Every service department should be prepared properly for the potentially pesky push pin. Mishandling this common little fastener may prevent your team from meeting customers' expectations.
The accompanying photograph shows some used push pins. The heart of the device is a straight pin topped with a flat or mushroomed head.
Pushing this pin into the fastener body spreads out a set of segments or legs. Spreading them locks the fastener in place.
Over the years, vehicle manufacturers have adopted push pins as inexpensive alternatives to traditional screws. You may find push pins under the hood, under the vehicle and throughout the interior.
In fact, usage has become so common that it's difficult to avoid push pins.
For example, a technician may not be able to access some underhood components — including the battery — without removing a plastic cover or panel of some kind. Meanwhile, a large plastic panel under the vehicle may obstruct frequently serviced items such as the oil filter and oil drain plug.
In each of these instances, push pins secure these covers or panels to the vehicle.
Note that some of these panels are basically ornamental but others are functional. For example, undercar panels help smooth air flow under the vehicle.