Snap-on has come out with new Instinct non-marring trim pad tool sets.
The new Snap-on Instinct trim removal tool sets will each include two sizes of curved pry bars, covering the most common clip sizes.
Snap-on says that the new tools are designed to be strong enough to remove clips and fasteners, while also being gentle enough so as to prevent damage to vehicle surfaces and interiors.
Each curved prying tool has a vinyl sleeve on the 90° bend, which helps to provide mar-free leverage.
The tools’ blades are have a nickel-chrome finish, and Snap-on’s iconic Instinct handles.
There will be three sets:
- ASGP102BR – red Instinct handles
- ASGP102BG – green Instinct handles
- ASGP102BO – orange Instinct handles
Price: $84 via the Snap-on online store
COO: USA
You could also of course buy them from your local Snap-on franchisee or representative.
Buy Now via Snap-on
Compare: Gearwrench Tool via Amazon
Discussion
For those of you that regularly remove interior panels and trim fasteners from other areas of a car, would these new Snap-on non-marring trim pad removal tools be an upgrade over what you are currently using?
When I think of trim fastener removal tools, I think of fondue fork-like pry bars that have a shallow bend towards their ends. Or, cheap plastic pry bars and removal tools have been all the rage on Amazon.
With these new Snap-on tools, they increased the length of the prying tip past the bend, took the bend to 90°, and added what looks to be a thick non-marring cushion. It looks to me that you might need a little more clearance to rock the tool for trim fastener removal, but it also looks like these tools will give you a lot of leverage.
Here is what Snap-on’s existing soft grip handle trim pad removal tool looks like, and it’s also available in several lengths.
I’d say that pro automotive repair and body shop techs might expand their fastener removal kit with the new tools, rather than outright replace them. Given the tip geometry, I’d say that the new tools might come in handy, but there will likely be plenty of tasks where the typical fondue fork pry bars are still just fine and even better.
