Your perferred tools - radiator hoses

[metaldad]

I'm about to pick up this kit:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EYI19M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have those, along others. Nice handles.
In fact, while using removing a hose, the pick pulled out of the handle.

 

[dirtydogintex]

When it comes to cutting hose ends I find that using a blade alone leaves me with crooked cuts a lot of times. Then I discovered that the craftman handi cuts I had sitting in my toolbox forever was perfect for the job. Wheater cutting new hose to length or the last 1/2" off an existing hose they leave me with a nice strait cut every time.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00937301000P

Ratcheting PVC pipe cutters/scissors/shears also work well.... as long as the blade hasn't been field modified (serrated).
I use them on radiator and heater hoses.

http://www.reedmfgco.com/index.html?screen=product_detail&product_id=547&last_screen_id=6400


Fuel and vacuum lines fall to the serrated portion of my Gerber lock back blade.... but really neat cuts can be had w/a sgl edged razor blade.

Yeah those razor blades are real handy!!

 

[cookefab]

Funny...my favorite is CM...can't recall its intended purpose...cotter pin puller I think...anyway, bought on clearance a few years ago on a road call in Denver, (from ski country)...couldn't find mine...we were in a Sears parking lot, so...I leave it in my "spares" bag, in my Jeep...if the Jeep is near, I always dig it out...the SO is vastly superior, but spendy...someday I'll get that set pictured above...but I've made it 25+ years w/out it...I'm against using Channellocks...torn 1 too many that could have been saved...FYI, I'm a tow guy, so my usual need is to save as much as possible...when I put my mechanic hat on, I usually try to replace hoses that show any age...weak link theory...then I just cut them...

 

[6-Speed]

I just found this. This set would do the trick.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-16597-mayhew-tools-60008.aspx

I think the Mayhew picks would be great for DIY work; price looks good too.

 

[Dust]

An extra long set of hose grip pliers work wonders on buried hoses. If I can I'll use a pick/hook to break the seal, then grip the hose with the pliers in front of whatever it's on and then twist and pull. Usually comes right off.

 

[czgunner]

I have the Snapon hose pick set and its awesome, but I used the HF hose pick while in school and its not too bad!

 

[Drew_flux]

channel locks followed by a hose pick if their is little clearance.

 

[Elbert C.]

if no need to save the hose then I simply cut the hoses...

 

[evintho]

It's simple. Slit the hose with a razor knife then shove a small screwdriver in there to break the seal. Twist and pull.

If for some reason you wanna save the rad hose (numbers matching hemi powered Plymouth Superbird?) forget the high priced SO pick sets. A $3 HF hose pick is more than adequate!

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-radiator-hose-pick-96572.html

 

[ryan t]

$3 from harbor freight and it has paid for itself 10 times over.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-radiator-hose-pick-96572.html

 

[humpdawg]

I finally bought a 6 piece SO green instinct hose pick set today. I needed a good set for a long time.
Best of all, it was a BOGO deal. Included were 3 panel popper tools.