I have reused these many times with never a leak. I bought KD hose clamp pliers at NAPA and they work great once you get the hang of pliers.
The inventor of radiator hose clamps was a sadist
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I also have never heard that the OE spring-type clamps are one-time use.
I love these clamps.....as long as they are on the factory hose. After that they are junk, at least in my area. I'm noticing here that a lot of the people who really love these clamps and continually reuse them do not live in the winter salt belt area.
The last one of these I took off stayed in the open position as soon as I squeezed it to take it off. I'm sure there will be a reply to this that says the worm clamps can deteriorate in the salt belt also, but they aren't affected nearly as bad if you use a good name-brand stainless steel clamp, not some of the replacement junk that is sold at WM or HF.
Even if you have a good used spring clamp, they will not work if your replacement hose is just slightly thinner than the OEM hose, as they have taken the shape of the fatter hose.
The last one of these I took off stayed in the open position as soon as I squeezed it to take it off. I'm sure there will be a reply to this that says the worm clamps can deteriorate in the salt belt also, but they aren't affected nearly as bad if you use a good name-brand stainless steel clamp, not some of the replacement junk that is sold at WM or HF.
Even if you have a good used spring clamp, they will not work if your replacement hose is just slightly thinner than the OEM hose, as they have taken the shape of the fatter hose.
Those cheap one time use clips drive me nuts, more expensive motors and cars don't use them. IE ones built to be repaired.
GM is also a fan of crimps for smaller lines, which is fun.
Manufactures save money where people don't see it.
Boat manufacturers do this all the time as well, you really see the difference between say a Silverton and a Cabo in the engine compartment. One spends a lot of time and money making the wiring and plumbing correct and servicing easy, the other well doesn't...
GM is also a fan of crimps for smaller lines, which is fun.
Manufactures save money where people don't see it.
Boat manufacturers do this all the time as well, you really see the difference between say a Silverton and a Cabo in the engine compartment. One spends a lot of time and money making the wiring and plumbing correct and servicing easy, the other well doesn't...
I've got a set of the "remote" wire operated host clamp pliers like those linked in the OP (exact same as the linked set, not the picture) and I love them. Not easy to use them in some situations of course, but it's GREAT being able to put them in position, open the clamp and leave them in the locked open position while moving the clamp somewhere else to release it and remove the hose. Much easier IMO than trying to maintain pressure with channel locks. As long as you line then up correctly they grip very well. Well worth the money IMO.
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
This type of clamp is designed for quick assembly and to reduce variables in tension that come about with worm clamps. A manufacturer can put these on quickly, and not have to worry about them leaking for the life of the hose. Once the hose needs replacing a decade or so later, it's your problem.
I figured out why the OEMs like these so much when I bought a Motorcraft radiator hose for my truck with these pre-installed. They were glued on at the right places on the hose, and locked in the open position by a tab. Just slip the hose on, release the clamps from the open position with a screwdriver, and you're done. It took literally seconds to put the hose on and clamp it. No question about if the clamps were positioned in the right spot, if they were tight enough, etc.
Here is a hose with one of these clamps pre-installed...noticed it is locked in the open position. All you have to do is take a flat screwdriver, place it between the tabs, then twist...
The problem is, it is hard to find replacement clamps, they are tricky to get off, and without the glue holding them in the right spot, releasing them could be a challenge (you can return them to the locked open position). The OEM doesn't care about this being easy for you at home though, not when they can save a significant amount of time during assembly and avoid potential warranty claims from worm clamps that may not hold tension like they should.
I have mixed feelings about this type of clamp. I like that they hold constant tension regardless of temperature, and that they don't cut into hoses like sharp edged worm clamps can, but they can be frustrating to take off and re-install. When they are pre-installed on a hose, they are great until you have to take it off. I have never had a problem with leaks when reusing these. The only hoses I have ever had leak were secured with worm clamps. I have lost one when it flew out of the pliers and off into some corner, never to be found again.
It would be less of an issue if aftermarket hoses came with these pre-installed like some OEM replacement hoses do. It really is a smart design from an initial assembly standpoint, it just doesn't take into account ease of removal.
I think a good compromise are the wire type hose clamps used in many Japanese vehicles. Less damaging to hoses than traditional worm clamps, but still easy to remove and reinstall. Not sure how they compare with holding tension, but they seem to work well...
I wish this type of clamp was readily available at parts stores. It seems like they wouldn't cost any more to produce than a regular worm clamp, but are likely much better and definitely less damaging to hoses. Not sure why they haven't been used more widely.
I remember the days when the factory (I think it was Ford) used to staple those wire-type clamps to the hose.
This type of clamp is designed for quick assembly and to reduce variables in tension that come about with worm clamps. A manufacturer can put these on quickly, and not have to worry about them leaking for the life of the hose. Once the hose needs replacing a decade or so later, it's your problem.
I figured out why the OEMs like these so much when I bought a Motorcraft radiator hose for my truck with these pre-installed. They were glued on at the right places on the hose, and locked in the open position by a tab. Just slip the hose on, release the clamps from the open position with a screwdriver, and you're done. It took literally seconds to put the hose on and clamp it. No question about if the clamps were positioned in the right spot, if they were tight enough, etc.
Here is a hose with one of these clamps pre-installed...noticed it is locked in the open position. All you have to do is take a flat screwdriver, place it between the tabs, then twist...
The problem is, it is hard to find replacement clamps, they are tricky to get off, and without the glue holding them in the right spot, releasing them could be a challenge (you can return them to the locked open position). The OEM doesn't care about this being easy for you at home though, not when they can save a significant amount of time during assembly and avoid potential warranty claims from worm clamps that may not hold tension like they should.
I have mixed feelings about this type of clamp. I like that they hold constant tension regardless of temperature, and that they don't cut into hoses like sharp edged worm clamps can, but they can be frustrating to take off and re-install. When they are pre-installed on a hose, they are great until you have to take it off. I have never had a problem with leaks when reusing these. The only hoses I have ever had leak were secured with worm clamps. I have lost one when it flew out of the pliers and off into some corner, never to be found again.
It would be less of an issue if aftermarket hoses came with these pre-installed like some OEM replacement hoses do. It really is a smart design from an initial assembly standpoint, it just doesn't take into account ease of removal.
I think a good compromise are the wire type hose clamps used in many Japanese vehicles. Less damaging to hoses than traditional worm clamps, but still easy to remove and reinstall. Not sure how they compare with holding tension, but they seem to work well...
I wish this type of clamp was readily available at parts stores. It seems like they wouldn't cost any more to produce than a regular worm clamp, but are likely much better and definitely less damaging to hoses. Not sure why they haven't been used more widely.
I remember the days when the factory (I think it was Ford) used to staple those wire-type clamps to the hose.
Originally Posted By: Kruse
I love these clamps.....as long as they are on the factory hose. After that they are junk, at least in my area. I'm noticing here that a lot of the people who really love these clamps and continually reuse them do not live in the winter salt belt area.
The last one of these I took off stayed in the open position as soon as I squeezed it to take it off. I'm sure there will be a reply to this that says the worm clamps can deteriorate in the salt belt also, but they aren't affected nearly as bad if you use a good name-brand stainless steel clamp, not some of the replacement junk that is sold at WM or HF.
I wish I could get these OE style hose clamps in stainless steel.
I love these clamps.....as long as they are on the factory hose. After that they are junk, at least in my area. I'm noticing here that a lot of the people who really love these clamps and continually reuse them do not live in the winter salt belt area.
The last one of these I took off stayed in the open position as soon as I squeezed it to take it off. I'm sure there will be a reply to this that says the worm clamps can deteriorate in the salt belt also, but they aren't affected nearly as bad if you use a good name-brand stainless steel clamp, not some of the replacement junk that is sold at WM or HF.
I wish I could get these OE style hose clamps in stainless steel.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: Reddy45
After spending all weekend working on my vehicle, I can only conclude that whoever invented this type of radiator clamp was a sadist and got off on people struggling and bleeding.
I think this hose clamp is used in many newer vehicles. It's better in pressure retention than screw type. As said by others, this type is an one use only. Actually since radiator hose clamps are rarely changed, probably once every 4-5 years or longer, changing all hose clamps is too expensive, the only problem is it may take long time to remove and install a new one.
Chrysler used those clamps at least as far back as the mid-60's.
Originally Posted By: Reddy45
After spending all weekend working on my vehicle, I can only conclude that whoever invented this type of radiator clamp was a sadist and got off on people struggling and bleeding.
I think this hose clamp is used in many newer vehicles. It's better in pressure retention than screw type. As said by others, this type is an one use only. Actually since radiator hose clamps are rarely changed, probably once every 4-5 years or longer, changing all hose clamps is too expensive, the only problem is it may take long time to remove and install a new one.
Chrysler used those clamps at least as far back as the mid-60's.
I really like those spring clamps, I think they work a lot better than the screw type. I've never had to go back and retighten a spring clamp, unlike some of the screw type. However, I do have one of those clamp tools that was mentioned.
On my Toyotas and the Honda (all three of which use spring clamps) you cannot use them with anything other than the OEM hoses. Aftermarket hoses are thicker and the clamp even when fully open will not pass the "bulge" in an installed hose. New clamps do come already open with a little clip that you have to pull off to close the clamp. But with that tool it really doesn't matter.
It doesn't hurt to put a little soapy water on the hose before installing the clamp. This allows the clamp to settle in a uniform clamping position. With brand new hoses they can be a bit rubbery/sticky and cause the clamp to hang up when released. No doubt it settles eventually though.
On my Toyotas and the Honda (all three of which use spring clamps) you cannot use them with anything other than the OEM hoses. Aftermarket hoses are thicker and the clamp even when fully open will not pass the "bulge" in an installed hose. New clamps do come already open with a little clip that you have to pull off to close the clamp. But with that tool it really doesn't matter.
It doesn't hurt to put a little soapy water on the hose before installing the clamp. This allows the clamp to settle in a uniform clamping position. With brand new hoses they can be a bit rubbery/sticky and cause the clamp to hang up when released. No doubt it settles eventually though.
I've always reused the spring type as well, I can't say I've ever noticed them loosing any tension either. Often they can be as stubborn to get back on as off.
The Tracker has the stainless worm drive clamps and one has been tightened enough to cut into the hose a bit.
The Tracker has the stainless worm drive clamps and one has been tightened enough to cut into the hose a bit.
Originally Posted By: stephen9666
I also have never heard that the OE spring-type clamps are one-time use.
That's because they are not one time use. The problem arises when reusing these clamps on the original hose and not putting them back in the same place in the depression grove it formed while in service. If not put back in the same position, the clamping force is slightly uneven and the old hose/clamp setup can possibly leak. With a new hose, the clamp can be positioned any which way and equal force will be applied to the hose when released.
I also have never heard that the OE spring-type clamps are one-time use.
That's because they are not one time use. The problem arises when reusing these clamps on the original hose and not putting them back in the same place in the depression grove it formed while in service. If not put back in the same position, the clamping force is slightly uneven and the old hose/clamp setup can possibly leak. With a new hose, the clamp can be positioned any which way and equal force will be applied to the hose when released.
I have the correct pliers to remove/reinstall the clamps, and haven't ever had a problem reusing them. I actually prefer them as they keep their tension and don't chew up the hose like the worm clamps do.
The radiator hoses for my 2004 Buick Rainier have clamps that lock open.
All well and good, but getting them unlocked was a royal pain in the butt. And since the radiator is plastic, you must be careful about how and what type of tool you use to unlock the clamp.
All well and good, but getting them unlocked was a royal pain in the butt. And since the radiator is plastic, you must be careful about how and what type of tool you use to unlock the clamp.
There are easier to use clamps, that are also constant tension:
http://murraycorp.com/constant-tension-clamps.html?gclid=CMWCn6jdzboCFcid4AodV04AvQ
http://murraycorp.com/constant-tension-clamps.html?gclid=CMWCn6jdzboCFcid4AodV04AvQ
I can sometimes reuse those stupid clamps, but I still absolutely hate them. I have numerous pliers simply because car builders find dumber ways to install them.
I got stuck with re-using them on my Mitsubishi because I didn't want them to see that I changed my transmission fluid, and use it as a way to void the warranty. Once I had the hose in place, I moved them clamps on, then I gripped the hose and clamp with pliers to try to increase the tension.
Whenever I get the chance, I throw out the spring clamp and put a worm gear clamp in its place.
Have you seen the worm gear clamps used on certain BMW and Benz models? I would use those. Boaters World has them.
I got stuck with re-using them on my Mitsubishi because I didn't want them to see that I changed my transmission fluid, and use it as a way to void the warranty. Once I had the hose in place, I moved them clamps on, then I gripped the hose and clamp with pliers to try to increase the tension.
Whenever I get the chance, I throw out the spring clamp and put a worm gear clamp in its place.
Have you seen the worm gear clamps used on certain BMW and Benz models? I would use those. Boaters World has them.
I haven't had any trouble getting one of those off. Different sized channel locks make it pretty painless. My problems arise when trying to reinstall with a new hose. I once got one locked ops , removed it and the hose, reinstalled on a new hose and had problems unlocking it. When it did unlock it did so on the tip of my pointer finger. Big fun looking around for my pliers to get my finger out.
I've always has problems with the clamps on hose reinstalls though, no matter the type. I'd rather deal with those though then a worm clamp.
I've always has problems with the clamps on hose reinstalls though, no matter the type. I'd rather deal with those though then a worm clamp.
Originally Posted By: kschachn
It doesn't hurt to put a little soapy water on the hose before installing the clamp...
Yep, that's the key to installing any sort of hose clamp, especially the worm gear type that tighten up in one confined part of the circle.
It doesn't hurt to put a little soapy water on the hose before installing the clamp...
Yep, that's the key to installing any sort of hose clamp, especially the worm gear type that tighten up in one confined part of the circle.
KY Jelly works better and won't harm anything, as long as you don't mind a tube of that in your toolbox
Originally Posted By: Kiwi_ME
Originally Posted By: kschachn
It doesn't hurt to put a little soapy water on the hose before installing the clamp...
Yep, that's the key to installing any sort of hose clamp, especially the worm gear type that tighten up in one confined part of the circle.
Originally Posted By: Kiwi_ME
Originally Posted By: kschachn
It doesn't hurt to put a little soapy water on the hose before installing the clamp...
Yep, that's the key to installing any sort of hose clamp, especially the worm gear type that tighten up in one confined part of the circle.
Originally Posted By: SubLGT
There are easier to use clamps, that are also constant tension:
http://murraycorp.com/constant-tension-clamps.html?gclid=CMWCn6jdzboCFcid4AodV04AvQ
These does NOT look like constant tension at all! I know they claim that they are constant tension but I don't see how that is possible with the run of the mill design here.
There are easier to use clamps, that are also constant tension:
http://murraycorp.com/constant-tension-clamps.html?gclid=CMWCn6jdzboCFcid4AodV04AvQ
These does NOT look like constant tension at all! I know they claim that they are constant tension but I don't see how that is possible with the run of the mill design here.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Originally Posted By: SubLGT
There are easier to use clamps, that are also constant tension:
http://murraycorp.com/constant-tension-clamps.html?gclid=CMWCn6jdzboCFcid4AodV04AvQ
These does NOT look like constant tension at all! I know they claim that they are constant tension but I don't see how that is possible with the run of the mill design here.
Here are some others:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Hose-Clamps-!-Constant-Torque/p_798728
http://www.mcmaster.com/#worm-drive-clamps-for-soft-hose/=rcrpeq
Originally Posted By: SubLGT
There are easier to use clamps, that are also constant tension:
http://murraycorp.com/constant-tension-clamps.html?gclid=CMWCn6jdzboCFcid4AodV04AvQ
These does NOT look like constant tension at all! I know they claim that they are constant tension but I don't see how that is possible with the run of the mill design here.
Here are some others:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Hose-Clamps-!-Constant-Torque/p_798728
http://www.mcmaster.com/#worm-drive-clamps-for-soft-hose/=rcrpeq
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