Bled the brakes before a pad slap?

[Legs4Arms]

All of this is very informative, albeit somewhat polarizing.
Thanks to all, I'll keep reading and learning

 

[mk378]

It's not a "pad slap" if you do anything beyond slapping in new pads.

 

[The Critic]

It's not a "pad slap" if you do anything beyond slapping in new pads.

Very true...

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I usually clamp the hose, open the nipple and then push the piston back.

Lisle makes hose pinchers specifically for this purpose

 

[SC Maintenance]

Lisle makes hose pinchers specifically for this purpose

I am sure many do it, and get away with it. However a brake hose is made in a similar fashion to a tire - rubber with nylon or steel belting to keep it rigid. Squishing it is similar to sitting on a completely flat tire - depends on how much and how long and how lucky you are.

I would rather not squish one either. I understand why pro mechanics do - people want cheap.