Hose Clamp Pliers
 

Now for something kinda different...

Getting ready to replace my leaking center radiator (2002 S) which broke with the gentlest of taps on a steep driveway (curses, Porsche engineers!).

I've read a lot of grumbling about recalcitrant spring-type German hose clamps but have yet (although almost) encountered one. I see them, I know I have to remove and reassemble them, and I don't want to spend 2 hours doing it. I also want to avoid screw-type clamps.

Is there a commercially available set of pliers that ease this job that anyone has found? And by "commercially available" I mean walk-into-Autozone-and-grab-them-off-the-rack-for-$19.99 pliers? Not order-them-from-Pelican-or-SnapOn-and-wait-a-week-$130 pliers.

TIA

Craftsman 28650-998 Cable Operated Hose Clamp Pliers

I have a set very similar to these and, believe me, they are worth their weight in gold, although they only cost about $40. Gotta be one of the best tools I've bought in recent years.

Read all about 'em:

http://roughage.blogspot.com/2008/04/great-40-hose-clamp-tool-for-modern.html

And these things will grip the P-car clamps? Will any similar cable clamp plier (I don't have a Sears nearby but do have Autozone and Advance Auto)....

TIA

Absolutely - I bought mine to use on the coolant hoses when I replaced my water pump, and I also used it when I removed my throttle body for cleaning. It is an amazing tool.

There are several different manufacturers other than Craftsman. Mine are Mayhew. Astro is another brand, and of course Snap-On offers them too.

Try and get the ratcheting one with multiple positions, although that one will probably cost a bit more. I wouldn't worry about spending a few extra dollars - this is a tool you will use again and again.

Don't even think about trying toreplace the coolant tank without a cable operated clamp tool.

I agree... One of the best tools to have in your collection.

Tin snips to remove. $5 worth of new, auto-zone clamps to reassemble?

P.K