Removing tie-down plugs in bed

[Retired Bob]

I am going to order 4 Retractable Tie Downs for my new 2014:

http://www.realtruck.com/bull-ring-bullet-retractable-tie-downs/

 

How do you remove those plastic plugs from the 9 tie-down holes w/o scratching the paint? Maybe drilling into the small dimple in the plugs and using the drill bit to pull the plugs out?

 

Real Truck seems to have a good price for the tie downs with 15% off (at least today) and free shipping plus no tax. Line-X wants $450 here in the Charleston, SC area for the standard coating plus I found a $20 coupon (good all 2014) on the Line-X site.

[cadaniel]

I couldn't do it without scratching my truck, but I only did it since I was getting the Line-X. Why not order the rings directly from the MFG at http://www.bullringusa.com/shop/retractable-tie-down-chevy-bullet/? They are cheaper and ship free as well. Also, on ebay, you can find some 2 pair or 3 pair combos at some good prices too.

[Retired Bob]

Yes indeed - the manufacture's Web site does have good prices - plus they have an excellent video on how the tie-downs are made and, how they work and how to install them (tho they do use a screwdriver to pop the plastic plugs out :-) They also have some nice looking top rail retractable tie downs - maybe for the 2 front holes - I will probably leave the rear holes open to use as intended as hand hold wells.

 

Thanks for the Bull Ring link.

http://www.bullringusa.com/shop/retractable-tie-down-chevy-bullet/

[mike94silverado]

do it nice and slow and the scratches will be minimal.... I'm sure anything like that you do to your own truck will be done with more care than the guys who did the PDI anyways....

[TimmyG]

Mine came out when I drilled holes to run my drains for the bed cover in them

 

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[Imcrazy]

Don't use a screw driver unless u want scratches, I have a small scratch on each one. Drill a small hole, thread a screw in and try using the screw to pull em out.

[chuckl1218]

Popped mine out using plastic dash removal tool to pry up corner. They pop out easy. By the way, Bull Ring offers a discount when buying multiple sets if you call them. I also bought some of their ratcheting straps. Good folks to deal with down here in Texas!

[Truck13]

Just use a small plastic putty knife. Very cheap and doesn't scratch.

 

Did mine yesterday prior to linex.

[2017SierraSLT]

I punctured mine with a screw driver and they came right out without paint damage. However, they were rendered useless in the process.

[klrrdr]

heat with hair dryer then pry out with plastic putty knife