Removing Yakima Twist Plugs for Install of SKS Lock Cores on Railbar

Updated 05/14/2025 | Published 08/28/2019

Question:

Looking for advice on how to install the Yakima SKS cores on these cross bars. Not sure how to remove the black locking tab on the cross bars to gain access to install the lock cores. Any help would be appreciated!

asked by: Scott M

Expert Reply:

According to Yakima you'd unlock the twist plugs by using a coin to rotate them counter clockwise and from there you'd be able to pull them out to install the SKS kit part # Y07204.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Nathan

1/16/2020

The instructions for the Yakima railbar recommend that you install the railbar first and then add the sks locks. This is a mistake. Put them in before installing the crossbars. The sks lock might pop in easily but it might not. If not, youll have to locate and rotate a small pinhole within the cavity for the sks lock and this is much easier done before the rack is on the car. Of my 4 sks locks, only 1 popped in easily. The other 3 were a PITA. Not impressed.

Jason S.

1/17/2020

Lining up the SKS lock cores # Y07204 is fairly easy when you have the visual and as you mentioned not as easy without it. Some installs are easier than others based on location of the locks so you do want to account for that. The Yakima RailBar Crossbars # Y00448-0449 will be more difficult than the traditional towers shown in the SKS video attached, but the video should still help with the visual for easy installation.

Helpful Links

tv-install-yakima-railbar-roof-rack-2019-subaru-forester-y00448-0449.aspx

tv-install-yakima-same-key-system-sks-lock-cores-y07204.aspx