Door handle removal tool - Getting the fixing clip/spring out

R

Rumblin_Ron

New Member
Hi folks again

Have just spent houres cursing and struggling on a door trying to get the spring clip's which hold on the window winder's etc off, with bits of bent metal. I would be easier if you could see what you were doing.
There must be a easier way !!, is there any tool with a strong enough,small enough hook for this ? (and a handle to get a good grip on when pulling it out). Or is there some obvious/simple technique ? By the way, I'm wanting to get at the inside of the rear door to see if I can loosen up the rear quarter light hinges, they wont open.
 
Hello Ron,
This is one of those jobs that's easy to do once you've done it a couple of times!
I use a length of coathanger wire, about 9" long with a 180 degree "U" shaped hook (formed around the jaw of long-nosed pliars) and the other end bent to form a right angle handle (about inch and a half). Push this down the back of the handle / winder (i.e. opposite end to the way the handle / winder is pointing) and with any luck you'll hook the spring clip which can be withdrawn and then the handle / winder and plastic back can be withdrawn from the spindle.
Once you have one off you'll see what you were trying to do! - Easier to see if you have a spare that you can practice on off the door.
Hope that this helps.
Regards, John.
 
Ron.

You may have noticed on the other threads that I am replacing my interior at the moment with one that I have bought from eBay.

I served my time as an apprentice with Ford and have since worked for many dealerships before leaving the trade. During that time, I encountered many makes with this sort of clip. Even the late Fiesta's up until the mid 90's used them. Would you believe me if I said that the recommended way was to remove them with a rag?

Believe me, it's true and it works very well!!

With the winder or handle pointing up, hold a hanky or rag at each end and pull it tight. Slide the rag in-between the winder and the black plastic trim behind it and using a sawing motion, move it up and into the two prongs of the clip. By getting your forehead near to the door panel you should be able to see what you are doing. Then, you can move the rag about, pulling upwards all the time - the clip WILL come off VERY easily.

This saves alot of time and the risk of damaging the door panel with sharp bits of metal etc.

I changed a door panel yesterday in LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES.

Try it and let me know how you do. You'll thank me later!

Johnny. :D
 
Hi Ron,

Like John says once you have done it a couple of times you get the knack of it.

It is alway easier if you can see the loop and the ends of the clip.

I use a flat screw drver and long nose pliers, somtimes just 2 screw drivers. Push one between the winder handle and the metal washer/ring that protects the door card, if you imagine the long part of the winder is 12 o'clock push it in at 1-2 or 10-11 o'clocks. This increases the gap enought for you to see the clip, then either place the tip of second flat head screw driver in the loop part of the clip and flick it out or if you have pliers small/long enough to get it use them.

This is just a version of johns adapted to suit my big hands and I can never find a wire coat hanger. The main point is if you can see the clip you have an easy job.

Johnny I have never heard about using a rag before but will try it out, anything that avoids putting sharp tools near the vinyl is worth a try.

Cheers
Artuy
 
Sorry Johnny

Problem with hobbies is that I have to fit them in my spare time, and I havn't any !! I will give it a go though.

Anybody else ?
 
Sorry Johnny

Problem with hobbies is that I have to fit them in my spare time, and I havn't any !! I will give it a go though.

Anybody else ?
 
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