What kind of pliers do I need for this hose clamp?
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Over the years I have purchased a multitude of various constant tension clamp pliers. From the cable operated ones to vise grip style and about six months ago I tried a new pair. I bought two sizes of these Knipex pliers and absolutely LOVE them for these constant tension hose clamps.
They work well one handed and seem to self-orientate themselves very easily when putting them on the clamp tabs.
They work well one handed and seem to self-orientate themselves very easily when putting them on the clamp tabs.
This type are awesome, work in impossible to reach places.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have this style, but haven't needed them more than once since getting them
Renekton Hose Clamp Plier Swivel Flat Band for Removal and Installation of Flat-Band or Ring-Type Hose Clamps… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082WB8KVF/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Renekton Hose Clamp Plier Swivel Flat Band for Removal and Installation of Flat-Band or Ring-Type Hose Clamps… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082WB8KVF/?tag=atomicindus08-20
javyLSU
Well-known member
Ah yes, the Jesus pliers!This type are awesome, work in impossible to reach places.
shoot, I have some, and didn't even think about that.
Jagmandave
Well-known member
Looks like a big set of needle nose pliers will do the trick.
Meursault74
Well-known member
I'd heard for plastic parts is better to have the spring type clamps (as is OE). Hope it doesn't start a debate. Just something for you to ponder. Here's someone else's opinion.
Three Types of Hose Clamps for Cooling Systems: Spring Vs. Worm Vs. T-Bolt (With Video)
Learn the difference between spring, worm, and t-bolt hose clamps and why spring clamps are better for use on the hoses in your car's cooling system. Also, learn how to take the spring clamps off with specialty tools.
axleaddict.com
rancherbill
Well-known member
The cable ones
or
these ones and 25 cents for the swear jar. They always work for me. I always get it done and I don't destroy the clamp. I spend my money on really uniquely useful stuff. I don't need a drawer full of pliers, I saved up and got a porta power for example.
![ItemImage-333026-q5vsqx-44exog-31lvqx[1].jpg](https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/data/attachments/1477/1477730-a8824143b6f9b1b4531ae38849419e35.jpg "ItemImage-333026-q5vsqx-44exog-31lvqx[1].jpg")
or
these ones and 25 cents for the swear jar. They always work for me. I always get it done and I don't destroy the clamp. I spend my money on really uniquely useful stuff. I don't need a drawer full of pliers, I saved up and got a porta power for example.
Yes, but with the constant torque type, like these:
Amazon.com: Breeze CT-9428 Aero-Seal Constant Torque Liner Clamp with Stainless Screw Effective Diameter Range: 1-5/16" - 2-1/4" (33mm - 57mm) : Automotive
Buy Breeze CT-9428 Aero-Seal Constant Torque Liner Clamp with Stainless Screw Effective Diameter Range: 1-5/16" - 2-1/4" (33mm - 57mm): Clamps & Sleeving - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
WWheeler
Well-known member
Mayhew Pro 28680 (I think snap-on rebranded these for a while) and Gearwrench locking hose clamp pliers are my go tos. I don't think Gearwrench sells this type any more, shame though because they work great. They bite and hold until you're ready to move the clamp back for install. IIRC Eastwood was selling a lookalike tool these days.
I have the non-locking version, and I like them. I don't use them as much as I thought I would...Over the years I have purchased a multitude of various constant tension clamp pliers. From the cable operated ones to vise grip style and about six months ago I tried a new pair. I bought two sizes of these Knipex pliers and absolutely LOVE them for these constant tension hose clamps.
They work well one handed and seem to self-orientate themselves very easily when putting them on the clamp tabs.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
No, these clamps are FAR superior to worm drive clamps as they never lose tension. Worm drive clamps do and also chew up your hoses. Constant tension clamps, which is what they are generically called, are far superior to worm drive in every respect.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mine are also the non-locking version. I actually didn't know they had a locking version until I found that picture on the internet. Don't necessarily need the locking version they work so well.
rlitman
Well-known member
Agreed. However, Breeze makes constant tension worm clamps that are the best of both worlds.
89MustangGX
Well-known member
Broke down and bought these a while back. Really work nicely. They've gone up in price but for under $30 and US made with lifetime warranty...
shop.snapon.com
Snap-on Store
Jagmandave
Well-known member
Yes, but $10 each????
Shop around for a cheaper price/cheaper brand.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I bought one of those kits that has 5-6 kinds of clamp pliers in it a few years ago - includes the cable plier and various other offsets.
I must admit it has made the awful job of getting clamps loose a whole lot easier. If there's easy access then vice grips or channel locks work fine, but quite often you don't have easy access.
I must admit it has made the awful job of getting clamps loose a whole lot easier. If there's easy access then vice grips or channel locks work fine, but quite often you don't have easy access.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
If you want more leaks and zero benefit, sure. OEM like those expand with expansion of the hose and contract when the hose does.
I can get most hose clamps like those with Facom 180CPE pliers.
Attachments
rancherbill
Well-known member
Looking at the suggestions
89MustangGX said snapon @ $30.75
or Mike931lx for $13-14ish (Amazon links always send me to the Canadian Amazon in C$)
![51Emj5EOzrL._AC_SX679_[1].jpg](https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/data/attachments/1478/1478651-3a0418b269c3f6205a2f19e5e6e14456.jpg "51Emj5EOzrL._AC_SX679_[1].jpg")
This is one of the tool truck equivalent thread.
89MustangGX said snapon @ $30.75
![HCP9[1].jpg](https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/data/attachments/1478/1478650-5466e56f3a7c59a75bc877e31251976b.jpg "HCP9[1].jpg")
or Mike931lx for $13-14ish (Amazon links always send me to the Canadian Amazon in C$)This is one of the tool truck equivalent thread.
89MustangGX
Well-known member
Who is the OEM for future reference?Looking at the suggestions
89MustangGX said snapon @ $30.75
or Mike931lx for $13-14ish (Amazon links always send me to the Canadian Amazon in C$)
This is one of the tool truck equivalent thread.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
For the Snap on I'm certain that it is SE Tools: https://www.setools.com/pliers
I do not have the "Corbin"/Snap-On type pliers in this thread. I do see Rainman Ray on youtube using this kind all of the time; his is a Gearwench model, I think.
Otherwise, I have all of the kinds mentioned, for I am one of the few who likes spring clamps. Always the right amount of tension, not over tight, never under tight, no problems at high temperatures, and never need retightening.
And in the case of that particular clamp you have? I don't know what would fit on the lower tab! Tight spot. I'd monkey around with needle noses and normal pliers until you can get both tabs into an accessible location.
Another option: the Lisle hose clamp "vise."
www.lislecorp.com
Otherwise, I have all of the kinds mentioned, for I am one of the few who likes spring clamps. Always the right amount of tension, not over tight, never under tight, no problems at high temperatures, and never need retightening.
And in the case of that particular clamp you have? I don't know what would fit on the lower tab! Tight spot. I'd monkey around with needle noses and normal pliers until you can get both tabs into an accessible location.
Another option: the Lisle hose clamp "vise."
44500 Small Hose Clamp Vise
Vise Design Fits in Tight Spots and is 3” Long and Opens to 1-1/2".
www.lislecorp.com
This old video demonstrates why spring hose clamps are my favorite... second-best hose clamp. Also, apparently Gates invented their heat-shrink hose clamp a long time ago, based on the obvious age of this industrial film:
Look up the price of the locking version and you'll be even more content with your normal ones! I've not made the leap, either. Even the normal ones cost a lot for a pair of Cobras with some nubbins on them. (shake fist)
No. The constant tension clamps are much better.
rlitman
Well-known member
Breeze makes constant tension worm gear clamps.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Screw those constant tension clamps, you can't easily buy replacements, so I always use worm gear clamps or "fuel injection" style wrap around clamps.
Dealers don't stock replacements, so replacing then isn't really an option unless you order way ahead. I figured clic-c would be a good option, but they are always petrified to the hose and then peeling the hose off with a pick destroys them. Sad, because clic-c was a decent idea.
FWIW the clamp in the OP is a locking style springclamp. When fully compressed the raised tab will lock it in the open position. Just pinch and they'll release. The other option is the ones that come with a plastic tab to hold them open pre-installed.
Dealers don't stock replacements, so replacing then isn't really an option unless you order way ahead. I figured clic-c would be a good option, but they are always petrified to the hose and then peeling the hose off with a pick destroys them. Sad, because clic-c was a decent idea.
FWIW the clamp in the OP is a locking style springclamp. When fully compressed the raised tab will lock it in the open position. Just pinch and they'll release. The other option is the ones that come with a plastic tab to hold them open pre-installed.
Sure you can. Can buy kits just the same as worm gear clamp kits.
Sure, but they are ~$10 each.
tdkkart
Well-known member
Some people seem to really like the constant tension clamps, IF you get them back on the hose in exactly the same place they came from, which is claimed to be critical. Handy because, by their name "consant tension" you don't have to go back and re-check them 2 weeks from now as the hose compresses.
The small one the OP is talking about are what the factory is using now, much easier to install because they're pre-squeezed, just set them in place and click the latch open.
The small one the OP is talking about are what the factory is using now, much easier to install because they're pre-squeezed, just set them in place and click the latch open.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Online. I buy the little sizes for evap and vacuum lines. Same thing with small sizes of fuel injection style clamps, I buy small assortments. But sizes above 1" get pricy fast, just looking on Amazon most of the assortments stop at 24mm. That would work of a heater hose but not a radiator connection.
The local parts stores have pallets of worm clamps, that's what's easily available so that's my preference. They can deliver boxes of 25 in a given size. Spring clamps are nice when new, but they just **** when dealing with an older system.
Ideally you'd just order new ones from the dealer before tackling a project.