Secret to removing crimp style fuel line hose clamps?

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  • tomstin
    E30 Addict
    • Mar 2015
    • 545

    #1

    Secret to removing crimp style fuel line hose clamps?

    What is the secret to removing the crimp style hose clamps that come on the fuel lines? I'm working in the overflow tank area by the fuel filler neck so the dremel is out of the question.

    I used some brute force and ignorance on a few of them but I'm afraid I'll break the plastic tank or the pipe that is fixed to the filler neck.
    Attached Files
    2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual
  • uturn
    E30 Modder
    • Dec 2010
    • 987

    #2
    Snip it on the hump and use a new one when you reinstall.

    Comment

    • AndrewBird
      The Mad Scientist
      • Oct 2003
      • 11892

      #3
      Take a pair of cutters and cut sideways through the edge of the material.

      Comment

      • tomstin
        E30 Addict
        • Mar 2015
        • 545

        #4
        Well guys I guess I need a better pair of cutters or stronger hands. I tried three different types of hand held cutters that I have and it didn't even dent that stainless clamps.

        Now that I have the tank on the bench I play a bit more and try a few more tools. There are three more clamps up under the fender well that are a bit difficult to get to.

        I was pretty frustrated last night and stopped before I broke something.

        Thanks! And any other ideas are welcomed.
        2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

        Comment

        • dnguyen1963
          R3VLimited
          • Nov 2011
          • 2648

          #5
          I used a Dremel with a small cutting wheel when I needed to remove those clamps. Make a slit on top then you can pry it open.

          Comment

          • slum dog
            Advanced Member
            • Jun 2017
            • 110

            #6
            A thin flat head screw driver also works well, in tight spaces I usually just use the tip of the screw driver head, a good twist, she opens up nicely

            Sent from my Hisense U962 using Tapatalk

            Comment

            • AndrewBird
              The Mad Scientist
              • Oct 2003
              • 11892

              #7
              These should slice through them easily:

              https://www.homedepot.com/p/Channell...-357/100049589

              Don't try and cut both sides, just cut one.

              Comment

              • Vincent Brick
                E30 Modder
                • Feb 2013
                • 879

                #8
                x2 for Dremel, I've used an angle grinder on larger ones.

                I hate those clamps, owner of the touring I just built wanted them on EVERYTHING.
                sigpic
                1991 325i Sport - Calypsorot Metallic - DAILY DRIVEN

                WTB in SoCal: 8"/10" Lukebox, leather Sport steering wheel, 60L MotoMeter fuel gauge, Thule/Yakima roof rack

                Comment

                • tomstin
                  E30 Addict
                  • Mar 2015
                  • 545

                  #9
                  Thank you AndrewBird for reminding me that I bought a good pair of long handle side cutters to cut the hog rings when I reupholstered my seats. I had put them away with the hog ring pliers and rings. Worked like a champ, but damn, those 30+ year old stainless clamps are TOUGH!

                  As for the dremel, I'm working on the fuel vent hoses back by the gas tank. Figured it was a bit risky with the chance of the dremel throwing a spark.
                  2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

                  Comment

                  • TobyB
                    R3V Elite
                    • Oct 2011
                    • 5170

                    #10
                    I have a small bolt cutter-
                    works pretty well. It cuts sideways
                    through the hump, so it won't crush
                    the fitting. Made by HIT.

                    t
                    now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

                    Comment

                    • Vincent Brick
                      E30 Modder
                      • Feb 2013
                      • 879

                      #11
                      Originally posted by tomstin
                      As for the dremel, I'm working on the fuel vent hoses back by the gas tank. Figured it was a bit risky with the chance of the dremel throwing a spark.

                      Yeah that is really smart, I forgot we were talking about fuel lines here.
                      sigpic
                      1991 325i Sport - Calypsorot Metallic - DAILY DRIVEN

                      WTB in SoCal: 8"/10" Lukebox, leather Sport steering wheel, 60L MotoMeter fuel gauge, Thule/Yakima roof rack

                      Comment

                      • locar
                        Member
                        • Dec 2012
                        • 64

                        #12
                        Just take the side cutters and grab one side and twist outward so it uncrimps. Do it on the other side and it will be loose enough to slide around. These are nigh impossible to cut.

                        Comment

                        • TimeMachinE30
                          No R3VLimiter
                          • Jun 2014
                          • 3749

                          #13
                          I use my teeth.

                          If no one is watching, I use the nippers.


                          Or take a pair of vice grips, clamp on the tab and spin. They will break in a twist. It does make for a sharp, ragged end most of the time but I have never damaged a line.
                          ACS S3 Build / Dinan 5 E34

                          Comment

                          • nando
                            Moderator
                            • Nov 2003
                            • 34827

                            #14
                            why are you guys cutting these? Just stick a screwdriver in the middle of the "nub" and twist. It'll pop right open. Naturally you have to replace it with a new one.
                            Build thread

                            Bimmerlabs

                            Comment

                            • ELVA164
                              R3V Elite
                              • Dec 2011
                              • 4861

                              #15
                              You could also use a pair of expanding circlip pliers if they aren't junk.
                              Interested in vintage cars? Ever thought about racing one? Info, photos, videos, and more can be found at www.michaelsvintageracing.com!

                              Elva Courier build thread here!

                              Comment

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