I need a hose clamp plier...

[cgv69]

...but I'm not sure which one to get? To be clear I want one of the cable ratcheting/lockable types so I can get to hard to reach clamps and hold them open without having to hold the tool. I would like a good quality, preferable USA made tool that doesn't break the bank but I'm not sure if that's even possible because they all seem to be made in France? I'm not a pro so this won't get used daily but I hate cheap (quality) tools. Here are the ones I've looking at...

Craftsman... http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947390000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kispla=00947390000P&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=33-128383714-2. Not really my first choice but I did go to buy these the other day because I really needed them but of course my local Sears was out of them at the time.

Then there is the OTC... http://www.amazon.com/OTC-4525-Cable-Type-Flexible-Pliers/dp/B000F5JM0O

and the Mayhew's... http://www.amazon.com/Mayhew-28650-Spring-2-Inch-Tightening/dp/B0000T4UI4. Mayhew also has the more expensive "RIGIFLEX" model http://www.amazon.com/Mayhew-28630-RIGIFLEX-Clamp-Plier/dp/B000TRQOCM and a 2 piece set... http://www.amazon.com/Mayhew-28655-Hose-Clamp-Plier/dp/B0002UNPHI/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1357572998&sr=1-5&keywords=Mayhew+Hose+Clamp+Plier

Questions:
1. I see they come in both a straight design like the Craftsman and 90deg design like the OTC and Mayhew. Is there any difference or advantage to one style over the other?
2. Mayhew's 2 piece set seems to come with both? I ask because I'm sure sure if the straight one in the kit is also cable operated as it's not shown with a cable?

So which one would you get and why? Thanks

 

[stonesfan68]

The Craftsman version is actually made in France and is a pretty good value by all accounts. The tool looks identical to the Snap-on version, except for the grips. The Snap-on COO is France, too.

Snap-On SHCP1

 

[54FordPanel]

I got the whole Astro set. I use the cable pliers more than the others, but the others are nice to have too.

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-9406-Clamp-Plier/dp/B000I1G0XM/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1357574529&sr=1-2&keywords=hose+clamp+pliers+set

I don't think I paid that much, but I might have. Still worth it......I didn't know how much I needed those tools till I got them. I don't think the straight/90* design makes any difference, but I like the 90* (it's the best, cause that's what I have )

 

[Terry454]

+1 for the Astro set above -- at least from a DIY perspective.

 

[got2boostit2]

I have the 90* style like the Mayhew. Has worked like a champ for 10 years or so. Couple weeks ago finally broke the cable (it came with extras, but I have no clue where it is now). I prefer the 90* style since it has worked so well for me.

 

[signcrafter]

I have the craftsman you linked to and like it for a DIYer. The only downfall I have ran into is that it only locks fully open. So it can be a little bit of a pain to position the clamp and unclamp it. I believe the ratcheting ones you can lock it to stay open without having to spread the clamp all the way open. So you can clamp it just bigger then the hose and slid it into place and it should stay in place better then if the clamp is spread all the way open. Not a huge deal for a home mechanic but something to consider. If I could find a ratcheting one for a few more bucks I would probably buy that.

 

[cgv69]

Thanks for the info so far. Where is the Astro set made?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Thanks for the info so far. Where is the Astro set made?

It says China, If you look at the link 54FordPanel posted.

 

[ken w.]

I have the Craftsman one. The cable kinked on it and it was impossible to get the replacement cable.It's offered on the back of the package with the part number. Sears could not get it. I finally went to sears and got a whole replacement.All I can say about it is that it works.

 

[billymade]

The Craftsman is the best bang for the buck; there are better designs and one's out there but expect to pay $75 to $130. I like Ken w. above; could not get the cable and Sears gave me another one.. I am on #2 at this point. The new one; seems to be been revised a little and the grips seem to have been improved a bit from the original.

The OEM for the Craftsman/Mayhew is GILLET OUTILLAGE http://www.gillet-group.com/

Their pliers they make:

http://www.gillet-group.com/18-pince.html

I have also seen a Matco badged set that had interchangeable heads; seemed to work well for the tech that owned it. In certain situations my Craftsman worked better; depends on the situation and how much room you have, there are times when I wish the Craftsman would close more. I would think; the ratcheting feature would give you more precise control and be helpful in certain situations.

The Matco one may have been a rebadged Gearwrench like these:

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/pliers/ratcheting_pliers/

Here is a good thread to check out from the past:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58151

 

[CWP1616L]

The Mayhew 28650's are very well built and work quite nicely.