How to Remove a Honda Clip

Most Honda body and interior panels use plastic push clips that come out by gently lifting the small center pin 1–2 mm with a trim tool and then prying the clip body straight out; screw-type clips unscrew in the center before prying, and barbed “Christmas tree” clips pull out with steady, even leverage. Identify the clip type first, use a plastic trim tool, and work slowly to avoid breaking brittle plastic.

What “Honda clip” usually means

Honda uses several common fasteners on bumpers, splash shields, wheel-well liners, trunk trim, undertrays, and interior panels. Knowing which one you’re dealing with prevents damage and saves time.

• Two-piece push-pin rivet: A wide plastic head with a small center pin. Lift the pin, then remove the clip.
• Screw-grommet clip: Looks like a plastic Phillips screw in the middle of a rivet. Unscrew slightly, then pry out.
• Barbed “Christmas tree” clip: Solid stem with ridges. Requires steady pulling with a trim tool.
• Metal spring/U-clip with a separate screw: Remove the screw, then slide off the metal clip from the panel edge.
• Specialty expanding rivet: Some push pins release by pushing the center in (pin drops through) and are effectively single-use.

While the removal principle is similar across brands, Honda’s most common retainers are the two-piece push-pin rivets found in 6–10 mm sizes on underbody panels and fender liners.

Tools and preparation

Using the right tools reduces the chance of cracked panels or snapped fasteners, especially on older vehicles where plastic becomes brittle.

• Plastic trim removal tool or panel popper (preferred over metal screwdrivers)
• Small flat-blade screwdriver or pick (to lift the center pin)
• Phillips screwdriver (for screw-type clips)
• Needle-nose pliers (for stubborn centers or back-side access)
• Penetrating spray or a drop of soapy water (to ease barbed clips)
• Heat source like a hair dryer or heat gun on low (to warm brittle clips in cold weather)
• Replacement clips (in case a retainer breaks; assorted Honda-compatible kits are inexpensive)

Set the steering or body panel so there’s no tension on the clip; relieving stress helps the fastener come out cleanly.

Step-by-step: Removing the most common Honda push clip

This method applies to the widely used two-piece push-pin rivet with a small center button.

1. Support the panel: Hold or prop the panel so the clip isn’t under load.
2. Lift the center pin: Use a pick or small flat tool to gently pry the center button up about 1–2 mm. Don’t pull it all the way out yet.
3. Pry under the head: Slide a plastic trim tool under the clip head and lever the entire clip straight out.
4. Remove and reset: Once free, reset the clip for reuse by pulling the center pin outward so it protrudes; after reinstalling into the hole, push the pin flush to lock.

If the center pin won’t lift, try wiggling it from another angle or warming the area slightly to soften the plastic before reattempting.

Other Honda clip types and how to remove them

Screw-grommet clips

These look like a plastic screw in the center of a round fastener and are common in wheel wells and undertrays.

1. Back out the screw: Turn the center Phillips screw counterclockwise 1–3 turns until it rises; it may not fully come out.
2. Pry the body: Use a trim tool to lift the entire clip once the screw has released tension.
3. Extract the screw if needed: If the screw comes free, keep it with the body to avoid mismatching.

If the screw just spins, gently pry upward on the head as you unscrew to create upward tension and help the threads bite.

Barbed “Christmas tree” clips

These one-piece clips rely on ridged barbs to grip the hole. They require patient, even force.

1. Work the edges: Slide a panel popper under one side of the head.
2. Lift gradually: Pry a little on one side, then the opposite side, walking the clip upward to avoid tearing the hole.
3. Add lubrication if stuck: A drop of soapy water or plastic-safe spray can help stubborn clips release.

Avoid twisting the clip body; rotation can enlarge or tear the mounting hole in soft plastic panels.

Metal spring clips and U-clips with screws

These secure panels at edges and are often paired with machine screws.

1. Remove the screw: Back it out fully.
2. Slide the clip off: Pull the spring clip off the panel edge or bracket.
3. Inspect for rust: Replace any corroded clips to ensure firm retention on reassembly.

Apply a dab of anti-seize or light oil to the screw upon reinstallation to reduce future corrosion.

Push-to-release expanding rivets (single-use types)

Some rivets release by pushing the center pin deeper so it drops through.

1. Press the center: Use a small punch to push the pin in until it clicks through.
2. Pry the body out: Remove the now-loosened rivet body with a trim tool.
3. Retrieve or replace: If the center pin falls into a cavity, retrieve if accessible; otherwise, plan to replace the clip.

These are effectively single-use. Keep replacements on hand if you’re unsure which style you have.

Reinstalling and replacing Honda clips

Proper reinstallation ensures panels don’t rattle or fall loose after service.

• Reset push clips by pulling the center pin outward before insertion; push the pin flush to lock after seating the clip body.
• Do not force an oversized stem into a smaller hole; match the shank size (commonly 6 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm) to the panel hole.
• Replace any clip that’s cracked, won’t lock, or has a damaged center pin.
• Install screw-grommet clips by seating the body first, then snugging the screw lightly—do not overtighten.

A small assorted kit of Honda-compatible clips is inexpensive and can save a trip if one breaks during removal.

Tips to avoid breaking clips or panels

These quick practices reduce breakage—especially on older vehicles or in cold conditions.

• Work in warmth: Plastic becomes brittle when cold; warm the area gently if needed.
• Use plastic tools: Metal screwdrivers can mar paint or crack clip heads.

• Apply even leverage: Pry a little from multiple sides instead of yanking from one point.
• Relieve tension: Support or slightly flex the panel to remove load from the clip.
• Label locations: Note different clip styles and lengths as you go for correct reassembly.

Patience and the right leverage are the difference between a reusable clip and a broken one.

Troubleshooting stubborn clips

If a fastener won’t budge or begins to deform, try these targeted fixes.

• Spinning center screw: Pry up gently under the head while unscrewing to add friction.
• Stuck center pin: Wiggle from two sides with a pick, or add a drop of plastic-safe penetrant.
• Head tearing off: Stop and switch to pulling from the stem with needle-nose pliers from the backside if accessible.
• Hidden backside retainers: Check for secondary tabs or nuts before forcing a panel—consult a service manual or panel diagram.

When in doubt, replace the clip rather than risking damage to the mounting hole or surrounding trim.

Safety notes

Some trim near airbags, sensors, or wiring harnesses requires extra care.

• Disconnect the battery and wait several minutes before working near SRS/airbag trim.
• Avoid prying near painted edges with metal tools; protect the surface with tape.
• Let the engine and exhaust cool before removing underbody shields.

Following basic safety steps helps you avoid injury and prevents costly cosmetic damage.

Summary

To remove a Honda clip, identify the fastener style, then use a plastic trim tool: lift the center pin on push clips before prying, back out the center on screw-grommets, and apply even leverage for barbed clips. Work warm, support the panel, and replace any clip that deforms or won’t relock. With a few inexpensive tools and a steady hand, you can remove and reinstall Honda clips cleanly and quickly.

How to remove a retaining clip?

And split it apart just enough to cut over the groove. So I can slide it. Out. Some clips are much harder to remove many are narrow with no holes or internal clips with poor. Access.

How do I remove a push clip?

Up. So that it sticks out from the head of the clip. Insert the clip into the hole. And press the post. So that it’s now flush with the head of the clip. There are aftermarket body clips.

How to remove Honda retainer clip?

And once you get it out far enough now take your claw.

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And to never stack floor mats on top of each other here’s how they’re held in. Place. At the rear edge of the mat. Just in front of the seat are two anchors holding the mat near either corner.