Yep – You’re having one of those days, and you can’t remove the upper tether clip from the anchorage.  Every fitter comes across this at some stage, and it’s never fun – BUT!  Fear not, if the clip went on then it will come back off.  Follow these notes below to help you find a solution for your client, but if you’ve been struggling with it for longer than 5 minutes it’s worthwhile having a chat with your client to let them know the challenge and you could be a little while.

Tips to help remove the clip;

1. Although you shouldn’t use pliers or tools to remove the tether clip as you may damage it permanently – there are occasions where you fingers wont give you enough compression to release the clip, and you will have to use a tool. Just do it carefully, and we find if it’s not a recessed anchor point then multi grips can work a treat.  The use of tools is generally required if the clip spring has become damaged in the past and can’t pass over without some extra force.  In this case it is best to attain permission from your client as there is an increased chance of permanent damage to the clip.
   Note: If the clips is recessed you may have to use bent needle nose pliers.  Also a cable tie may hold the clip’s tongue “pinched” for you while you find the correct angle, saving your fingers.
2. Use leverage and angles to your advantage to find a way to release it. It made it on – it has to be able to get off.  It can be like a Rubix cube, but it must be able to come off it was clipped on.  Bearing in mind, it’s always easier to clip on than remove.
3. The possible use of a small amount of lubricant that is easy to clean off as soon as the clip is removed. Place the lubricant directly on the tongue and bar and this may just give that little extra 1% that get’s it over the line.  PS:  A Silicone based lubricant works better than WD-40 which attracts dust and grime.
4. You may notice that there is a bolt to give you access to remove the anchor – if this is the case then removing the whole anchor can give you better access to angles to remove the clip. This is particularly helpful for recessed anchorages, and it may be under a plastic cover you can remove with a flat head screwdriver.
5. Lastly, and this is only in extreme cases where;
   1. If you were to remove the clip you will damage it and
   2. If you believe the reason you can’t remove the clip is due to a fault in design or the vehicle’s anchorage – which, while not common it has happened.

In this case the ACRI Network has a standard informational leaflet that you can pass on to your client and they can pass on to their vehicle’s manufacturer.

Please note:  Although this is uncommon, it does happen from time to time and as a member you are not only welcome, but it’s best practice to contact the ACRI Network for advice on this scenario.

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