Toyota Spring Hose Clamps

[sometoyotaguy]

I had to replace the radiator,hoses , and flush the heater core out this weekend on the Corolla. I don't think I could have removed the spring clamps without a pair of compound joint pliers that I had picked up awhile back for working on chainsaws.

What do you guys use for those things? there doesn't seem to be enough room to easily replace them with worm gear clamps.

 

[mcmtech]

I've got a set of these hose clamp pliers, and also and Otc set that looks like a traditional pliers I'd guess you'd say. Both work great depending on location of the clamps. The spring clamps are actually the better clamp than a worm gear type, they hold a more consistent pressure, even if they can be a pain to remove at times.

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

 

[dclassical]

I use the exact same hose clamp pliers, though if there is room I use vice grip plier.

 

[PJNJ]

I have those Astro Pneumatic long reach hose clamp pliers, a set of regular straight hose clamp pliers with the same type of swivel end and a set made by Channellock. I have used all three and they all work well but the locking mechanism on the first two sometimes makes it easier to maneuver the hose clamp. Spring clamps seem like one of those things you can't have enough different tools to deal with them.

 

[srmofo]

Ive tried (and own) all the usual clamp pliers and assorted devices. Once I found the MAC vise grip style I quit using all the others. Its a very rare day when I would have to pull out a cable tool and I worked on all make and models.

A quick google search revealed other brands now carry them as well.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNSJDCO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These are $15 bucks cheaper than I remember paying for my MAC branded ones but it is the exact same set. Its the 2 pliers in the center. I have even found practical uses for the others as well

 

[Squankum]

All of these solutions are too affordable! What would the Germans sell you to fix this problem?

Knipex Spring Hose Clamp Pliers 250mm Capacity 70mm
http://amzn.com/B00KCU5GNY

Ay caramba....



This looks handy dandy, and I bought one, but haven't had a chance to use it yet:

Lisle 44480 Large Hose Clamp Vise
http://amzn.com/B0012SAZTA

I do have the Astro style cable pliers and they're good, but I do wish they had one more notch of squeeze 'n lock left in them sometimes.


-

 

[theoldwizard1]

This looks handy dandy, and I bought one, but haven't had a chance to use it yet:

Lisle 44480 Large Hose Clamp Vise
http://amzn.com/B0012SAZTA

I have the small and large versions. Still have not used them.

 

[Skin]

The spring clamps are actually the better clamp than a worm gear type, they hold a more consistent pressure, even if they can be a pain to remove at times.

Yep, you actually want them especially for radiator hoses since they can react with the swelling and shrinking of the rubber as it heats and cools. Screw clamps eventually leak and need to be retightened every so often. In rust country they also corrode very fast. Some of them say that they're stainless but it only means the band, I've seen the screw section fall apart pretty quick from road brine spray. Needless to say im a big fan of OE spring clamps and cringe a little when the hood goes up and someone has gone to town replacing them all with those dollar store screw clamps.

 

[techenthusiast]

Yep, you actually want them especially for radiator hoses since they can react with the swelling and shrinking of the rubber as it heats and cools. Screw clamps eventually leak and need to be retightened every so often. In rust country they also corrode very fast. Some of them say that they're stainless but it only means the band, I've seen the screw section fall apart pretty quick from road brine spray. Needless to say im a big fan of OE spring clamps and cringe a little when the hood goes up and someone has gone to town replacing them all with those dollar store screw clamps.

Where can you buy aftermarket quality OEM-like spring clamps to replace originals that have lost tension over time?

 

[Squankum]

Where can you buy aftermarket quality OEM-like spring clamps to replace originals that have lost tension over time?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#spring-hose-clamps/=ymzr27



Also, I have not tried the Gates shrink clamp yet, but Gates makes a good case for them.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-hose-clamps/=ymzrov

(I'm assuming those are Gates.)




_

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I do have the Astro style cable pliers and they're good, but I do wish they had one more notch of squeeze 'n lock left in them sometimes.


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Does your model have the threaded adjuster at the bottom?


________________
Chris
Product Manager

 

[Ruger_556]

Also, I have not tried the Gates shrink clamp yet, but Gates makes a good case for them.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-hose-clamps/=ymzrov

(I'm assuming those are Gates.)




_

I have, they work fine and are OEM in some applications.

 

[ChevyEFI]

What do you guys use for those things? there doesn't seem to be enough room to easily replace them with worm gear clamps.

I use the below. And worm gear clamps are inferior to a constant tension clamp.

 

[wafrederick]

Sometimes you will run into seeing spring hose clamps with a locking tab and I have a solution for them.Called grind off the locking tab and this is what I do with them.A pain in the **** to release from this tab.

 

[Ruger_556]

Sometimes you will run into seeing spring hose clamps with a locking tab and I have a solution for them.Called grind off the locking tab and this is what I do with them.A pain in the **** to release from this tab.

I hate those...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Round "wire" spring clamps are very old school and require special pliers (I have some of those ... somewhere !)

The flat band type are more common

 

[Jarhead0408]

All of these solutions are too affordable! What would the Germans sell you to fix this problem?

Knipex Spring Hose Clamp Pliers 250mm Capacity 70mm
http://amzn.com/B00KCU5GNY

Ay caramba....

-

I have those Knipex. Bought them on sale last year for...$39.** if I'm not mistaken? Might have been KC Tools but I'm not for sure.

Anyways, they are pretty awesome. Used them quite a bit and absolutely love them.

 

[94EG8]

Round "wire" spring clamps are very old school and require special pliers (I have some of those ... somewhere !)

Those are Corbin style and just plain miserable to deal with unless you have the proper pliers. The flat style are great though.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

A tool made specifically for the flat spring type hose clamps.
http://ultimatetoolco.com/hoseclippliers/
http://thetoolnetwork.com/ktc_ae92_clip_pliers.html

KTC also make another kind of tool for these hose clamps.

 

[Squankum]

I have those Knipex. Bought them on sale last year for...$39.** if I'm not mistaken? Might have been KC Tools but I'm not for sure.

Anyways, they are pretty awesome. Used them quite a bit and absolutely love them.

Damn you! Now I have to think about buying them!*

 

[shockwave]

I have the best luck with the slip joint from snap on or ast hose clamp pliers

 

[Squankum]

Does your model have the threaded adjuster at the bottom?
________________
Chris
Product Manager

Uhhhh... yeah.

I hadn't noticed that. I used them last week and took a look, and adjusted it, and that was better. Thanks!


.

 

[Squankum]

Where can you buy aftermarket quality OEM-like spring clamps to replace originals that have lost tension over time?

Also, search amazon for "rotor clip." I just found a size I needed that McMaster didn't have, for a fair price.

 

[chris142]

I have a pair of Duck bill vise grips I ground down to fit.

 

[191145]

Yep, you actually want them especially for radiator hoses since they can react with the swelling and shrinking of the rubber as it heats and cools. Screw clamps eventually leak and need to be retightened every so often. In rust country they also corrode very fast. Some of them say that they're stainless but it only means the band, I've seen the screw section fall apart pretty quick from road brine spray. Needless to say im a big fan of OE spring clamps and cringe a little when the hood goes up and someone has gone to town replacing them all with those dollar store screw clamps.

+1, and may I add I learned this the hard way, thinking many years ago that the shiny new stainless steel screw clamp MUST be better than the crummy old OE spring clamp. I'm hard-headed, so it did take me ten years of constantly re-tightening hose clamps to stop leaks to get the picture. I actually have not yet found an old spring clamp that has lost it's spring unless it was abused in some way or allowed to corrode. They're tough as nails and made for the long run.

 

[Squankum]

+1, and may I add I learned this the hard way, thinking many years ago that the shiny new stainless steel screw clamp MUST be better than the crummy old OE spring clamp. I'm hard-headed, so it did take me ten years of constantly re-tightening hose clamps to stop leaks to get the picture. I actually have not yet found an old spring clamp that has lost it's spring unless it was abused in some way or allowed to corrode. They're tough as nails and made for the long run.

I know. I've seen fine print in factory service manuals saying "Always replace", but... well, I'm no metallurgist, but the suspension springs on our cars manage to take a zillion cycles, and hold the weight of the cars whether we're driving them or not, etc etc, what's it about this springy steel that can't take squeezed open every 7-10 years?

 

[christsay]

I have these, they are great in tight quarters:

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

-chris

 

[94_C/1500]

If I can get them to it than nothing beats a pair of slip joint "channel lock" pliers. For tighter spots I have odd Proto pliers that look like your typical pair of pliers but it's a 3 piece design. Basically there's more adjustment than a regular pair and they keep the jaws flatter. I don't know what the design is called. I'll have to post the tool number.

I always replace plastic spring clamps with 2 worm gear clamps. I've never had a problem and they are easily removed. It's usually easier to maneuver a ratcheting screwdriver with a nut driver bit and socket than pliers in a tight spot.

If any of you want to complain about work gear clamps just compare them to Ford's o ring hoses. The hoses are about guaranteed to need replaced before 100,000 miles on those trucks. I think one of the hoses on the 6.4 has a revised design with 2 o rings but the other hose is the same still. You have to fight the clamps to get them to budge.