Removing those pesky inserts leaving no tool marks!

[palmettotint]

You want to remove the inner gasket on some cars in order to get a clean install but you don't want to leave any unsightly tool marks when removing the door panels. Unfortunately, some manufacturers don't give you a way to use a tool to remove some inserts without leaving a mark. I discovered a way to remove those little inserts (Ford Focus and many others) without leaving a tool mark. The example here is a new Ford Focus.

No way you're using a pick or plastic tool to get that insert out without leaving a mark.

Here's the magic solution! Strip Caulk you can find at any auto parts store.

Ball a bit of it up, like so.

Clean the Soul Glow off of the plastic first, then mash that glob on there.

It's tacky so it'll stick to the plastic insert. Once you've got it stuck, give it a yank and out it'll come.

Remove the strip caulk from the plastic and, viola!

Hope this helps, guys.

[TintWizard]

I did the identical car your showing yesterday . I pull the tabs out quickly and effortlessly without damage or marks.

With that being said, still a cool idea you got

[flat rock stan]

Same here TW, we never have a problem removing um un-damaged but it is a cool idea!

Cheers

Stan

[TINTZEUS]

Nice.

[coast2coasttinting]

If you push in on one side, the other will pop out just a bit. This will allow you to remove it with a pick, without making any visible marks on the trim or screw cover.

But this is a clever idea also.

[palmettotint]

Okay, so probably "no way" you're getting these out without marks was an exaggeration. I've done it by pushing on one side as well. But this way is so much better (easier) that it  makes the "push" way seem like a massive pita! Try it once and you'll see. Just one more trick to add to your list.

[TintOhio]

Nice thought,  cool little tidbit

[ultratintsouthport]

Nice idea. Useful tool.

[TTS]

That strip caulk makes too much of a mess... Get a good quality set of nylon trim tools and remove those plugs by pushing in on one side then poping out from the other

[Booms]

then poping out...

 

 

Yeah, just poping them things out is easy.......