Trouble loosening OEM crossbar knobs

Hey y'all,

Anyone have advice for loosening the knobs that are on the factory crossbars? I saw some people suggested a channel lock on another post, I tried a 12-in channel lock and I hate to be stereotypical but I am a female and not very strong so this is really difficult for me to do. I'm trying to get these cross bars taken off and then put right back on once I install my awning brackets. Photo attached for reference

 

Off topic. Do you have a link to the awning bracket that you are going to install?

 

https://www.gzila.com/products/awning-mount-4runner-roof-rail

 

Thanks. What awning are you going with and do you have a link to the awning?

 

Doing the 6.5' ROAM awning.
https://www.roamadventureco.com/products/rooftop-awnings?variant=13618578030638

Tried to install the front bracket by popping off the front foot rail, but it doesn't fit. Seems like both have to be slid off through the back foot rail which is turning out to be a pain

 

Thanks for the link. I will look into adding the awning on. Good luck with trying to remove the knob. I would assume channel locks would do the trick on getting the knob undone.

 

I love Seinfeld! Great pic of soup nazi. Anwyay, I tried that exact thing! Without the rag I was able to get some movement but I was marring the plastic. When I tried with the rag I couldn't get a good enough grip. I'm thinking my only option at this point will be to ask someone stronger than me for help.

 

But actually let me ask you, what size is that channel lock?

 

One of these with a rag will also work if you have access to one:

 

Try one of those rubber disc type pads that people use to open jars of pickles or pasta. I think that might be easier and not mar the plastic

 

You can try to whack it with a small mallet, hopefully it will turn. Using the channel lock without any cover will just scar it if not enough strength.

 

Maybe you could take your 4Runner to the dealer. I bet they’d loosen the knobs for free.

Another idea would be to spray the knobs with Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster, give the knobs a couple of whacks with a mallet, and then try loosening them.

 

Etsy guy makes forged, ebay guy makes resin wrenches just for this issue.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125719...AX2G998KPlXZp7Qn5SV6NMLVlCA1suhxoCqcUQAvD_BwE

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3931198423...rKMwux5Mn-09oT1a5BmW4KDUHl_WXVWhoCr8QQAvD_BwE

 

Those are great links but be aware that one of those wrenches is for a knob with 4 lobes and the other is for 5.

 

Hey everyone! Just coming back to report that I got a pipe wrench and was able to get the right grip I needed to loosen these knobs on my own.

Want to thank you all for your advice. I know men like to be the ‘heroes’ but I am super excited that I was able to do this myself - and y’all are heroes anyway for sharing your advice!