Floor mat grippers

[tiger333888]

hi Guys,

On removing my driver side front floor mat i discovered that one of the circular screw-in mat grippers (that help hold the floor mat in place) was not screwed into place (the left one). Even after much effort I was unable to fasten it through the main floor carpet.

Does anyone else have this problem? The right gripper is fine and is held tightly in place, but the left one does not want to screw in at all. I think it left the PDI centre loose too as there is no obvious mark or hole in the lining carpet where it should be seated. Does anyone know if the screw-in gripper goes through the carpet and into the metal floor - if so, is there a drilled hole for this that I cannot locate and hence successully fasten the gripper?

any useful advice is welcome. This is a minor issue but it bugs me!!

[:: Jon ::]

it just screws into the carpet..

best thing to do is use something sharp and pointy to punch a small hole in the area you want it and then screw it into the carpet..

i did on mine as i didnt have any at all

[tiger333888]

Hi Jon,

thanks for this. so did you pick any rough point in the corner to fasten it down?

the lining carpet is not particulary thick but it seems the screw tip is hitting something hard - like the metal floor - and refusing to go deeper in so there is not bite in the screw.

It is the left side screw that is causing me problems. if it is not too much trouble, is it possible to take a quick picture of your left hand gripper on the driver's side and post it so I can see where to try to screw it in? I'm convinced there are hole cut outs in the metal floor in certain places to allow the screw widget to go through - i could be wrong.

thanks again

[:: Jon ::]

sort of stuck in work at the mo...

but the way i did it was to stick the pad onto the mat and then see where the mat lay lifted the edge up to see where the point was and then stuck it through..

[tiger333888]

good advice mate - really helpful. I'll give it a bash tonight- like you I'm stuck in work

I've had the car since monday and have spent max 2 hrs in it!!! it is covered in gunk too as the weather has been so foul. Desperately want some good weather so I can wash it and take pics to post.

[Martin F]

My rubber mats came with a paper template to mark where to screw the mat fixing into the carpet. I doubt the position is critical but the template is presumably supplied for a reason. Perhaps you are trying to screw into the wrong place

[tiger333888]

i think you are right. How do the rubber mats secure to the carpet lining - does it use a similar widget to the carpet mats - round plastic moulded component that looks like a big drawing pin with a thread?

[Martin F]

Quote: Originally Posted by tiger333888 (original)

i think you are right. How do the rubber mats secure to the carpet lining - does it use a similar widget to the carpet mats - round plastic moulded component that looks like a big drawing pin with a thread?

Yes, the rubber mats have a round velcro capped component with a screwdriver slot in the centre and a tapered thread on the bottom side. I just checked if I had kept the template but seem to have chucked it otherwise you could have had it.

[tiger333888]

Thanks for explaining this. It is exactly the component I have for securing the carpet mats. thanks for the offer of the template. I think tonight I will just fiddle around and be patient trying all positions in the lining carpet until I find the point that offers some bite for the thread - I'm convinced there is a hole in the metal floor waiting for it to come home!!

[:: Jon ::]

i'll take some piccies later when i get home to show where these are located on mine

[tiger333888]

you're are a real superstar Jon!! look forward to seeing it later (I;ll check here after 9pm when I get home this evening).- once I get it fastened I'll stop losing sleep!!!

how long you had your mini?

[:: Jon ::]

[tiger333888]

wow that was quick - this is fantastically useful for me - thanks a million bud. I owe you a drink!! keen to get home now to have a go. I'll let you know how I get on. cheers again pal.

[tiger333888]

Hi Jon, I did not manage to try it last night - got home too late - so I will have a go tonight to try to secure the gripper. thanks again. I'll let you know how I get on. cheers

[tiger333888]

big thanks to Jon and Martin - with your advice and help I was able to secure the mat grip widget this evening - a simple fix, but i'm made up. Thanks a million chaps, Jon the picture was invaluable to locate the fixing point.

hang around...
Tiger