Which Hose Pick Set???

[JRPAviator]

Ok, a ton of different places have sales starting tomorrow… I am looking at hose picks. I have on the shorter list the Vessel, Koken, PB Swiss, Lisle, Mayhew…others?

Am I good with any of these. I think I heard one of these may have a microscopic ball on the tip so it will not puncture the hose…?

Opinions welcome here!

 

[LiketoFix]

I've got a set of Lyle's that look similar to the red and black pro grip set of 5 in the pic.
I like mine a lot but I wouldn't hesitate to try that set in the pic!
At first I thought it was a Lyle.
LtF

 

[JRPAviator]

I've got a set of Lyle's that look similar to the red and black pro grip set of 5 in the pic.
I like mine a lot but I wouldn't hesitate to try that set in the pic!
At first I thought it was a Lyle.
LtF

The price of the Lisle does make them tempting. The others are usually pricey but with sales they get much more reasonable.

 

[four.cycle]

^ somebody just posted a set in the "show us your new tools thread" that was supposed to NOT jab holes in the hose.... don't recall brand, sorry.
Vessel gets high marks. I've never used one. I slice the hoses off and replace them.
That's one of many reasons somebody else does the work on my vehicles.

 

[richfinn]

I would go with Vessel as I really like the handles

If your messing with anti-freeze you want a smooth handle (no ribbing or pattern) that will clean up easy and not turn to slime.

 

[Fedwrench]

VIM Tools 2-Piece Radiator Hose Removal Pick Set (HRP100)

Remove radiator hoses with ease using the VIM Tools 2-Piece Removal Pick Set (HRP100). Shop now at JB Tools for reliable tools.

www.jbtools.com

Professional Radiator Hose Pick Set, 6 Piece

Amazing deals on this 6Pc Radiator Hose Pick Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

https://www.jbtools.com/sg-tool-aid-13820-big-******-set/

Flat nose type:

Lisle 2pc Radiator Hose Spoon Set (82130)

Easily remove radiator hoses with the Lisle 2pc Radiator Hose Spoon Set. Its wider blades prevent damage, while the long and short blades allow for efficient pulling and pushing. Buy now!

www.jbtools.com

I own all of the ones you linked except for the Ko-Ken. I just can't bring myself to buy a tool with that strange handle on it.

The Vessels are nice but, they don't make a long one. The PB Swiss ones have a very nicely shaped handle but, they don't make a long one, their blades are kind of thick, and awkwardly shaped (at least to me). The new Mayhew Progrip handles are a little on the large side. Shop around for those as there's a wide price difference between vendors. The lisle set is probably the best bang for your buck and they offer individual open stock. The lisle handles don't like brake clean though. The long hose pick is handy for releasing hard to access connectors and other tasks. It's good to have a long and a short version. Proto offers some nice ones too. HJE (Epsteins) has a US made shim remover from Osbourne that's a great hose pick.
I wish Tekton would hop on the hose pick wagon. I really like their hard grip handle. That's enough ranting for this evening.

 

[richfinn]

VIM Tools 2-Piece Radiator Hose Removal Pick Set (HRP100)

Remove radiator hoses with ease using the VIM Tools 2-Piece Removal Pick Set (HRP100). Shop now at JB Tools for reliable tools.

www.jbtools.com

Professional Radiator Hose Pick Set, 6 Piece

Amazing deals on this 6Pc Radiator Hose Pick Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

https://www.jbtools.com/sg-tool-aid-13820-big-******-set/

Flat nose type:

Lisle 2pc Radiator Hose Spoon Set (82130)

Easily remove radiator hoses with the Lisle 2pc Radiator Hose Spoon Set. Its wider blades prevent damage, while the long and short blades allow for efficient pulling and pushing. Buy now!

www.jbtools.com

I own all of the ones you linked except for the Ko-Ken. I just can't bring myself to buy a tool with that strange handle on it.

The Vessels are nice but, they don't make a long one. The PB Swiss ones have a very nicely shaped handle but, they don't make a long one, their blades are kind of thick, and awkwardly shaped (at least to me). The new Mayhew Progrip handles are a little on the large side. Shop around for those as there's a wide price difference between vendors. The lisle set is probably the best bang for your buck and they offer individual open stock. The lisle handles don't like brake clean though. The long hose pick is handy for releasing hard to access connectors and other tasks. It's good to have a long and a short version. Proto offers some nice ones too. HJE (Epsteins) has a US made shim remover from Osbourne that's a great hose pick.
I wish Tekton would hop on the hose pick wagon. I really like their hard grip handle. That's enough ranting for this evening.

I have the Ko-ken trim tools with the same handles, not a fan

 

[four.cycle]

somebody will pipe up and tell which ones are the "no pokey" ones hopefully, because it would make a great Christmas present for a buddy of mine.

 

[Fedwrench]

somebody will pipe up and tell which ones are the "no pokey" ones hopefully, because it would make a great Christmas present for a buddy of mine.

The bottom Lisle set I linked 82130 have flat blades, They're not pointed. I would recommend filing the corners a bit, rounding them though.

 

[four.cycle]

.... so... the LISLE set is the one to grab for him?

wow that's funny considering how much Lisle's 1/4" hex drive bits and TORX bits are trashed here!

 

[nadogail]

Lisle has some very good tools, I have seen Blue Point tools on on the Snap On truck that looked like rebranded Lisle's

 

[Jarhead0408]

They’re not hose PICKS…

…but I sure like my Carlyle branded Lang Hose Spoons that I bought from Napa (Not a sponsor iykyk).


They’re a little cheaper here:

Lang Tools 2-Piece Hose Removal/Installer Set (854)

Safely remove and install radiator, heater, and turbo hoses with the Lang Tools 2-Piece Hose Removal/Installer Set. Featuring straight and 150-degree tips, prevents hose and connector damage.

www.jbtools.com

 

[Blueshound_GJ]

They’re not hose PICKS…

…but I sure like my Carlyle branded Lang Hose Spoons that I bought from Napa (Not a sponsor iykyk).


They’re a little cheaper here:

Lang Tools 2-Piece Hose Removal/Installer Set (854)

Safely remove and install radiator, heater, and turbo hoses with the Lang Tools 2-Piece Hose Removal/Installer Set. Featuring straight and 150-degree tips, prevents hose and connector damage.

www.jbtools.com

These look very useful. Clever design! They look less likely to damage the hose than the standard "nose picker". Would be great for teens and apprentices especially.

 

[Steve_P]

I also have the Lisle with the flat tips; they work really well. IMO you don't want a sharp point when removing a hose you plan to reuse. I don't know who decided that a sharp point was a good idea, but this is what most sets have. The Lisle handle is a bit goofy, and I don't really care that much for it, but for the price they were the best option for me, and I'm very happy with them.

The Lisle's have gotten good reviews here, except for the handles being viewed as "meh"; the handles aren't terrible, just a slightly weird design.

Yes, Tekton needs to make some flat tip hose removers with their hard handles!

 

[Zeus36]

I wish Tekton would hop on the hose pick wagon. I really like their hard grip handle. That's enough ranting for this evening.

Your wish is granted:

5-Piece Pick and Hook Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes straight pick, 45-degree bent pick, 90-degree bent pick, 90-degree hook, and 130-degree hook. PNH90101.

www.tekton.com

 

[KnurledNut]

Astro 9502 is a very basic 2 pc, inexpensive, no frills no nonsense, get the job done kind of set. And I like the handles.
The tips are blunted but still pointy enough to dig.
https://www.astrotools.com/product/2pc-hose-removal-hook-set/
https://www.jbtools.com/astro-pneum...-D50&msclkid=88234551378b10e30532203181b26e25

 

[Zewnten]

I don't use sharp hose picks, usually if I have to pick a hose off it's so rotten it tears even being gentle as I can. I have several blunt tip ones I use on newer hoses but usually I get a pair of cannon pliers or channel lock if you're careful and turn the hose to break the adhesion. If it won't turn, it's time for a new hose.

 

[Jarhead0408]

These look very useful. Clever design! They look less likely to damage the hose than the standard "nose picker". Would be great for teens and apprentices especially.

I agree. They are curved to fit the inlet/outlet pipes and make the job a little easier.

 

[Fedwrench]

Your wish is granted:

5-Piece Pick and Hook Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes straight pick, 45-degree bent pick, 90-degree bent pick, 90-degree hook, and 130-degree hook. PNH90101.

www.tekton.com

Nope, those are small picks that are only like 6.5 inches long overall. Great picks but, I'm want larger ones like 10 inches or so and another series that's over a foot to 18 inches long with .25 inch thick blades. Maybe some day.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have the Astro's in my travel tools and the Vessel in the shop. I've been happy with both. The Lang's look like they're made by Wilde but can't confirm.

 

[lardy1]

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Tekton enter the market. Considering they are already manufacturing drivers, picks and mini pry bars it would seem logical and fit their plan of furthering the domestic tools.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Lisle! If I’m replacing a hose, I just cut them off. However if I’m removing one and plan on re-installing it - nothing beats the Lisle spoon, won’t rip the hose.

 

[81malibu81]

I haven't tried this Milwaukee 45-74-9211 but its another flat type.

Milwaukee Flat Hose Pick 45-74-9211 - The Home Depot

The Milwaukee Flat Hose Pick features an all-metal core for up to 50% more durability. A reinforced tip resists bending when loosening stubborn hoses. The flat pick provides puncture protection to avoid

www.homedepot.com

 

[Pinemarten]

If I have to use a pick on a fragile component, I use a bamboo skewer. They are handy and disposable.

 

[JRPAviator]

VIM Tools 2-Piece Radiator Hose Removal Pick Set (HRP100)

Remove radiator hoses with ease using the VIM Tools 2-Piece Removal Pick Set (HRP100). Shop now at JB Tools for reliable tools.

www.jbtools.com

Professional Radiator Hose Pick Set, 6 Piece

Amazing deals on this 6Pc Radiator Hose Pick Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

https://www.jbtools.com/sg-tool-aid-13820-big-******-set/

Flat nose type:

Lisle 2pc Radiator Hose Spoon Set (82130)

Easily remove radiator hoses with the Lisle 2pc Radiator Hose Spoon Set. Its wider blades prevent damage, while the long and short blades allow for efficient pulling and pushing. Buy now!

www.jbtools.com

I own all of the ones you linked except for the Ko-Ken. I just can't bring myself to buy a tool with that strange handle on it.

The Vessels are nice but, they don't make a long one. The PB Swiss ones have a very nicely shaped handle but, they don't make a long one, their blades are kind of thick, and awkwardly shaped (at least to me). The new Mayhew Progrip handles are a little on the large side. Shop around for those as there's a wide price difference between vendors. The lisle set is probably the best bang for your buck and they offer individual open stock. The lisle handles don't like brake clean though. The long hose pick is handy for releasing hard to access connectors and other tasks. It's good to have a long and a short version. Proto offers some nice ones too. HJE (Epsteins) has a US made shim remover from Osbourne that's a great hose pick.
I wish Tekton would hop on the hose pick wagon. I really like their hard grip handle. That's enough ranting for this evening.

Thanks for all the great info!!!

 

[JRPAviator]

Well I can get a great deal on the Lisle so I am going to do the Lisle set with pointies and the Lisle spoon set. Also getting the Lang 2 pc set, looks like the ticket for larger lower/upper radiator hoses. Thanks gang for the awesome inputs!

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I picked up a few of the Gearwrench sets in various sizes and lengths. Not SnapOn, but definitely pretty good for the price. I usually don't like Gearwrench stuff, but I find their pick sets worthwhile. For my personal use, they should last forever.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Astro 9502 is a very basic 2 pc, inexpensive, no frills no nonsense, get the job done kind of set. And I like the handles.
The tips are blunted but still pointy enough to dig.
https://www.astrotools.com/product/2pc-hose-removal-hook-set/
https://www.jbtools.com/astro-pneum...-D50&msclkid=88234551378b10e30532203181b26e25

The Astro set uses the same blades as the PB Swiss it looks like. Honestly, I think I've seen others that do as well.

 

[milky2k]

I have the Lisle hose spoon set, they're perfectly fine. I just wish they made a mini version for everything else that is not an upper or lower radiator hose.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082P2WWLW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[CGarage]

PB Swiss makes the best hose picks ever.
Then, the Lisle Hose Spoons.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Is anyone familiar with the vessels. Maybe it's just the marketing pic, but it looks a bit too thicker/thicker on the business end of it

 

[AJHD]

The Astro set uses the same blades as the PB Swiss it looks like. Honestly, I think I've seen others that do as well.

I was not aware PB Swiss had moved their manufacturing to China...

 

[M6erfan]

I was not aware PB Swiss had moved their manufacturing to China...

It's right next to the S-o and Matco plants.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I was not aware PB Swiss had moved their manufacturing to China...

Meant it as in you are not getting something revolutionary or even proprietary just by paying more. The Vessel version is close to the Astro but not exact.

The @Astro_Pneumatic_Tools handle works very well also. Remember, these are sub $10 with a warranty.

 

[Shop-hound]

It's right next to the S-o and Matco plants.

Snap on’s pick sets are made in USA and are top notch quality.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[CGarage]

I own the Astro set as well. Nice tools, but no where near the quality of PB Swiss. But they cost a fraction of what PB Swiss costs.
I like Astro tools.

 

[Steve_P]

I own the Astro set as well. Nice tools, but no where near the quality of PB Swiss. But they cost a fraction of what PB Swiss costs.
I like Astro tools.

And yet, they both somehow function the same. Because, if it's made in Switzerland, and costs 2X+ as much as everything else, it's got to be the best thing ever. Which is the same with everything they make. And I have some PB stuff, but.... c'mon, we're talking about a tool to remove a hose.

 

[CGarage]

And yet, they both somehow function the same. Because, if it's made in Switzerland, and costs 2X+ as much as everything else, it's got to be the best thing ever. Which is the same with everything they make. And I have some PB stuff, but.... c'mon, we're talking about a tool to remove a hose.

No, they are not the same tool and the quality is not the same. The way the tips are made on the PB Swiss are far superior, so is the strength and rigidity of the shaft of the hose pick and the shaft to handle fit.

Not knocking Astro, but it is a night and day difference.

With hoses costing several hundred dollars and up on certain cars these days, I like the rounded tips on the PB Swiss that are guaranteed to not rip or puncture a hose.

I ordered the Lisle hose spoons for this reason as well.