Frank Falconeri Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 I am trying to remove my window cranks and door release handles On my 1957 Buick special, I ordered replacements but cannot remove the old handles with the tool that I have. I tried for over an hour. Am I using the correct tool? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 You have the correct tool if your handles look like the one pictured. The tool has to be inserted in between the chrome handle and the round flat washer to push the hairpin clip upward. it can be tricky if you haven't done it before. Be careful as the clip can fly off and get lost. If your chrome handle is skinnier than the one pictured the clip will be smaller and you will need a different pliers-type tool to get it off. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC-car-guy Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 These clips are a PITA. I often felt like I needed an extra hand and smaller fingers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Most times the setup is as pictured. Sometimes though other more careless people were in there before and installed the clip upside down and it has to be taken out from the other direction. Occasionally the flat washer is missing making it easier to mar or tear the door upholstery. It might help if you insert a small flat blade screwdriver to pry the washer away from the handle so you can get the removal tool located properly. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Falconeri Posted July 24, 2023 Author Share Posted July 24, 2023 1 hour ago, The 55er said: You have the correct tool if your handles look like the one pictured. The tool has to be inserted in between the chrome handle and the round flat washer to push the hairpin clip upward. it can be tricky if you haven't done it before. Be careful as the clip can fly off and get lost. If your chrome handle is skinnier than the one pictured the clip will be smaller and you will need a different pliers-type tool to get it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Falconeri Posted July 24, 2023 Author Share Posted July 24, 2023 These are the cranks and door release that I have in my car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Then your tool should work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 There are two different size tools! You will need the one with the smaller opening. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Falconeri Posted July 24, 2023 Author Share Posted July 24, 2023 6 hours ago, The 55er said: You have the correct tool if your handles look like the one pictured. The tool has to be inserted in between the chrome handle and the round flat washer to push the hairpin clip upward. it can be tricky if you haven't done it before. Be careful as the clip can fly off and get lost. If your chrome handle is skinnier than the one pictured the clip will be smaller and you will need a different pliers-type tool to get it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Falconeri Posted July 24, 2023 Author Share Posted July 24, 2023 Smartin, Is there a picture of what the second tool looks like with the smaller opening so I can try and find one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Some vintage GM cars used the skinnier (smaller diameter) inside door handles like on the bottom of the first picture. The clips were smaller and this type was pulled out from the top using a pliers-type tool like the one pictured. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 The pliers version is the only one that has worked for me. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 Pliers is correct. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelfish Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 I stick a rear earth magnet to the door in the path of the departing clip in the event that it makes a run for it, I've caught a couple of them that way. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Heaps Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 Those pliers are the only way to go! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancemb Posted August 3, 2023 Share Posted August 3, 2023 Where can the pliers be found? I've never seen them. I've always gotten these skinny ones off by using other tools which were intended for other things. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NailheadBob Posted August 3, 2023 Share Posted August 3, 2023 (edited) Here’s one on E-bay made by the Lisle tool company Bob EDIT: Here is one at Napa #BK7769036 $7.49 Lisle #35200 Edited August 3, 2023 by NailheadBob (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted August 3, 2023 Share Posted August 3, 2023 You can get the older style on ebay as well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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