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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: Plastic clips can be tricky to get dislodged; some of the commercially available tools don't work well.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: These tools work on most OEM clips.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Zero setup, just remove the packaging.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: These are super easy to use, very intuitive.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: It's packaged well in a nice foam tray with a cardboard sleeve. I don’t imagine the sleeve will last long, but the foam tray is convenient for keeping them organized and tracking if one didn’t get put away.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?
A: No manual supplied, and it is certainly not needed; these are super intuitive to use.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I liked that these don’t have huge handles like most of the commercially available clip prying tools I have owned or used. They are quite stout and don’t flex when prying.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: I would suggest adding a long-handled tool with this kit, one with a simple angle on the end but with a handle double the length. I would make the kit a 6-piece kit by adding the long-handled version.
Q: What type of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used this to pull dash trim pieces; these are thin enough to slip in place pretty easily. Engine bay plastic cover clips and wheel liner clips, I find there is a tool in this kit that fits every clip I've encountered so far.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: I have several of the commercially available sets of clip tools, and the Tool Aid clip lifters beat the others. Since the handles are not super fat, “screwdriver size” handles, that makes these fit and pry a lot better.
Q: Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool?
A: None, the tool is quite user-friendly and does exactly what it is designed to do.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: A 9.5 — I think they are great tools and would bring a lot of value to any toolbox.
The Tool Aid 5-pc Clip Lifter Set, No. 87870, features sizes of 5mm, 7mm, and 11mm, along with four different offsets for broader coverage. The lifters have thin tips and a chrome finish to help engage even the tightest clips, and the solid steel construction provides strength and leverage. The tools include a dual-dip ergonomic grip and are organized in an EVA foam tray.
About the Author
Pete Rudloff
Owner, Pete's Garage, Inc.
Pete Rudloff is a nationally awarded technician, national automotive instructor/consultant, technical writer, software developer, automotive trade advocate, and owner of Pete’s Garage Inc. in Newark, Del. Rudloff has a national reputation as friend to the general auto repair shop and is known for fixing difficult to fix cars and facing challenging trade issues head-on. In 2016, Rudloff created FlexCheck Auto DVI in order to help independent auto repair shops nationwide increase their revenue.