How do you remove these fasteners?

[bitternut]

I am installing some Husky mud guards on my 2009 Silverado 2500HD and need to remove a couple of fasteners on the fender liners. Two of them are regular hex head screws but the other is a type that I am not sure of how to remove. I have to remove one of them for the install of the guards and I would like to not destroy the fastener if possible. Any suggestions on how this could be done?

 

[shvl73]

Those fasteners look like plastic one way - one use. Some good hardware stores have bins with some or you can get replacements at the dealer.

 

[rtdiggr]

like shvl73 says they are probably single use. But do try to remove them if you see where that slot on the head is.

Use a flat head and pry the 2 pieces of plastic apart they come apart easy. You may be able to reuse them you won't know until till they come apart.

I am sure most auto parts store will carry something that will work for you. it doesn't have to be the exact same. Just fit into the whole without to much wiggle room.

Shane

 

[Diamondpilot]

As the other have said. They work like rivets. Pop the center out the pry out the outer part. When they go back together the center makes the outer expand and hold it together.

Chris

 

[sld]

I have used the regular christmas tree fasteners to put mud flaps on. They are much more secure, are easy to get and usually can be reused. Try it if you are going to the store anyways.

 

[ray66v]

It was originally a Toyota fastener for the splash shield on front fenders.

Insert a flat screwdriver in one of the slots and pop the center up about 1/2" and then pry out the entire fastener with a screwdriver or putty knife.

They are reusable 90% of the time, the rest of the time they break.

Any body shop will have these if you need any.

 

[bitternut]

Thanks folks for the replies. I have had mixed results removing them in the past and thought that there might be some sure fire method. Usually I can get them out pretty easy but once in a while I have run into a stubborn one. Wondered if there might be a better way that I did not know about.

 

[mattman]

You can spray some WD-40 on it, helps to lube up the plastic. Usually there is dirt between the center part and the outside part. The WD will help out.

 

[QRTRHRS]

You can purchase a tool to help pop them out. Looks like a wide bladed screwdriver with a "V" shaped notch but works better than a standard screw driver. NAPA carries a good selection of plastic fasteners at a good price if you need to replace any.

 

[DieselPower]

Looks like a standard trim fastener to me. They kind of work like a toggle bolt. On the other side the outer part expands out when the center is pushed in. Pry out the center part (you usually don't have to remove it completly) and the main body should pry out easily.