Indispensable Set of Pliers

[1cargarage]

Hi all,

The turbo blew up in my brother's VW TDI, and I agreed to replace it for him in exchange for tools (what a nice brother). After reading some TDI threads on this job, everyone said that this is a job that cannot be done without a set of cable style hose clamp pliers. I have wanted a set of these for a while, but haven't gotten around to buying them. Since I was on the Snap On Truck already (getting some triple square sockets (VW specific)), my local rep gave me discount and I grabbed a pair. The ones I got were the

Snap On SHCP1A: ~$100

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=648444&group_ID=675583

They appeared to be rebranded from some European company. The tool and box said that they were made in France. The rep said that between these and a different style Snap On offered, 9 out 10 of his customers preferred these ones. Lifetime warranty, and my rep is super easy to deal with anyways, Done.

These were a lifesaver. In the past I have always been able to get away with removing and installing hose clamps with 90 degree needle nose, slip joint pliers, or electronic assembly pliers. That was not even possible on this job. Some of the hose clamps were in such restricted areas, I could barely get this tool to access them. Truly a great set of pliers, and saved me a lot of time and swear words.

I am by no means recommending only the Snap On cable style hose clamp pliers, but if you are on the fence about getting a set of cable style hose clamp pliers (any brand), do yourself a favor and get some! They are worth every penny (especially if your brother is paying for them).

 

[cosmik binturong]

those are made by Caillau for their Clic clamps and rebranded for lots of tool brands, including Craftsman.

 

[K-Dog]

worth their weight in gold.

 

[1cargarage]

worth their weight in gold.

Absolutely. One of those tools that, once you have them, you wonder how you ever got by without them.

 

[carcajou]

Never seen them before, how do they work? On the hose clamps i mean.

 

[dgjaxun]

Never seen them before, how do they work? On the hose clamps i mean.

it is used on this stile hose clamp

 

[monomach]

I have the Craftsman version. Exact same manufacturer as far as I can tell. They were on sale for $30. Yeah, they're a lifesaver.

 

[Super Sport]

I have often considered a pair of these at Sears. Just can't figure out when I'd ever use them...

 

[BJ42LX]

I have the Craftsman version. Exact same manufacturer as far as I can tell. They were on sale for $30. Yeah, they're a lifesaver.

So these, then:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cable-operated-hose-clamp-pliers/p-00947390000P?prdNo=1

 

[southalabama]

Mmmmm new tool to look for.

Last hose clamp of that type I broke prongs pressing it. Gonna look at these for a future purchase.

 

[monomach]

So these, then:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cable-operated-hose-clamp-pliers/p-00947390000P?prdNo=1

Yep. Same as the Snappys, but without the fancy logo handles that must cost $80.

 

[carcajou]

So these, then:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cable-operated-hose-clamp-pliers/p-00947390000P?prdNo=1

that helps, thanks

 

[[email protected]]

I have the Cornwell version and am very happy with mine. I use them a few times a week and they make life easier.

 

[1cargarage]

I don't think the Craftsman and Snap On are exactly the same, although they're pretty close. They sure look like the exact same manufacturer. On the Snap On ones, the pliers ratchet as they tighten, allowing the user to release his grip from the pliers while the tool maintains tension on the hose clamp.

If you look, you can see the teeth on the cam

Looking at the Craftsman version, it appears to only have one 'locked' notch on the cam. I.e. Instead of ratcheting as the pliers close, the Craftsman pliers must be closed to a fixed point at which the pliers will lock.

I don't have a set of the Craftsman ones, so I can't verify if this is really the case, but that's what I'm interpreting from the picture. Another possibility is that this is an older stock photo and the newer Craftsman hose clamp pliers come with the 'ratcheting' design feature. Either way, I'd rather have a pair of either than none at all.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have the Astro ones....wish I didn't wait so long. Lifesaver.

 

[MattPersman]

Those aren't the same the snap on have multiple tooth engagement for locking, the craftsman as far as the picture goes has a single point of locking. There are many versions of this tool out there, almost all look the same or similar.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I have the same pair of snap ons and they have definitely saved my *** on more than one occasion. I dont use them much at work but they have got me out of the woods on some side work/automotive stuff before as I work on all of my own stuff and my family's cars

 

[K-Dog]

I have often considered a pair of these at Sears. Just can't figure out when I'd ever use them...

When you know, you will KNOW.

 

[rice rocket]

VW

I think I found your problem right here...



I jest. I have found on my Honda that some clamps aren't positioned well from the factory, but when I re-install them, I always make sure they're accessible if I have to do them again.

 

[K-Dog]

but when I re-install them, I always make sure they're accessible if I have to do them again.

If I ever am the tech behind you....

Thank you.

 

[DodgeMech]

those are made by Caillau for their Clic clamps and rebranded for lots of tool brands, including Craftsman.

worth their weight in gold.

yeah, snappy pays a lil more for the ratchet cam action, so you pay the driver 60 more dollars for them...i'm not too sure why you want the ratchet action...the cman version's single lock position works great for me

also, in my hands anyway, the handle on the cman style feels better

If I ever am the tech behind you....

Thank you.

and a sincere **** you to the tech that actually does put the clamp back into the impossible to reach factory angle