plastic fastener/proper name, care, and removal

I've heard those called by several names, not all them repeatable in a family forum. The name 'pop fastener' or 'plastic rivets' sounds more formal than 'those little plastic thingies', but most parts departments should know what you're talking about. They're designed for quick and cheap assembly, not repeated removal, and buying extra is a good idea because you're bound to wreck a few, or lose them as they go flying over your shoulder when you finally get them loose. Generally, the idea is to turn the phillips head part about 90 degrees - they are not threaded, so no point 'unscrewing' them - and then pop the centre part up. Then the whole thing should pull straight up and out. Once you've got one of the little buggers in hand, you can see better how they work.

 

Easiest way to remove them is to push from underneath, you may have to turn them a bit with a phillips. Installation is the reverse, bring center pin up, insert, then push from top to reinsert. I think there is one that you cannot reach from underneath. There are reasonable substitutes in the Hardware store. Toyota charges $3.00 for each one. :bounce:

 

I call them "f***ing plastic fasteners", usually followed by "g*dd**ned pieces of sh*t".

That, of course, is technical terminology. Others may use something less formal.

Tom

 

I find a paint can opener like this:



very hand for the ones where you need to pull up the cap. Coupled with occasional help from a small flat bladed screwdriver.

 

Well Doh! I have bunch of those in my paint supply cabinet and never thought of using them for that. Thanks.

 

Just picked some up from Lowes, in the hardware aisle.- They have some "Automotive" fastener drawers.
Small bags of two, for $1.04.

(Hillman) H# 881211 5MM