Quick answer: most fender liner clips are two-piece push rivets: a body that passes through the liner and the body panel, and a centre pin that spreads the legs. To remove one, lift the centre pin first, then lever the body out. To replace one, match the hole diameter (measure the hole, not the old clip), check the combined thickness of the liner and panel, push the body in with the pin raised, and press the pin flush.
Fender liners (also called inner fenders or wheel-well liners) take a beating from water, grit and stones, and their clips are often the first thing to go. A missing clip lets the liner flap, rub on the tyre or collect mud behind it. The good news: replacing them is one of the easiest jobs on a vehicle, as long as you identify the clip style and measure correctly.
Where fender liner clips are
A typical wheel-well liner is held in three zones:
- The outer lip, along the edge of the wheel arch, where the liner meets the fender or bumper cover.
- The front and rear edges, where the liner overlaps the bumper cover or the rocker trim.
- The inner body, deeper in the well, where the liner meets the inner fender structure.
Some positions use screws or small bolts instead of clips, often at the bottom of the bumper. Note which fastener came out of which hole as you work, ideally with a quick phone photo.
The clip styles you will meet
| Style | How to spot it | How it comes out |
|---|---|---|
| Push-pin rivet (two-piece) | Round head with a smaller centre pin | Pry up the centre pin, then lift the body |
| Screw-type rivet | Centre has a Phillips recess | Unscrew the centre a few turns, then lift |
| Christmas-tree clip | One piece, no centre pin, ribbed stem | Lever straight out; usually not reusable |
| Plastic nut or speed clip | Sits on a stud rather than through a hole | Unscrew or pull off the stud |
Our push rivets vs other clips guide has close-up descriptions of each style if you are not sure which one you have.
How to remove fender liner clips without breaking them
- Turn the wheel. Full lock away from the side you are working on gives you room to see the inner clips.
- Clean the head. A quick brush removes grit that hides the gap around the centre pin.
- Lift the pin, not the head. Slide a trim tool or thin flat screwdriver under the centre pin and lift it 3 to 5mm. This lets the legs close.
- Lever the body out. Put a forked trim tool under the outer head and lift evenly. If it resists, the pin is not high enough yet.
- Bag the good ones. Clips that come out cleanly can often go back in. Discard any with split heads or bent legs.
Seized clips are common on older vehicles. Our step-by-step guide to removing push rivets covers stuck pins, spinning clips and when to cut one out.
How to size a replacement fender liner clip
Sizing comes down to two measurements.
1. The hole diameter
Measure the hole in the body panel or frame tab, because the old clip may be squashed. A drill bit is a quick gauge: if a 5/16" bit slips through freely, the hole is about 8mm. If only a 1/4" bit fits, it is closer to 6mm. Our push rivet size guide has a full drill-bit chart.
2. The panel stack
Add up everything the clip passes through: the liner, any bumper cover tab, and the metal or plastic it clamps against. Our 8mm automotive push rivets have an 8mm shank, a 15mm head and a 21mm overall length, and suit a stack of roughly 2 to 6mm. The grip range guide explains how to measure the stack.
Head diameter matters too. A wide head spreads clamping over more of the liner, which helps on soft plastic and around slightly enlarged holes. Our 8mm rivet has a 15mm head.
Refitting the liner, step by step
- Clean the mating surfaces. Mud packed behind the liner stops it sitting flat and puts the clips under constant tension.
- Start at the top of the arch. Hang the liner on its upper clips first, then work down each side so it settles evenly.
- Line up every hole before pushing anything. Use a trim tool to nudge the liner into position; forcing a clip through misaligned holes will crack the liner.
- Insert with the pin raised. Push the body through both layers until the head sits flat.
- Press the pin flush. Use your thumb. The pin should sit level with the head or very slightly below it.
- Check the tyre clearance. Turn the wheel lock to lock and make sure nothing touches the liner.
When the hole is damaged
Liners are thin, and holes get torn or enlarged over time. A few options:
- Slightly oversized hole: a clip with a wider head, or a large flat washer under the head, spreads the clamping over more of the liner.
- Torn edge: plastic repair adhesive or a plastic welding kit can rebuild the edge so the clip has something to grip.
- Missing tab on the body side: this needs a proper repair; a clip has nothing to expand against.
Zip ties are a popular roadside fix, but they let the liner move and saw through it over time. Use them only to get home.
How many clips to keep on hand
A single wheel well can use a surprising number of fasteners, and clips that look fine often fail on removal. Buying a bag of the right size means you can replace every tired clip at once rather than reusing the marginal ones. Our automotive push rivets and fender liner clips collection lists the pack sizes, and the how many push rivets guide shows how to estimate a count.
Every 8mm option we stock is grouped in one place: the 8mm push rivets collection.
FAQ
Can I reuse fender liner clips?
Often, yes, if the clip came out with its legs intact and the pin still locks firmly. Clips that spin, have a split head or a pin that sits loose should be replaced.
What size are fender liner clips?
Sizes vary by vehicle and position, so measure the hole. Many liner holes are in the 6 to 10mm range, and 8mm is very common. Measure the hole rather than the old clip.
Do I need a special tool?
A forked trim tool makes removal cleaner and avoids marking paint, but a thin flat screwdriver works for lifting the centre pin.
Why does my liner keep coming loose?
Usually because of a damaged hole, a clip that is too short for the stack, or mud packed behind the liner. Fix the cause before fitting new clips.
Are your clips a direct replacement for my vehicle's original part?
We don't publish vehicle fitment or part-number matches. Measure your hole and panel stack and compare them with the dimensions on the product page.