Best Spring Clamp Pliers?

[i4ni]

<img src="https://rtstools.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/springbandclamptoolwaffle-678x381.jpg" alt="See the source image"/><img src="https://img0.fastenal.com/productimages/11235001.jpg" alt="See the source image"/> I know I'm not alone in my hate for this style of hose clamp because I'm sure every person that's ever worked on cars has had one of these evil b@$tuRds kick their @$$ in one form or another. They look simple and unassuming out in the open but tuck one away anywhere else and they turn into monsters. I can't count how many times they have cost me the loss of blood and or flesh, pinched fingers, bruised knuckles and almost a tooth. On top of that if I have to say a Hail Mary for every angry cuss word I've spit out fighting these things I better be getting my **** to confession pronto. But...in actuality the truth is I've only had one tool specifically dedicated for this type of clamp and it was one of those junk chi-com cable gizmos bought in a pinch that never work so I've always made due with some general type of pliers or clamp that I tried to get by with. Yesterday I was out in the cold fighting and cussing and freezing my **** off trying to take off the lower radiator hose on a 04 Silverado HD to drain the antifreeze out of because some genius in engineering decided a petcock wasn't needed. (Who makes these decisions? and that subject deserves it's own rant.) But anyway that was the last straw and right then and there I decided to find and purchase the best possible tool to deal with the impossible angles and sadistic placement I always find these p#!*ks in. In a search I found the KTC pliers above and I thought they looked fairly well thought out although I still forsee certain locations that they won't work in and would require something with 90 degree handles. So I guess my question is does anyone know of a one size fits all tool that works well in most situations? Thanks

 

[jimmyin3D]

The KTC above is what I use, it’s worked for most hose clips but like most tools there isn’t just one that works for every situation. I also use the KTC AE921 for hard to reach areas with a flexible extension.

 

[i4ni]

The KTC above is what I use, it’s worked for most hose clips but like most tools there isn’t just one that works for every situation. I also use the KTC AE921 for hard to reach areas with a flexible extension.

<img src="https://x9709549.xaas3.jp/images/material/028-ae921-1.jpg" alt="See the source image"/> Looks like it ought to work but there sure is quite a wide price range. The tool network lists the 2 pliers above and this for $120. Ouch

 

[bwringer]

Supposedly, these cable-operated spring clamp tools are the cat's *** for this particular pain in the sack:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3N7YW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Supposedly, these cable-operated spring clamp tools are the cat's *** for this particular pain in the sack:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3N7YW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are nice, but can be fiddly to install in tight areas.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6V4YTJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBPU8VK/?tag=atomicindus08-20



They make locking versions as well:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425568


But the "titan forge" brand I linked is no longer available. "locking hose clamp pliers", and some time searching would be your best bet to find another rebrand. The KTC in the OP are my #1 go-to tool for this.

 

[bwringer]

I think this is one of those applications where "which tool?" inevitably leads to the answer "ALL THE TOOLS!".

There are several types of tools for spring clamps, and many situations where one style or the other isn't going to work. There are quite a few radiators where you're never going to get any sort of pliers-style tool in there.

Sometimes I think the factories are trolling us... I've often seen situations where the clamp ears are placed in the exact worst possible location. You'd swear it was deliberate.

 

[Fedwrench]

as you can gather from the replies, you might need a couple of different options depending on what you're working on.

For general use where space isn't an issue, i like these:

https://www.jbtools.com/9-circle-81118-multi-direction-hose-clamp-plier/

They're rebadged by the tool trucks as well as AST. Think of them as regular slip joint pliers with fat jaws and different jaw grooving.

At some point in time, you'll need a pair of cable operated hose clamp pliers because, there are some places where only that type will work. Originally a French company had the patent and produced them for everyone. Mayhew used to have the best but, I'm not sure they still do. They are more concerned with ease of cable replacement now than making a better pair of hose clamp pliers

The only advice I will give you about cable operated hose clamp pliers is to avoid the models with a single hook type lock. The problem with the single hook type is that there's no in between adjustment. The clamp is either locked fully opened, or you have to maintain hand pressure to have the clamp open enough for adjustment. Buy a pair that have a lock that resembles a saw blade with lots of teeth.

 

[dsaabm]

Fedwrench beat me to the AST SCP2014 recommendation, they work very well.

2ndGearRubber linked to the waffle iron locking pliers versions, I have a gearwrench and mac branded in different sizes, they also work very well although I think gearwrench stopped selling them? They seem to be hard to find, I think I ended up paying for the Mac version because I couldn't find any rebrands in stock.

 

[noid]

Check these out also:

As said above, there isn't a one size fits all, you'll need an assortment.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The "light duty" ones, up to about 1" I have never had a problem just using pliers. Extra long needle nose work well if they are in a tight spot. Also extra long 90° work well.

For the "heavy duty" ones, if they are easily accessible, I use needle nose Vise Grips. For tight spot. Lisle 44480.

 

[toddmorr]

i bet that Lisle 44480 works as well as the KTC equivalent, and half the price. The KTC is ok for some applications but tends to twist when you really get into it. I use the KTC pliers most often it seems

 

[Mr_B]

those blue-point ones are quite handy, they only around the 25 buck range ...
For tighter areas I tend use long nose vise grips or cobras for a 90deg attack that can be useful .
More tool options you got the better for these clips .

 

[metaldad]

i have a coupla pair, similar to what noid shown. no name, forget where from. im sure i found a link somewhere here.
looks like those ktc's are a little pricey

 

[Wamsutta]

I've always used the cable type because I never have room for the plier type that you guys are showing. I've always preferred the Mayhew 28650 which is made by Facom. As far as the clamps themselves, I like them --- I never have to worry about a clamp related leak.

 

[johninct]

I do a lot of small clamps on fuel lines and was wondering which one would be best for them?

 

[i4ni]

Sometimes I think the factories are trolling us... I've often seen situations where the clamp ears are placed in the exact worst possible location. You'd swear it was deliberate.

That's exactly right. It seems like every lower radiator hose clamp is pointed at the frame where there is never enough room to get a tool on it and it turns an otherwise simple job into a major pain. I'll cut them off if possible sometimes rather than fighting with them.

 

[Bighead38]

The "light duty" ones, up to about 1" I have never had a problem just using pliers. Extra long needle nose work well if they are in a tight spot. Also extra long 90° work well.

For the "heavy duty" ones, if they are easily accessible, I use needle nose Vise Grips. For tight spot. Lisle 44480.

Your picture is the type I use for stubborn kinds. The rest I just use pliers.

 

[Wamsutta]

I do a lot of small clamps on fuel lines and was wondering which one would be best for them?

How small? The real small clamps like on 1/4, 5/16, or 3/8 fuel lines are best squeezed with 45 degree nose pliers.

 

[i4ni]

As far as the clamps themselves, I like them --- I never have to worry about a clamp related leak.

They are good at sealing because they provide equal tension all the way around the circumference .

 

[ovilla]

I’ve found these to be the best, and I really like the fact that they lock in place and also allow you to rotate the pliers themselves out of the way. A bit pricy but they work really well.

 

[Wamsutta]

They are good at sealing because they provide equal tension all the way around the circumference .

And constant tension too --- no matter what the pliability of the hose is at the current ambient temperature.

 

[WES51]

Agreed.

Plus these clamps provide not only constant tension over time and temperatures, but just as importantly constant tension across the entire cross section area!

This is in strong contrast with screw type clamps that result in unequal tension over their respective cross section area, that looks more like a "D", meaning they create significantly more pressure at the location of the screw.

Unfortunately constant tensions clamps tend to be misunderstood by many people because their apparent issues with them, which seems to arrive from handling these clamps without proper tools. However with the proper tools these clamps are a breeze to work with, while offering all of the aforementioned benefits.

Check out Snap-On SHCP2 including the companion Snap-On HCL103. I have these myself. They are a dream come true.

 

[sbs]

I’ve found these to be the best, and I really like the fact that they lock in place and also allow you to rotate the pliers themselves out of the way. A bit pricy but they work really well.

I bought a set of these a while back based on rave reviews on GJ.

It's the only time GJ has let me down.

Found them to be near-useless. Less effective than my $5 angled regular pliers.

I also have had the Craftsman version of the cable pliers for a couple decades. They work in tight spots but are terribly fiddly and again not as effective as plain pliers when you can get the pliers on them

My main problem with regular pliers is they can chew up the clamps.

 

[ovilla]

I bought a set of these a while back based on rave reviews on GJ.



It's the only time GJ has let me down.



Found them to be near-useless. Less effective than my $5 angled regular pliers.



I also have had the Craftsman version of the cable pliers for a couple decades. They work in tight spots but are terribly fiddly and again not as effective as plain pliers when you can get the pliers on them



My main problem with regular pliers is they can chew up the clamps.

What was the actual issue? I’m curious as I’ve yet to find any sized clamp that this tool can’t quickly grasp and hold in an open state until it’s re-installed again.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I usually use Channellocks on those or linesman pliers never have an issue unless it’s in a tight spot. Never invested in any of those tools for those.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[jcbarry]

I usually use Channellocks on those or linesman pliers never have an issue unless it’s in a tight spot. Never invested in any of those tools for those.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Working on modern VWs, this style and f pliers is a necessity. Some of the larger clamps are just more difficult to remove and reinstall without. Yes it’s possible, but working flat rate I don’t need to fight with clamps. I use the Blue Point ones but I want to try the Knipex as I love all their stuff normally.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Working on modern VWs, this style and f pliers is a necessity. Some of the larger clamps are just more difficult to remove and reinstall without. Yes it’s possible, but working flat rate I don’t need to fight with clamps. I use the Blue Point ones but I want to try the Knipex as I love all their stuff normally.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Yeah I could see that. I have worked on very few modern VW and when I did luckily I didn’t have to fool with these clamps.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[i4ni]

Check out Snap-On SHCP2 including the companion Snap-On HCL103. I have these myself. They are a dream come true.

I did a few searches and couldn't find anything on a Snap-On HCL103.

 

[i4ni]

I bought a set of these a while back based on rave reviews on GJ.

It's the only time GJ has let me down.

Found them to be near-useless. Less effective than my $5 angled regular pliers.

I also have had the Craftsman version of the cable pliers for a couple decades. They work in tight spots but are terribly fiddly and again not as effective as plain pliers when you can get the pliers on them

My main problem with regular pliers is they can chew up the clamps.

I can't really see what the Model # is on these but they look pretty narrow. .I have 3 pairs of Knipex side cutter pliers that I like but I have avoided these channellock style Knipex Pliers because of a nasty self inflicted wound I got probably 30 years ago. I was helping a friend out at his motorcycle shop and I grabbed a brand new pair he had and having never seen them before I went to adjust them and somehow I managed to tear a chunk of meat out of the web between my thumb and index finger. It seems to me they had some kind of button you had to push and when I did that they slid open and pinched the hell out of my hand between the handles of all places. I remember cussing them and I'm sure I've never touched a pair since. LoL

 

[sbs]

What was the actual issue? I’m curious as I’ve yet to find any sized clamp that this tool can’t quickly grasp and hold in an open state until it’s re-installed again.

I bought them before taking apart a 25-year-old car whose clamps had probably never been disturbed, and I found that these had zero ability to move those clamps.

Try to slide the clamp on the hose - pliers slip off.

Try to rotate the handle while locked the way the videos show you can - pliers slip off.

Maybe they'd work on brand new clamps that weren't stuck to the hose, but that's not my usual use case.

[edit] oh, yeah - they're also useless on the three-pronged type of clamp shown in the OP [/edit]

 

[pizza]

I bought a set of these a while back based on rave reviews on GJ.

It's the only time GJ has let me down.

Found them to be near-useless. Less effective than my $5 angled regular pliers.

I also have had the Craftsman version of the cable pliers for a couple decades. They work in tight spots but are terribly fiddly and again not as effective as plain pliers when you can get the pliers on them

My main problem with regular pliers is they can chew up the clamps.

what about the 85 51 250 AF didn't you like? do the tips just not grip well for you?

 

[WES51]

I did a few searches and couldn't find anything on a Snap-On HCL103.

This one:
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Hose-Clamp-Pliers/3-pc-Spring-Hose-Clamp-Lock-Set/HCL103

 

[Wamsutta]

I did a few searches and couldn't find anything on a Snap-On HCL103.

Search for Mayhew 28680. Easy to find and available.

 

[WES51]

Search for Mayhew 28680. Easy to find and available.

HCL103 are an acessory though (temporary holding the clamps). So not pliers.

 

[dnschmidt]

Astro use to make pliers very similar to the KTC. However, they discontinued them. The Knipex are ridiculously overpriced. That stated they also work. ******* Germans. First they design this clamp style (Constant Tension Clamp) then they sell you the tool for $100 to install and remove them.

 

[Fedwrench]

Astro use to make pliers very similar to the KTC. However, they discontinued them. The Knipex are ridiculously overpriced. That stated they also work. ******* Germans. First they design this clamp style (Constant Tension Clamp) then they sell you the tool for $100 to install and remove them.

Denny, where's your Christmas spirit?

Those constant tension clamps are the gift that just keeps on giving.

There's a whole segment of the automotive tool industry that specializes in hose clamp removal

The locking Knipex are sweet!! I got mine when they first came out and weren't as expensive as they are now. They are a little on the heavy side and they need a little space to function but, are over engineering at its best

I prefer the shorter Knipex version that doesn't lock. at 180mm long, the around 7 inch long pair gives me better mobility in tight places.

https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=art_detail&parentID=1368&groupID=2178&artID=35217

Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a great NEW Year!!!!

PS: I think these Cal-Van pliers seem to be showing up under various brands lately:
https://cal-vantools.com/products/hose-clamp-pliers/

 

[WES51]

...Germans. First they design this clamp style (Constant Tension Clamp) then they sell you the tool for $100 to install and remove them.

Looks like a French tool maker, Gillet Outillage www.Gillet-Group.com owns the patent. All corresponding tools seem to have been all Made in France too. At least for a good while. My recent Snap-On SHCP2 shows made in Taiwan.

Interesting info about the patent situation:

"...Defendant Gillet Outillage is a French company that makes hose clamp pliers;  it owns French and U.S. patents on the pliers' design.   When Gillet discovered that plaintiffs were selling similar pliers in the United States, the company sued them for patent infringement.   But the lawsuit didn't go as well as Gillet hoped..."

Source: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1108208.html

 

[richfinn]

what about the 85 51 250 AF didn't you like? do the tips just not grip well for you?

I love my Knipex hose clamp pliers, one of the best things I've bought this years (I work on a lot of Euro stuff)

I think he is having trouble when the tension clips have welded themselves to the rubber hoses, I don't work on stuff that old very often, but I have seen it before!!!