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How Can I Fix Broken Clips On My Roll-Up Tonneau Cover?

If you have a roll-up tonneau cover on your truck bed, you know how useful it can be for keeping your cargo protected and out of sight. But over time, the clips that hold the cover in place can become damaged or broken.

When this happens, the cover may not stay rolled up or secured properly. Luckily, fixing broken tonneau cover clips is usually a pretty straightforward process.

In this article, we’ll walk through the steps for identifying, replacing, and repairing broken clips so you can get your tonneau cover working properly again.

What Type of Clips Does My Tonneau Cover Use?

The first thing you’ll need to do is identify what type of clips your particular tonneau cover uses. There are a few main options:

Plastic Side-Release Clips

These are probably the most common. They are made of plastic and clip into place along the sides of the cover. When you want to roll up the cover, you press in on the clip to release it.

Metal Spring Clips

These metal clips use spring tension to hold the cover in place. They are released by pulling up on a small lever or tab on the clip.

Screw-Down Clips

Some tonneau covers use basic clips that screw into place rather than snapping or latching. These are less common but are among the most straightforward to replace.

Specialty Clips

A few premium roll-up covers use specialized clip designs, like butterfly or twist-lock clips. Check your owner’s manual to identify this type of clip.

Once you’ve identified the type of clip your tonneau uses, inspect all the clips across the cover to find any that are damaged, cracked, or missing. Make note of how many clips need to be replaced.

Purchasing Replacement Clips

In most cases, you’ll need to get replacement clips from the tonneau cover manufacturer. Many truck bed accessory companies sell individual replacement clips for their covers. Start by checking the manufacturer’s website or contacting their customer service department to find the right replacement hardware.

Aftermarket and universal clips are also available from some auto parts stores and websites. But be cautious using third-party clips, as they may not properly fit or function with your specific cover. Your best bet is OEM clips from the original manufacturer whenever possible.

When ordering, be sure to specify the make and model of your cover, truck bed length, and quantity of clips needed. Expect to pay $1-3 per clip. Keep in mind you may need to buy clips in pairs or sets.

Removing the Broken Clips

Once you’ve obtained replacement clips, you can get to work removing the broken ones from the tonneau cover rails. The process will vary slightly depending on the clip style:

For Plastic Side-Release Clips:

  • Press in on the outer tab to release the broken clip.
  • If the tab won’t press in, use pliers to carefully pry up the outer end of the clip until it releases.
  • Once released, slide the clip out from the rail channel.

For Metal Spring Clips:

  • Lift up on the release tab or lever and slide the clip out of the rail.
  • If the release is broken, you may need to use pliers to grasp and wiggle the clip free.

For Screw-Down Clips:

  • Use a screwdriver to remove any broken or stripped screws from the holes.
  • Press out the clip from the underside if needed.

Take care not to damage the cover rails when removing stubborn clips. Work slowly and carefully.

Installing the New Clips

To install replacement tonneau cover clips, follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the new clips. The process is straightforward:

For Plastic Side-Release Clips:

  • Align the clip with the rail channel and press one side in.
  • Flex the clip enough to insert the other side into the channel.
  • Continue pressing down until both sides snap securely in place.

For Metal Spring Clips:

  • Angle the clip into the rail channel.
  • Compress the spring tab and press the clip downward until it clicks in place.

For Screw-Down Clips:

  • Insert the clip into the underside of the rail and align it with the screw holes.
  • Reinstall the clip screws. Be careful not to overtighten.

Take a moment to firmly press down on each newly installed clip to ensure proper engagement before rolling up the cover.

Testing and Using the Repaired Tonneau Cover

Once all the damaged clips are replaced, you’re ready to test out your roll-up tonneau cover.

  • Release the tailgate latch clamps and slowly roll up the cover about halfway.
  • Check that the new clips are holding securely and releasing properly when the side tabs are pressed.
  • Finish rolling up the cover and fasten the latch at the tailgate.
  • Roll the cover back down, pressing firmly along the rails as you go to re-engage each clip.
  • Make sure the cover lays flat and feels taut when fully closed.
  • Finally, open and close the cover a few more times to verify smooth operation.

Provided the new clips are installed correctly and functioning as intended, your roll-up tonneau cover should once again open, close, and lock securely. Be sure to keep an eye on the new clips and replace any if they become damaged in the future.

With proper care and maintenance, your truck bed cover should give you many more years of service.

Troubleshooting Tonneau Cover Clip Repairs

If your tonneau cover still doesn’t operate correctly after replacing broken clips, there are a few issues to check:

Clips not aligned properly: Make sure clips are fully pressed into the rail channels on both sides. Misalignment can prevent clipping.

Clips are the wrong size: Double check that you purchased the correct clips for your make and model of cover. Incorrect clips won’t secure properly.

Cover has other damage: Aside from broken clips, tears in the vinyl cover or bent/damaged rails can also affect function. These issues require additional repairs.

Clip screws are loose: If using screw-down clips, verify screws are tight enough to hold the clip firmly without stripping.

Release tabs broken: If the clip tabs or levers are broken, the clips won’t disengage when you try to open the cover. Replace broken parts.

Clip locations incorrect: Clips must be positioned precisely per the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper spacing can impede opening and closing.

If problems persist after verifying correct clip installation, you may need to contact the cover manufacturer for additional troubleshooting help. But in most cases, carefully replacing damaged clips with exact-match OEM parts will have your roll-up tonneau cover working good as new.

Meghan Drummond
Meghan Drummond

Meghan has owned trucks for over 20 years and installed her first tonneau cover back in 2005. She has tested over 50 different tonneau cover models hands-on. Meghan has a journalism degree from the University of Florida and previously worked as an auto writer.

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