How To Remove Scrivets

Plastic push rivets, sometimes informally called “scrivets,” are fasteners used to hold panels and components together. These fasteners combine aspects of a screw and rivet but are more accurately described as plastic panel clips or expandable push rivets. They are common in vehicles, appliances, and plastic enclosures.

While easy to removing them can be difficult if damaged or stuck. This guide explains three effective removal methods and includes tool advice, safety tips, and troubleshooting.

What Are Plastic Push Rivets?

Plastic push rivets (also known as panel clips or expandable rivets) are fasteners with a center pin. When the center pin is pushed or screwed in, it expands the body to lock the fastener into a hole. They are used in automotive trim, interior panels, and plastic housing. These rivets are valued for their quick installation, low cost, and ability to hold components securely without additional hardware.

How to Identify Them

• Usually made of plastic with a two-part design: body and center pin.
• The center pin may be a push-type or a screw-type.
• They expand when the pin is inserted or tightened.
• Commonly found in automotive applications, furniture panels, and electronic housings.
• Typically black, gray, or white in color, depending on use.
• Often located at trim junctions, wheel well liners, splash guards, or undercarriage panels.

Common Types and Sizes

• Push-Type Rivets: Pin pushes in to expand the body.
• Screw-Type Rivets: Screw turns to expand the legs.
• Barbed Panel Clips: Offer firmer grip, harder to remove.
• Tree Clips: Have multiple barbs to grip plastic or metal tightly.
• Sizes vary and can affect which tools work best.
• Diameter ranges typically include 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm variants.

Why Remove Plastic Rivets?

Reasons include:

Safety Tips Before You Start

• Wear safety glasses, especially when drilling or cutting.
• Use gloves to protect from sharp edges or broken plastic.
• Drill in a well-ventilated area and wear a dust mask.
• Avoid using heat guns on plastic rivets. Excessive heat can warp or melt nearby parts.
• Watch for spring-loaded clips, which may eject parts when loosened.
• Keep your workspace clear of clutter to avoid tripping or tool accidents.
• Ensure lighting is sufficient to see small rivets clearly and avoid damaging surrounding materials.

Tools You May Need

• Flathead or Phillips screwdriver (Size No. 1 or No. 2)
• Needle nose pliers
• Power drill with appropriate drill bits:
  • HSS bits: for general-purpose plastic or thin metal
  • Carbide bits: for harder plastics or composites
  • Start with 1/8″ bit and increase only if needed
• Lubricant (e.g., silicone spray, WD-40)
• Panel clip removal tool
• Rotary tool (optional, for tight spaces)
• Shop vacuum (for debris cleanup)
• Plastic fastener pliers or upholstery clip remover (for automotive use)
• Trim pry tool (for lifting panels without damage)
• Magnetic parts tray to hold removed fasteners

Method 1: Use a Screwdriver (Screw-Type Only)

Best for: Rivets with a visible screw head

Steps:

1. Confirm that the fastener has a screw-type pin.
2. Use the correct screwdriver size (typically Phillips #2).
3. Turn the center screw counterclockwise.
4. Once the screw is out or lifted, remove the rivet body.
5. Clean the hole if reusing the fastener or replacing it.

Tip: Hold the panel to reduce movement and stress. Apply minimal force to avoid stripping the plastic threads.

Method 2: Use Pliers and Screwdriver (For Loose or Damaged Fasteners)

Best for: When the screw spins freely or the pin won’t lift

Steps:

1. Slide a flathead screwdriver under the screw head to lift it.
2. Grip the raised screw or pin with needle nose pliers.
3. Pull upward gently while twisting.
4. Remove the base after the pin is free.
5. Use a trim tool if the body resists removal.

Tip: Apply lubricant first if stuck due to dirt or corrosion. Wiggling the fastener while pulling may help break it loose.

Method 3: Use a Drill (For Broken or Stubborn Rivets)

Best for: When the pin is stripped, broken, or won’t move

Steps:

1. Select an HSS bit (start with 1/8″). Use carbide bits only for harder plastics.
2. Drill slowly into the center pin to avoid heat buildup.
3. Stop when the head separates or loosens.
4. Pry the remaining body out with a screwdriver or trim tool.
5. Vacuum or brush away plastic shavings immediately.

Warning: Wear eye protection. Drilling plastic can create sharp fragments. Avoid drilling too deep to prevent panel damage.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Screw head broken or missing:

• Drill directly into the center to weaken the fastener.
• Alternatively, use a soldering iron to melt a small groove and insert a flathead tool.

Rivet covered in paint or debris:

• Score the edges with a knife before prying.
• Apply light solvent to soften hardened grime.

Fastener in tight space:

• Use a right-angle screwdriver or rotary tool with a flex shaft attachment.
• Consider removing adjacent components for better access.

Cold weather makes plastic brittle:

• Let the area warm naturally indoors.
• Use a hair dryer briefly if needed, but avoid over-softening.

Material-Specific Tips

Nylon rivets: Flexible and resist wear but may stretch over time. Good for reusable applications.

Polypropylene rivets: Harder and durable but prone to cracking when old. Check for brittleness before removal.

ABS plastic: Rigid but fragile. May shatter during removal if aged or exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

Panel material tips:

• Metal panels: Support behind to avoid dents. Use gentle leverage to avoid bending.
• Plastic panels: Work slowly to avoid cracks. Avoid using metal tools directly against surface.

Maintenance and Prevention Tips

• Insert pins gently to avoid over-expansion.
• Clean holes before reinstallation to ensure proper seating.
• Store removed clips in small labeled containers.
• Use silicone spray or dry lubricant during installation for smoother future removal.
• Avoid overtightening screw-type rivets to reduce stress on the plastic body.
• Replace any clip showing signs of fatigue or discoloration.

When to Reuse or Replace

Reuse if:

• The pin and body are intact.
• No visible cracks or wear.
• The fastener locks securely when reinserted.

Replace if:

• Pin is missing, cracked, or stripped.
• Plastic feels brittle or soft.
• Fastener loosens easily or no longer grips well.

Tip: Keep extra fasteners in your toolkit or glove box. Buying an assorted kit can save time during repairs.

Bulk Removal Tips

• Use a dedicated clip removal tool to reduce time and damage.
• Work in sections to avoid confusion about fastener location.
• Lay out removed clips in the same order for reinstallation.
• Take photos before starting if multiple clip types are involved.
• Label storage trays if disassembling large areas.

Conclusion

Plastic push rivets are easy to remove with the right approach. Identify the fastener type first. Then choose a method based on its condition:

• Use a screwdriver for screw-type rivets.
• Use pliers and a screwdriver for stuck pins.
• Use a drill only when other methods fail.

Follow safety guidelines, use appropriate tools, and inspect each fastener before reuse. Always replace damaged clips to ensure secure fastening.

If this guide helped you, share it with others or leave a comment. Need help identifying a fastener or selecting tools? Ask below!

You may read also – How To Install Plastic Push Rivets