Christmas-Tree Fastener Removal Tool
By Lex Dodson
“Christmas tree” plastic rivets are the bane of a mechanic’s sanity. They grip like mad, their edges are nearly flush with the part they retain, and the heads tend to pop off when you pull on them. Fortunately, Snap-On’s A161B is the bane of Christmas tree rivets. It’s pretty versatile for removing any kind of plastic fastener, and does general interior work pretty well — much gentler than a big flat-head screwdriver.
Snap-On makes a bunch of different versions for specific applications. A161B is designed for GM cars and most imports, making it the most widely-applicable model. Unfortunately, this is Snap-On, so the price of this convenience is about $29.
A161B Trim Remover [Snap-On]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
July 28th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I’m almost positive I got one of these from Advanced Auto parts a few years ago for less than $10, seems like a rip off too me.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Yeah, I got one for like $ 2.00 or something from a discount place. It is a no name brand and I have used it like 200 times and it still works fine. I think you are over-paying for the name. Some things are worth it, but this one is not.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Cheap versions of this tool will do just fine, you two are right about that. I’ve used the Snap-On version myself, and it just isn’t worth the asking price. It’s a blunt chisel with a notch, for crying out loud.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Ah, panel poppers, the car audio installers’ best friend. I have a couple of these Snap-On panel poppers from back when I did installs and agree that any brand will work. They really are handy though.
Here you go, $8.95 + shipping and does the exact same thing:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=683
July 28th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I ‘got’ one of these when I had a shop working on my AC in my MR2… When I got home, I found it laying on top of the radiator… Even says snap on… ha… works great, though
July 29th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hey Jeremy….return the tool that the mechanic left behind!