C-clip removal from trucks

I've always used needle-nosed pliers. They do make e-clip pliers if you want the "right" tool. You can probably get a pair cheap at Harbor Freight or any other well-stocked hardware store. Some are made to work with the clips with small holes in them but some will work fine with this type of clip

I use the screwdriver to take them off, don't know an easier way.

To put them back on, I carefully start it, then use needle-nose pliers to slide it on.  When they shoot off into the corner, I get another one from the parts box!

Us old mechanics use to call these "Jesus Clips" .  Jesus, where did that **** clip go ?

Yep, and I find a few now and then on the floor when cleaning up.  I just put them back in the parts box for next time.

Hi,

While trying to remove a C-clip, cover the area with a cloth.

Take care,

Dick

E clip removal too Walmart has them for about $20 has tips for various sizes.

Thanks guys; yes, I am aware of how they shoot off into the room and magically become invisible.  One did that to me (no spares) and after an hour of searching with no luck, I then used a Dyson dust buster to sweep the entire room and found it in its dust bin.  Placing a cloth is good idea.  Rattler21, twisting a screwdriver between the shaft and clip is what I normally do but that mars the painted surface - just looking for a better way.

Some anti-mar ideas when using a screw driver to remove the c-clips. Use a few pieces of painters tape to cover the surface below the c-clip. Use some heavy paper (something like a grocery bag or the paper the pack meat in, or even wax paper) and cut a piece with a slot to again go under the c-clip - not perfect protection, but is a help to prevent marring. Keep one of those credit card size cards we often get in advertisement mail, cut a piece with a slot to fit under the c-clip.

Use a gallon size Ziploc bag to but the car into - can see through it and will catch a flying c-clip. One caveat - if the car contains electronics, the plastic bag could have static that could damage sensitive electronics.

MED, great idea with the plastic credit card or gift card and putting a plastic see thru bag over the assembly to catch the clip!!  I plan on cutting a plastic gift card to push out the clip.

Thanks to MED! For my application, I made my own clip removal tool using a gift card.  Cut a notch the same width as the shaft into the card.  Lay card flat on surface, push, clip moves off; also used the same card to push the clip back on after it has been guided onto the groove in the shaft.  No marring to the surface.  Not often you get away with a tool so cheap!  UPDATE: However, since the clips are soft metal, you have to squeeze them a bit when you re-insert them to lock them in place.

RickM46 posted:

  Not often you get away with a tool so cheap!

Depends on how much the gift card was for. 

I use a screwdriver or Exacto Knife for removal of the "E-Clips".  Then I use a needle nose plier to put them back on.

I have replaced all the soft silver Lionel e-clips on my 21" passenger cars with 3/16" Steel E-clips from Home Depot. (Sold two per bag)  Three of my passenger cars arrived with a truck dangling from the car. 

John Rowlen

Screwdriver and done. The clip is usually hidden so if the area around it gets a tiny scratch no one will ever know. Except me. But it's hidden so I don't care .

I have replaced all the soft silver Lionel e-clips on my 21" passenger cars with 3/16" Steel E-clips from Home Depot. (Sold two per bag)  Three of my passenger cars arrived with a truck dangling from the car. 

John Rowlenv

Yes, the Lionel clips are a soft metal; when you put them back on, you have to squeeze them a bit.

Joe, spent that card as soon as I got it!

John, thanks for the info; next trip to Home Depot will pick up some.