Removing your car stereo can seem daunting, but with this simple DIY car stereo removal tool, you can do it yourself in minutes! Forget expensive tools or eBay knock-offs; this guide shows you how to craft effective removal tools from a common household item: hanging file folders. This method, adapted from an Audi forum, works incredibly well and only requires basic tools.
Crafting Your DIY Car Stereo Removal Tool
This process takes about 10 minutes and utilizes readily available materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the Metal Strips
- Source Material: Find a smooth metal hanger from a Pendaflex or similar hanging file folder. Avoid hangers with stamped forms; you need a flat cross-section. A width of around 5/16″ is ideal.
- Cut the Strips: Cut the hanger ends to create two 5-inch long strips. A bandsaw with a metal-cutting blade is efficient, but a hacksaw works just as well. The steel might be slightly hardened, but it’s still easily cut.
2. Smooth the Ends
- Rounding the Edges: Use a bench grinder to smooth and round the ends of each strip. This creates a safe edge that won’t damage your car stereo or dashboard. Don’t worry about small burrs; we’ll address those later.
3. Create the Notches
- Cutting the Notch: Use a hacksaw to cut a small notch at the end of each rounded edge. The notch should be about 1/4 to 1/3 the width of the strip and just wide enough to accommodate a standard hacksaw blade.
4. Remove Burrs and Polish
- Smoothing and Polishing: Use a wire wheel to remove any remaining burrs and polish the entire surface of each tool, especially the rounded ends and notches. This ensures a smooth, snag-free finish to protect your stereo and dashboard.
Using Your DIY Car Stereo Removal Tool
Now that your tools are ready, here’s how to use them:
1. Insert the Tools
- Positioning: Carefully insert the tools into the factory stereo removal slots, typically located at the lower left and right corners of the stereo faceplate. The curved sides of the tools should face inward.
- Engaging the Mechanism: Push the tools in until you hear a distinct click from each side, indicating that they’ve engaged the release mechanism.
2. Remove the Stereo
- Pulling the Stereo: Gently push the cassette door (or a similar area) to gain leverage on the stereo faceplate. Carefully pull the stereo out, being mindful of the surrounding trim.
3. Retrieving the Tools
- Releasing the Tools: Once the stereo is out, push in the spring clips on the sides of the stereo to release the DIY removal tools.
This simple and effective method works on many car stereo models. By following these steps, you can save money and easily remove your car stereo like a pro.
