Hose Clamp Cable Pliers-Ratchet vs. Non

[Treeman]

Gentlemen,

There's plenty of past threads regarding cable type hose clamp tools. In the end, they all seem to work.

After studying them, I cannot determine if the ratchet style is really required (it seems like the best style theoretically) and they they tend to be almost double the price of the single squeeze ones.

Can those with experience using these tools tell me if the single squeeze ones would ever NOT get the job done, or discuss other pros and cons.

I would like to stay on topic, mostly discussing this one feature. I am an active diyer that would probably use these not more than a few times per year.

Right now, I think my my choices are the Craftsman ones (Mayhew, $40) or the Mayhew 28640 ratcheting ones (Advance Auto $67).

Thanks

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on you and what you're working on. Some of the plier brands have quite a spread on their handles. Combine this with the tension of a large clamp, and it might take a little effort to compress it and position the clamp at the same time.
The single advantage the ratcheting action offers you is to be able to put tension on the clamp without you maintaing the pressure. This is handy when positioning the clamp just where you want it.
On a side note never place your fingertips between the clamp and the hose. Always keep your fingers to the outside. I had a tech pinch a chunk from the tip of his finger when the pliers slipped last week. It wasn't pretty.

 

[Hammer1963]

As Fedwrench says, it just depends on what your working on. I use both depending on the need. For small accessable clamps, I use a Cornwell slip style plier. On the larger and difficult to reach clamps, I use a Blue Point or Snap-on cable type. It took me several Band Aids and blood before I finally broke down and bought them. Great investment.

 

[csargents1546]

I use the single action type, so far to date have not had any clamps that I was not able to remove

 

[87Pomona]

I have these, just got them so I haven't had the chance to use them. They feel sturdy and look well built.

Only con is the color

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

 

[Greatbear]

So far no problems using single-action type here. Then again, I've broken pliers with my grip before.

 

[spity]

I have these, just got them so I haven't had the chance to use them. They feel sturdy and look well built.

Only con is the color

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

I use the exact same ones, except I ordered the master kit from Astro Pneumatic. They have held up to several techs using them almost daily for about a year, including being covered in anti-freeze and trans/power steering fluid regularly. The guys at the shop all praise them.

My only complaint, is that on some of the large hose clamps it feels like it is short of just one notch for the lever to latch onto, and you have to squeeze it slightly more to get the clamps on/off the hose.

The rest of the kit is of equal quality but only one pair of the other pliers have ever been used(and by me) to detach a trans cooler behind the bumper cover of a Windstar.

Heres the kit im talking about.
http://www.wayfair.com/Astro-Pneumatic-Hose-Clamp-Plier-Set-7Pc-9406-IIF1087.html?refid=AC49-IIF1087

 

[Mk4fool]

Digging up and old thead here. Does anyone have any more input on these pliers. Ive been meaning to pick up a pair. Been looking at the SO shcp1 and the mayhew. The Astro seems good too. Wanted to stay in the $50-75 range. I usually by SO but with a $107 price and a coo of france I figured it was rebranded.

 

[dieselmike]

craftsman made in france and same as snap on