What’s in your Hose tools drawer?

[oldschoolcraft]

I’m amassing some hose tools since I’m learning more about coolant systems and had to do some work on my car recently. It makes sense to me to organize tools by purpose so I’m guessing the pros here have some drawers dedicated to just hose tools.

• Hose clamp pliers
• remote hose clamp pliers
• hose pinch off pliers
• plugs for hoses instead of punching them off
• leak detection tools

Unsure if you’d consider flare nuts, crowsfeet sockets, and 4-way angle wrenches to be part of this drawer or a nearby separate drawer? They’re more lines than “hoses” maybe?

What else do you have in there? Not necessarily just car hoses, maybe non-automotive work that uses similar tools?

 

[turner66]

I'd add to that list a large pick set for getting under aging hose/neck connections to pry them loose, hose disconnect tools (for example Lisle 39190 for GM) depending on what vehicles you plan to work on, Airlift coolant fill kit.

 

[Dave455]

I don’t really have many hose specific tools, and certainly not a drawer full! Maybe a couple of hose picks, and a pair of pliers for the spring clips, but that’s it.

Hoses themselves, have got progressively better over the years, and even the cheap ones are better than a lot of what we used to use.

Hose clamps however, seem to be a constant source of problems. Even when I do get a hose problem, it’s often caused by crappy clips!

The reason I don’t need many hose tools, is that if I find any hose clip that looks like this :


Or this :


Or this:


Or this:


I simply remove them, with wrench, pliers, saw, or whatever, and replace them with good quality clips.

Good quality clips look like this:


Or like this:


The cost is whatever the cost is, but not a lot in the scheme of things, and that’s usually the end of hose and clip problems!

Most useful thing I ever bought was a complete rack of good quality popular size clips. Always have the right size to hand, and I liked the concept so much I bought another rack of stainless clips.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

IMO tools associated with fittings, such as angle wrenches and crowfeet, do not interact with the hose itself and are thus kept with similar tools.

For cooling systems I have two drawers, most of which is my pressure/vacuum fill tools. Hose picks, clamp installing and removing tools,etc.

Hose tools for things like clic-c clamps are with the engine tools as they are not cooling system exclusive. Same deal as quick release tools, not cooling system exclusive.

 

[RedneckWelder]

A heat gun will typically make them pop loose a lot easier.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I'd add to that list a large pick set for getting under aging hose/neck connections to pry them loose, hose disconnect tools (for example Lisle 39190 for GM) depending on what vehicles you plan to work on, Airlift coolant fill kit.

Are picks mostly used for hoses? I thought they were more general purpose use? What percentage of the time are they used for hoses versus other stuff?

 

[Dave455]

Are picks mostly used for hoses? I thought they were more general purpose use? What percentage of the time are they used for hoses versus other stuff?

The smaller picks / probes are more general purpose, as are the bigger ones, if they have sharp points.

But you do get special “hose picks” such as these from PB Swiss (which I have). They have slightly rounded points so they don’t damage hoses.

 

[turner66]

another example https://www.harborfreight.com/professional-radiator-hose-pick-set-6-piece-57573.html

 

[Steve_P]

I have the two piece Lisle hose remover set; they have broad flat tips like a bent screwdriver. This is the only thing that makes sense to me if you plan to reuse a hose since pointy objects aren't a good idea IMO. I've only needed to use the smaller one, but it works great. If you want to spend the $, Snap On has a really diverse set of these from pictures I've seen here. Since I'm a home user, I can't justify the $$$.

Back to the original question, in the hose tool drawer I have a bunch of tools for clamps- OTC pliers, Knipex pliers, Lisle small clamp "vise", Mayhew remote cable clamp tool- great when you need it, KTC "waffle" type clamp pliers and KTC "vise" type tool. A few hose removal tools like the Lisle. The old three piece Craftsman hose pinch plier set- great. One HF? generic vise grip style pinch plier.

In the same drawer I also have my wiring harness connector pliers, relay pliers, and oetiker clamp pliers. Oh, and some pin spanners. Yes, I know they don't belong in there, but... There are probably a few more odd things in there, but that's what I've got from a failing memory

 

[WWheeler]

Honey, we're going to have to build that addition on the garage I've been wanting.
- I really don't think so.
But I'm going to need another tool chest and I don't have any room left to put it.
- Why do you think you need yet another chest?
Because I don't have a hose tools drawer.
- You don't need a hose tools drawer.
But everyone else has one (shows her the thread).
(commotion)
And now I need a new laptop.
/ End scene.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Honey, we're going to have to build that addition on the garage I've been wanting.
- I really don't think so.
But I'm going to need another tool chest and I don't have any room left to put it.
- Why do you think you need yet another chest?
Because I don't have a hose tools drawer.
- You don't need a hose tools drawer.
But everyone else has one (shows her the thread).
(commotion)
And now I need a new laptop.
/ End scene.

please find a different table to sit at during lunch if you dont have a hose drawer, loser!

 

[VolvoRyan]

All of my "hose tools" live with tools that they fit in with. Hose removal picks/ tools live with the other pointy tools. Ear clamp pliers live with other pliers.

Tools not for cars live in the big mystery bag/totes in the basement, simply labeled "house tools".

-Ryan

 

[texasprd]

All of my "hose tools" live with tools that they fit in with. Hose removal picks/ tools live with the other pointy tools. Ear clamp pliers live with other pliers.

^This. Hose picks, small picks (used for all purposes including small hoses), and cotter-pin puller all go in the screwdriver drawer because they have screwdriver-type handles. My Thexton (?) hose slicer/cutter goes in the screwdriver drawer because it can sit under the picks. Cable clamp pliers and hose-pinch/hose-tip pliers go in the pliers drawer.

 

[Gogo300]

All my hoes need is a good corner to stand on and some lonely dudes.

Oh sorry you said HOSE.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Good quality clips look like this:

I don't know if Jubilee Clips are even sold in the US !

For small engine work, buy the HF long needle nose pliers set (one straight, one with 90° angle) and the HF long small hose pliers.

 

[mv213]

A good hose cutter. What a timesaver, compared to using a utility knife to laboriously saw through the reinforced hoses. One of those tools I never thought I needed.

 

[Dave455]

I don't know if Jubilee Clips are even sold in the US !

For small engine work, buy the HF long needle nose pliers set (one straight, one with 90° angle) and the HF long small hose pliers.

Possibly not, but hopefully comparable quality ones are!

I know we have different manufacturers this side of the pond, so I was trying to focus on type / quality, rather than specific makes.

Now that I think about it, this style of hose clip are sometimes known in the U.K. as “American” pattern. They have got to be available!

 

[Grimm_the_Grey]

Possibly not, but hopefully comparable quality ones are!

I know we have different manufacturers this side of the pond, so I was trying to focus on type / quality, rather than specific makes.

Now that I think about it, this style of hose clip are sometimes known in the U.K. as “American” pattern. They have got to be available!

I must not be far enough removed from my Slovak/German heritage because I've never even seen one of these.

I've seen many thousands of hose clamps of different types but i can't ever remember seeing one of those and now i want some.

What are they called? Do you know any good brands?

 

[Dave455]

I must not be far enough removed from my Slovak/German heritage because I've never even seen one of these.

I've seen many thousands of hose clamps of different types but i can't ever remember seeing one of those and now i want some.

What are they called? Do you know any good brands?

Those are called “superclamps” when made by Jubilee. They are a standard pattern in the aviation industry.

I use predominantly “Jubilee” (L.Robinson and Co.) but “JCS“ (Jukes, Coulson and Stokes?) are also excellent. I suspect Norma must offer these too.

I replaced all the bigger clips on one of my cars with these in stainless. Totally over specified, but I plan on keeping the car so why not!

 

[Fedwrench]

Hose picks are also great for releasing some connectors. It probably depends on what you work on and which tasks you're performing as to how many you might need but, a long & short one, combined with a flat blade version, and a reverse hook should be adequate.

Worm drive hose clamps are ancient history. You need the spring band, constant pressure type especially with all of the plastic water outlets these days.

 

[PhantomEB]

I refuse to use screwdrivers on hose clamps…..so much easier to grab a nut driver.

 

[LXCam]

Hose picks are also great for releasing some connectors.

Oh now you’ve gone and done it fed. He’s going to need two sets and two drawers. One for hose disassembly and one for wire harnesses.

You’re gonna throw this guy into a tizzy



Oh ****, I wonder if he’s going to need a tizzy drawer now too?

 

[bigfunwmu]

Impact allen universals from Sunex in standard and metric. They do OK on split flange assembly bolts. Stubby allen wrenches for the ones these can't get.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MCW36A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Double open end wrenches through 1-5/8" from Sears back in the day.
Thin profile open end wrenches through 1-1/4" for lock nuts. Want bigger, but the HF cheap-o regular wrenches are pretty thin and fit the larger stuff OK.

Air hammer and a straight punch for hose ends in tough spots. A little rattle breaks 'em loose nice.

Been thinking about one of these, but they don't go up quite large enough:

LT1900 - 11 Piece SAE Shockit™ Crows Foot Set - Heavy Duty Industrial/Hydraulic Fittings

Now includes LT1910P 11

www.ltitools.com

Knipex pliers wrench, and cobra pliers

JIC, OFS, and split flange caps/plugs
DIN, BSPP, and ISO1649 caps/plugs

 

[like2wheel]

Impact allen universals from Sunex in standard and metric. They do OK on split flange assembly bolts. Stubby allen wrenches for the ones these can't get.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MCW36A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Double open end wrenches through 1-5/8" from Sears back in the day.
Thin profile open end wrenches through 1-1/4" for lock nuts. Want bigger, but the HF cheap-o regular wrenches are pretty thin and fit the larger stuff OK.

Air hammer and a straight punch for hose ends in tough spots. A little rattle breaks 'em loose nice.

Been thinking about one of these, but they don't go up quite large enough:

LT1900 - 11 Piece SAE Shockit™ Crows Foot Set - Heavy Duty Industrial/Hydraulic Fittings

Now includes LT1910P 11

www.ltitools.com

Knipex pliers wrench, and cobra pliers

JIC, OFS, and split flange caps/plugs
DIN, BSPP, and ISO1649 caps/plugs

 

[bigfunwmu]

6 wire hydraulic hoses are still hoses... haha

 

[kbeefy]

Hose picks, Lisle coolant hose tools, soft jaw cannon plug pliers, spring clamp pliers, remote spring clamp pliers.

Lisle spill free funnel set, Air lift, Mightyvac fluid evacuator.

 

[Grimm_the_Grey]

Those are called “superclamps” when made by Jubilee. They are a standard pattern in the aviation industry.

I use predominantly “Jubilee” (L.Robinson and Co.) but “JCS“ (Jukes, Coulson and Stokes?) are also excellent. I suspect Norma must offer these too.

I replaced all the bigger clips on one of my cars with these in stainless. Totally over specified, but I plan on keeping the car so why not!

Thank you! I tried to figure out a common name for them myself but didn't have much luck.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Koul Tools AN -6 -8 -10 Hose End Assembly Tools For Aeroquip, Earl's, Fragola, Russel Or XRP Ends

Since the invention of braided stainless steel hose, racers and mechanics have been struggling to install it into the socket part of the AN hose end. If you're lucky and get a clean cut on the hose end, you might get it in. Most of the time the hose end is a bit frayed and the battle begins. It...

racegearwa.com.au

I have this set and the smaller set. These tools make it easy to assemble stainless braid Aero-Quip without letting blood.

 

[Wiz02]

In addition to the standard set of tools, I made up some hoses connected to a small pump from harbor freight with garden hose connections and have the suction end in a bucket with water and the discharge end connected to the water pump inlet via an adapter. Another made up a water pump outlet line goes to a second bucket for the old coolant.

I run the pump for a few tens of seconds after draining the radiator until the outlet has clean water running; no antifreeze, and no messing with block drains. Then I run deionized water followed by antifreeze.

Whole deal takes more time to describe than to flush at least on LS engines.