Hose Gripping Pliers

[cruiser808]

What is the best value in 11-inch hose gripping pliers? Every manufacturer seems to have them, from the high dollar truck tools to Asian knockoffs. I wouldn't be using them that often but, I don't want any junk either because when it's needed, it's needed to work. Nissan seems to have a really nice set and he's a pro, but I don't know what I need as a DIY. Sunnex looks good as does KAL Pro. Any suggestions? Thanks guys.

 

[Fedwrench]

The KalPro versions are often rebadged and sold by numerous tool trucks. I think the Sunex versions are decent for the money if you shop around. I'd go for the Sunex set. Ihave Matco versions of these two sets. The bottom set has beefier jaws that are pretty handy for depressing fuel filter clips.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SUN-3705.html

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SUN-3704.html

 

[cruiser808]

The KalPro versions are often rebadged and sold by numerous tool trucks. I think the Sunex versions are decent for the money if you shop around. I'd go for the Sunex set. Ihave Matco versions of these two sets. The bottom set has beefier jaws that are pretty handy for depressing fuel filter clips.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SUN-3705.html

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/SUN-3704.html

Thanks Fedwrench - this is a great recommendation. I'll check out the Sunex set as well as the Matco's.

 

[Vulturej]

I purchase the Gearwrench Double X set, the minimal handle movement is nice when trying to get into a narrow space.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012S99ZQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cruiser808]

I purchase the Gearwrench Double X set, the minimal handle movement is nice when trying to get into a narrow space.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012S99ZQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I didn't know about Gearwrench. Thanks Vulturej.

 

[john w]

I bought the Toptul version for about $40 plus shipping from Mike. They're 11 inches, but are not double-jointed like the GW models. They make life easier.

 

[Uncle Buck]

This is the place for a non critical shortcut tool to me. The application is generally not terribly critical, not to mention the fact that I got along with nothing just fine for decades. To me, this is a reasonable place to take a shortcut. I bought the HF ones and they have worked just great, no complaints here, little demand placed on them so how can you really screw them up?

Linky: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=37909

 

[Danglerb]

I'm thinking of buying the HF set for $10, see how they work out over time, and if I think better would help then buy the double X GearWrenchs.

 

[dede2897234]

A couple years ago, I purchased this Sunex 3 piece 16" long hose gripper plier set: http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8044. It even came with a nice pouch with velcro straps to store the pliers. They're made in China. For about $35, they work great and have held up well.

 

[Danglerb]

So they are actually handy to use?

 

[Hoot]

So they are actually handy to use?

Can someone explain what these are used for? Do you use them grab onto hose (as the name implies)? And when would you actually need to do that (what kind of repair)? I've seen those type of pliers in the past, but could never figure out how they would be used. Would it be a situation where you can't get your hand in close enough to grap the hose?

 

[dede2897234]

Hoot,

The two rounded tips of hose gripping pliers are used to grab onto the ends of old automotive rubber hoses such as radiator hoses and fuel filter hoses that need to be replaced. Unfortunately, many times these old hoses are really stuck in place. I use these pliers even if I can reach the hose with my hands because the pliers provide you with so much leverage. A good tool to complement hose gripper pliers is a long, hose pick set such as the following: http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ta13820.html. Sometimes, if the old hose is really stuck on a hose inlet or outlet in the engine compartment after using gripper pliers, it is necessary to begin the removal process with the hose picker. Score the entire inner circumference of the old hose end with the sharp tip of the hose picker. Then, wedge the end of the hose picker on one side of the hose and pull. If you were able to move that side of the hose, repeat again with the hose picker on the other side of the hose. If movement was achieved on both sides of the hose, use the hose gripper pliers to completely remove the old hose. The hose gripper pliers also make it use to install the new hose in the engine compartment. Before installing the new hose, apply a product called "Sil-Glyde" (available at NAPA and other automotive parts stores) on the inside edge of both ends of the new hose. The silicone lubricate makes it easier to install the new hose.

 

[beelsr]

Don't use a regular lube, use a specialty lube for hoses. http://www.ipcol.com makes a speciality temp assembly lube. They (used to) offer free sample bottles that will last quite a while for the home mechanic. Mor einfo on their website. I've used it for maybe 6-7 years now and it's good stuff....

Before installing the new hose, apply a product called "Sil-Glyde" (available at NAPA and other automotive parts stores) on the inside edge of both ends of the new hose. The silicone lubricate makes it easier to install the new hose.

 

[Hoot]

OK, so I was thinking along the right lines about these pliers. Thanks for explanation.

Hoot,

The two rounded tips of hose gripping pliers are used to grab onto the ends of old automotive rubber hoses such as radiator hoses and fuel filter hoses that need to be replaced. Unfortunately, many times these old hoses are really stuck in place. I use these pliers even if I can reach the hose with my hands because the pliers provide you with so much leverage. A good tool to complement hose gripper pliers is a long, hose pick set such as the following: http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ta13820.html. Sometimes, if the old hose is really stuck on a hose inlet or outlet in the engine compartment after using gripper pliers, it is necessary to begin the removal process with the hose picker. Score the entire inner circumference of the old hose end with the sharp tip of the hose picker. Then, wedge the end of the hose picker on one side of the hose and pull. If you were able to move that side of the hose, repeat again with the hose picker on the other side of the hose. If movement was achieved on both sides of the hose, use the hose gripper pliers to completely remove the old hose. The hose gripper pliers also make it use to install the new hose in the engine compartment. Before installing the new hose, apply a product called "Sil-Glyde" (available at NAPA and other automotive parts stores) on the inside edge of both ends of the new hose. The silicone lubricate makes it easier to install the new hose.

 

[dede2897234]

Beelsr and Hoot,

I looked on the back of the plastic squeeze tube of NAPA's "Sil-Glyde" silicone lubricant. It says that the product is safe to use on rubber. In addition, the effective temperature range of the lubricant is between -20 to 600+ degrees Fahrenheit.

 

[Danglerb]

Make sure you use the right stuff, WD40 goes on easy, then evaporates to glue the hose on for eternity. I have like three cans of stuff, silicone spray thats temporary, silicone lube that stays a long time, and WD40 to make hoses stay put.

 

[Coach James]

Don't use a regular lube, use a specialty lube for hoses. http://www.ipcol.com makes a speciality temp assembly lube. They (used to) offer free sample bottles that will last quite a while for the home mechanic. Mor einfo on their website. I've used it for maybe 6-7 years now and it's good stuff....

Just ordered a sample of their stuff. Thanks beelsr.

Coach

 

[beelsr]

it's not that it isn't rubber-safe, it's just that it never stops working. once the hose is on, you don't want it slipping around anymore.

Beelsr and Hoot,

I looked on the back of the plastic squeeze tube of NAPA's "Sil-Glyde" silicone lubricant. It says that the product is safe to use on rubber. In addition, the effective temperature range of the lubricant is between -20 to 600+ degrees Fahrenheit.