How to remove window crank handles in under 5 seconds.

Take a small spring and uncoil one end of it.

Make the very end of it into a hook shape.

You now have a tool to remove the clip on the window crank handle.

Using one hand, push the interior panel back away from the window crank handle just enough so that you can see inbetween there.

Reach in with the spring and hook it around the clip.

Place your other hand over the spring and window crank handle and lay it down flush. The reason for this is so that you can catch the clip when it comes out. Otherwise, it may go flying and you'll lose it.

Pull the spring straight out.

Done. Works every time.


IMGP2119 by r0ckstarr, on Flickr

 

That's a good cheap alternative but there is an inexpensive tool just for removing those clips from the window cranks and door handles, or you could make one with a piece of sheet metal and some tin snips. Slide it in under the handle and it pops the clip right off.

 

Naturally, I have the tool, but a shop rag will work! Just slide the edge behind the handle and pull the rag from the corners. Might have to try both ends of the handle, because not everybody puts the clips on the right way. The end where the knob is is where the open end of the clip should be, and where the tool or rag would go.

 

OR...just put a bend on a paint can opening tool. It already has a hook on it.

 

I always use the car key. Slide it down one side, then slide it down the other side. Usually pops off without hassle.

 

Paper Clip :bglasses:

 

I was expecting you to say grab the handle with both hands, place foot flat against door panel, then yank really hard. That's the method the guys use at the local junkard to get at parts inside the door :laugh:

You should see how they get the dash open to get at stereos and wiring.

 

I have one of those, but maybe I'm not holding my mouth right.
Sucess rate is about 10 % after about 20 trys!
So I made a hook deal like BrianStarr's out of a coat hanger,
works the first time usually. And sometimes I have to hunt for the
clip afterwards too!ou:

 

I've never had trouble getting them off. It's getting them back on,.......... ..............

 

Getting them back on is the easy part! You just put the clip on the handle first, then pop it back on the stud.

 

take a rag and thread it under the handle... run it up against the open end of the clip like you're drying your a** after a shower. comes off and doesn't go flying

 

NAPA $7

https://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/...Dn=0&D=Door+Window++Handle+Tool&Dk=1&Dp=3&N=0

OK I found another one: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Door-Window-Handle-Tool-Performance-Tools_9010305-P_N3376R_T%7CGRP2006__________

Very easy to use.

 

Cost to drive to and from Napa? $5.00 per gallon of gas.
$7.00 for the tool.
-------

Old spring, paperclip, or whatever is lying around? $0.00


:TU:

 

Na it's no cost because your there picking up parts for your Buick allready :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

I took a old rounded off small reg screw driver and heated the end then curled it into a hook shape. Ive had it for years and works everytime.Until now I never thought that there might be a special tool made for just that task.ou:

 

Both of you have come up with good idea's. We call that "good ol yankee ingenuitity" up here in New England.

I've got a bunch of homemade tools in my tool box from 30/40 years of wrenching in shops.


You get the golden wrench award :TU:

 

X2

 

I have always heard them called the "oh jesus" clip... because that's what you scream when it goes flying.

 

I scream worse things than that as I watch it disappear into the sunset ou:

 

And just like Fank said the old shop rag trick is a 2 second operation.