Secret to removing crimp style fuel line hose clamps?

[tomstin]

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.

[uturn]

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

[AndrewBird]

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

[tomstin]

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.

[dnguyen1963]

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.

[slum dog]

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

[AndrewBird]

These should slice through them easily:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-7-1-2-in-Cross-Cutting-Pliers-with-End-Cutter-357/100049589

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

[Vincent Brick]

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.

[tomstin]

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.

[TobyB]

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

[Vincent Brick]

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.

[locar]

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.

[TimeMachinE30]

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.

[nando]

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.

[ELVA164]

You could also use a pair of expanding circlip pliers if they aren't junk.