Hose clamp pliers set? Recommendations?

[Dud]

In the past, when removing/replacing hose clamps, I've always just used a standard pliers. Now that I am older and have less blood to shed I've decided to procure a set of pliers to make the job easier. I've got my eyes on a few sets at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1KJT8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or ...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ6HHTO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or the more recommended astro set:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1G0XM/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Any recommendations on how to proceed with this purchase? I was hoping to keep the cost down a bit since I will be purchasing (or at least trying) other tool sets at the same time on a budget. I'm not necessarily looking for the "best" tool set as I am not a mechanic. I am more into "best" value for the money.

Thank you ...

 

[Fedwrench]

Although i own several types, these two probably get used the most:

https://www.cpooutlets.com/9-circle...&utm_content=Black Friday + Cyber Monday 2017

The above one have grooves cut into the width and length of the jaw so, they can be used straight or sideways. their jaws are also about 5/8 wide to grip larger clamps.

https://www.cpooutlets.com/astro-pn...&utm_content=Black Friday + Cyber Monday 2017
Lastly cable operated hose clamp pliers for when you can't reach the clamp with anything else.

I'm assuming you're talking about flat band hose clamps, if not let me know what you're working on.

 

[Bagherra]

I'm in the market for a pair myself.....The cable operated ones are prolly what I'm gonna go with....

 

[-OSIS-]

I wouldn’t buy a set. Fedwrench nailed it, those are the only two I use.

 

[malibu101]

I have the Astro cable operated for about a year now. I cringe remembering life before it.

Before it I went at the clamps with a variety of pliers, but I didn't (and still don't) have any made for the job hose clamp pliers. Maybe "official" hose clamp pliers would work well but I've never used any.

Just saying--
I bought a Sears cable unit before this Astro as I wanted it NOW and that's all that was local to me. Second use on a heater hose clamp and a jaw broke off.
I took it back, got my money back, and ordered the Astro online.

Everytime I use it I remember the years of frustration of not having it.

 

[enrare]

Knipex makes a few different ones. I recently picked up these http://www.knipex.com/en/products/neuheiten/spring-hose-clamp-pliers/ on one of the Zoro sales.

 

[Mr_B]

Only one I would bother buying if you not pro is a cable one as sometimes that only way do them easy, rest easily done with cheap long nose pliers modded with grooves in jaws and you can grab couple size grips for likes of 8bucks .
I used vise grips for decades even before likes of mac offered specific grips.
The Astro kit over the top for light diy user, some of those cheaper kits maybe half decent but I never tried any . one in your amazon link basically an astro set copy, would probably try kit like that as a diyer and expect can find it bit cheaper if hunt about .
EDIT: heres same set for less than 38bucks >
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-9PC-Ho...lat-Angled-Band-Automotive-Tools/332392899195

 

[bcradio]

Although i own several types, these two probably get used the most:

https://www.cpooutlets.com/9-circle...&utm_content=Black Friday + Cyber Monday 2017

The above one have grooves cut into the width and length of the jaw so, they can be used straight or sideways. their jaws are also about 5/8 wide to grip larger clamps.

https://www.cpooutlets.com/astro-pn...&utm_content=Black Friday + Cyber Monday 2017
Lastly cable operated hose clamp pliers for when you can't reach the clamp with anything else.

I'm assuming you're talking about flat band hose clamps, if not let me know what you're working on.

I love your recommendations Fed. The cable pliers work awesome, but I hadn't seen the circle pliers before. I may have to get some.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In the past, when removing/replacing hose clamps, I've always just used a standard pliers. Now that I am older and have less blood to shed I've decided to procure a set of pliers to make the job easier. I've got my eyes on a few sets at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1KJT8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This two tool set includes one for the flat style spring clamps and one for the round/wire style clamps. I have nor seen a round/wire style hose clamp and over 30 years !

Any tool that looks like a pliers will not work in limited access areas. Somewhat true for the cable style.

For very limited acess you can not beat the Lisle 44480 and Lisle 44500



If you are working on radiator or heater hoses, you need to add a hook pick to your arsenal.


I will add, that for small spring hose clamps (like on lawnmowers) nothing beats a pair of extra long, 90°, needle nose pliers !

 

[Pontiac787]

Does anyone have the Mayhew version? How do they compare to the Astros?

http://mayhew.com/product/model-28680-professional-hose-clamp-pliers/

 

[WhataTool]

Does anyone have the Mayhew version? How do they compare to the Astros?

http://mayhew.com/product/model-28680-professional-hose-clamp-pliers/

Those are the one's Mayhew came out with when they were getting around Astro's patent, because my Astro pliers even have a French patent # on them.
Mine broke about 3-4 months in, the wire size was smaller than the Astro's I picked up after.

But that was awhile ago, maybe they have beefed it up since. Also is appears there are additional models that have since come out and are not worried about the Astro patent so maybe Astro makes for them and they are the same quality

 

[aka Larry]

If you are working on radiator or heater hoses, you need to add a hook pick to your arsenal.

I have one, and the first time I used it, the hose stayed, but had an extra hole afterwards courtesy of the pick tool. I guess I was doing it wrong.

 

[Wamsutta]

The Mayhew 28680 is all you need.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

These knipex have been on my wishlist for if I ever hit the lottery, I wonder if there is a cheaper comparable:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3B82L4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[hautpot]

those knipex are ok, nothing special but really overpriced.

 

[Eric29]

For what it's worth, Fakespot doesn't like those reviews of the Shankly tool.

 

[Diesel Mercedes]

Whew, going to to need some for my friends dodge neon, glad I saw this thread.

 

[Jazz1]

These knipex have been on my wishlist for if I ever hit the lottery, I wonder if there is a cheaper comparable:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3B82L4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I wondered whAt the pros used I have had to remove water pump from washing machine numerous times and this clamps are tricky with plain water pump pliers

 

[wkndwarrior29]

those knipex are ok, nothing special but really overpriced.

Have you used these before? I have a pile of different hose clamp pliers but none in cobra style, and these lock. They just look like the go-to if you can reach the clamp and don't need a cable style. Cheapest I have seen them is $66 shipped from amazon.de.

If I was starting over I would probably have one of these and one cable style.

 

[Dud]

For what it's worth, Fakespot doesn't like those reviews of the Shankly tool.

Thanks. Never knew this tool existed.

Interesting ... same set, different vendor and Fakespot likes (as in A) the reviews for the Betool set:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z9RSU9W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[anndel]

I have the Knipex and Astro cable memory flex thingy and both have their use. For those clamps hose rings I just use Channelocks.

 

[mmason7764]

If I'm working on my own vehicles I only need a tool to take the band style clamps OFF.

Stainless steel standard screw type clamps go back on with a 5/16" nut driver.

Guess I'm old fashioned....or perhaps just old.

 

[Flatheadpopup]

If I'm working on my own vehicles I only need a tool to take the band style clamps OFF.

Stainless steel standard screw type clamps go back on with a 5/16" nut driver.

Guess I'm old fashioned....or perhaps just old.

Same thing here. Old habits die hard I suppose.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have one, and the first time I used it, the hose stayed, but had an extra hole afterwards courtesy of the pick tool. I guess I was doing it wrong.

I cannot believe someone, somewhere, thought it was a good idea to make tools for prying on soft rubber hoses that have sharp steel points on them.

Snap on makes some with...get this...smooth, rounded surfaces so you don't ruin the hose.

This two tool set includes one for the flat style spring clamps and one for the round/wire style clamps. I have nor seen a round/wire style hose clamp and over 30 years !

Any tool that looks like a pliers will not work in limited access areas. Somewhat true for the cable style.

For very limited acess you can not beat the Lisle 44480 and Lisle 44500

The "Handee Clamp" is also a useful tool, especially when you cant quite get your hands down to where the clamp is.

 

[bustedcrawler]

If I'm working on my own vehicles I only need a tool to take the band style clamps OFF.

Stainless steel standard screw type clamps go back on with a 5/16" nut driver.

Guess I'm old fashioned....or perhaps just old.

I do the same.

Other than I have become a big fan of the Breeze Constant Torque hose clamps, if the hose is big enough to use them.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I wondered whAt the pros used I have had to remove water pump from washing machine numerous times and this clamps are tricky with plain water pump pliers

For many, MANY years, washing machines used round wire spring clamps. A lot of guys just struggle with plain pliers/arc joint. The smart ones bought these



Note the notch on the side. There are corresponding notches on the tip.

 

[four.cycle]

^ old school for Corbin type wire clamps. not used much in automotive for the last few decades, though.

$13.00 shipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WILDE-TOOL...8-Inch-Heavy-Duty-Chrome-USA-260/263227370632

 

[theoldwizard1]

^ old school for Corbin type wire clamps. not used much in automotive for the last few decades, though.

Never heard them call "Corbin". IIRC, they were common on Mopar product from the 60's and 70's.

I still have a pair of those pliers SOMEWHERE ! Probably safely stored with my distributor wrenches, and various drum brake tools.

 

[unslow1]

I've seen these used by a pro but they are a little pricey for how little I would use them. You can't really see it in the pic but they have a grid pattern on both jaws.


https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MLHC9A/9-LOCKING-HOSE-CLAMP-PLIERS/

 

[Dud]

Was out at Sears and stumbled upon a set of Craftsman Hose Clamp Pliers, model #947705. These typically sell for $12 - $13. Did a price check and found that they were on sale for $6.24. They are American made so I bought them. I'm going to test them by taking the wife's Honda's cooling system apart ... for fun. Boy will she be pissed! Also received a $10 off the next $10+ I spend at Sears from the 11th through 24th. Going back for another tool soon ...


We'll see how they do. Anyone else have any experience with this tool?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-swivel-jaw-hose-plier/p-00947705000P

 

[Mr_B]

well you actually made money buying those lol, can't go wrong really .

 

[jsmeece]

Was out at Sears and stumbled upon a set of Craftsman Hose Clamp Pliers, model #947705. These typically sell for $12 - $13. Did a price check and found that they were on sale for $6.24. They are American made so I bought them. I'm going to test them by taking the wife's Honda's cooling system apart ... for fun. Boy will she be pissed! Also received a $10 off the next $10+ I spend at Sears from the 11th through 24th. Going back for another tool soon ...


We'll see how they do. Anyone else have any experience with this tool?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-swivel-jaw-hose-plier/p-00947705000P

Good luck with that model, I think I have broken two pair in the last three years, tips break right off.
And I just use them on my own cars not in a professional environment.

 

[Dud]

Good luck with that model, I think I have broken two pair in the last three years, tips break right off.
And I just use them on my own cars not in a professional environment.

Perhaps why they were discounted to $6.24???

 

[four.cycle]

^ I bought a pair of those based on some comments here in other "hose clamp pliers" threads and was a bit dismayed by their construction. I think the one I cited above - the Wilde model - would be a better choice for the hose clamps that are the wire type.

No idea where the "Corbin" name came from, but that's what they were called when we ordered them years ago.

 

[Dud]

Good luck with that model, I think I have broken two pair in the last three years, tips break right off.
And I just use them on my own cars not in a professional environment.

Confirmed ... lost a tip during first use. Debating taking it back ...

 

[Mr_B]

lol and made in usa, my set in ebay link would do far better.
i generally always use long jaw vise grips 5" 7" and 9" as required, buy cheaper ones with slightly wider jaw and mod with cross hatch slots and you got very usable strong clamp pliers for small bucks . I got a screw clamp and the cable pliers but not often they really needed .

 

[Ign]

I’ve got the older purple-handled AP’s for the cable version. They’re not THAT great.

Recently at pawn I got a set of older Snap-On cables.

I just found that for the upper & lower rad hoses on a ‘99 Ram the handles on the APs are way too short to get sufficient leverage on the bigger clamps. The Snappys are longer and squeezed them easily.

 

[CobraRed]

I’ve got the older purple-handled AP’s for the cable version. They’re not THAT great.

Recently at pawn I got a set of older Snap-On cables.

I just found that for the upper & lower rad hoses on a ‘99 Ram the handles on the APs are way too short to get sufficient leverage on the bigger clamps. The Snappys are longer and squeezed them easily.

I believe AP made Snap-On's too, so either way lol

 

[Ign]

I believe AP made Snap-On's too, so either way lol

Yeeeahhh.... I'm not so sure about that..?...?....

 

[Dud]

lol and made in usa, my set in ebay link would do far better.

Found the tip ... taking it back. Found that while the tool is fairly well made ... the C clip that they use to lock the tips to the pliers are made of ultra-thin steel (or something like it). It is the thinnest clip I've ever seen. It will almost always fail when put under stress.