gearwrench 3-piece clip removal pliers set for using at home. I have not received them yet.
The main set of pliers pop the clip out by separating two forks (one resting against the panel and the other pulling up on the clip). I thought that would be nice because it pulls the clip out straighter than using a typical pry tool. The other two pliers in the set are for pulling the locking pins before you pry out the clip.
These new snap on prying tools look like they solve a similar problem because of the extra angle. I think for most cases they would offer more clearance than the typical pry bar.
John
I like the Gearwrench pliers too. Here is an Amazon like for the ones I have.
https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-41850-Piece-Body-Clip/dp/B000TDAHYM/
Harry
Actually, I don’t think those are that new. I think they’ve been out for over a year. I have them and wanted to like them but, I can’t. I thought I would have lots of uses for them but, no. I think the main issue is the evolution of retaining clips themselves. gone for the most part are the pull out barbed type. Two piece push pin type retainers are the norm now. Even Flat Rate Master on You Tube listed these in a video as a don’t buy. However, my favorite trim tools are are the two piece set from SK. The indexable head allows for a multitude of positions, and poke/pry tool is super handy. https://www.harryepstein.com/automotive-tools-plastic-body-clip-rivet-removal-25372.html and https://www.harryepstein.com/automotive-tools-plastic-body-clip-rivet-removal-25374.html
I think the SK tools have a much nicer handle shape than that nasty Instinct handle but, that’s just me.
Stuart
The press release I received was dated June 2020.
Jalopy_J
Yeah, that was my thought. I bought this set off a truck probably 1.5 years ago. And I wasn’t under the impression it was a new tool at that time, although perhaps it was. Anyways, I like them.
Javier A.
Yep, I’ve owned these for over a year myself…
Stuart
Great. So how do you like it?
blocky
If you’ve already got pry tools, what about a little heat-shrink tubing?
Stuart
I couldn’t find any similar tools with deep curvature like this one.
Jared
They way it curves past 90 then back to 90 for the handle would add a little clearance for your fingers even if you pry it down all the way flat. I haven’t seen that either.
I think it is still a reasonable idea to try adding some thick heatshrink if you already have the other style though. Some of the cheap ones are flat on the part where you pry or are bent right close to where it forks, so how well it would work might vary (e.g. adding any extra material close to the fork might make it harder to slip underneath the clip).
Stuart
Perhaps, but it might also be tricky getting properly sized heat shrink over a prying tip, depending on the tool.
Electrical tape might work – any reason to not use it where you need a non-marring barrier between the tool and delicate or markable
surfaces?
Frankie Garcia
ive had these for atleast a year and a half from the snap on truck
Stuart
*shrug* what can I tell you? The PR was sent to me in June, and with a June 2020 date stamp.
In any case, how do you like them?
Does yours also have the Instinct handles? (Maybe that’s the new part? But I couldn’t find any other on the Snap-on website.)
fred
There are tools with double bends like the Vim V618
https://www.tooltopia.com/Vim-VIMV618-UpholsteryTool-Hindge-side-two
and offset bends:
https://www.tooltopia.com/Vim-VIMV614
I haven’t worked on cars in many years so I have no idea what works or doesn’t work.
928'er
“Snap-on” read: over priced.
Stuart
Do you know of a similarly designed alternative?
fred
I suppose that you might be able to fabricate your own one – shaped like the SnapOn starting with a 20 inch long Vim V212 – heating the shaft with a torch, bending it to shape, heat treating it then adding some plastic tubing. For me that would seem like quite a bit of work – with an uncertain outcome – to save on the SnapOn price – if you really needed their design.
https://www.carid.com/vim-tools/18-long-door-clip-panel-remover-mpn-v612.html
fred
Vim V612 – not V212 – my fat fingers and bad typing did me in again
Steve
Talk to the car audio installers….that’s where these tools shine. The metal tool is easier for the user, but it’s not great for the customer because scratches will happen. I’ve been pretty happy with the plastic pry bars, less is usually more when you don’t want to break stuff.
Sam
i will second the SK kit. it is more of a professional body shop set. The plastic sets have there place for interior work.
https://www.harryepstein.com/automotive-tools-plastic-body-clip-rivet-removal.html