Tool advice for boot/band clamps?

[Simon S]

I once managed to remove/install tie-rod/steering rack boots with needle nose pliers. It was tricky.

I want to get a tool that works with band clamps - those tricky hose clamps I see on various hoses and CV boots. Would like to spend <$20.

Option A: "Pick tool"
Here's one from Harbor Freight. Cheap. Looks like it might do the trick (?)



Option B: CV Joint Banding Tool
Here's one from Lisle.



Option C: Spring Clamp Pliers
Seen these at local parts store. The look funky to me and I'm not sure how they work. Anyone use these?



I've also seen a style of pliers that kinda look like hog ring pliers..

Here's a pic of one of the clamps I need to work with on a Golf. What is the right tool for these?


Thanks for any input.

[browntown]

I just take a pair of dikes and cut that hump off the clamp, and replace with a standard worm gear.

[Adrian_Visser]

^^^^^^ quicker on the trigger^^^^^

[Naplm00]

or if you want to replace it with the original pinch type clamp you can use a tile cutter plier to put them on





this is what I use, I dulled the edges with a file so i dont damage the clamps. I prefer the crimp clamps because they dont back off, look cleaner and never rust

[bimmer8604]

Depends on what you are doing, but if you are doing power steering lines, or coolant lines, etc... just put a normal screw type hose clamp on it. over time every hose clamp loosens up or the rubber shrinks and you just need to retighten them.

If you are doing CV boots or something of that nature put the factory crimp type clamp back on. Less rotational mass or something like that.

I always say the right tools for the job makes things easier, and if you do a lot of work get a set of these:


I got mine of the snapon truck for 25 bucks I think. Good investment if you use them frequently!

Kyle

[browntown]

This got me thinking how ugly all the worm gear clamps look, and I started looking around and found the oetiker clamps are very similar. You can buy a crimping tool designed for their installation.

[quickervicar]

This is what I use: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38496

I am just super-careful not to overdo it. I'm pleased with it.

[NC325iC]

These definitely look the best, they have that flat in the middle to keep the crimped bit from pushing up, looks like theyd give the best final product

Depends on what you are doing, but if you are doing power steering lines, or coolant lines, etc... just put a normal screw type hose clamp on it. over time every hose clamp loosens up or the rubber shrinks and you just need to retighten them.

If you are doing CV boots or something of that nature put the factory crimp type clamp back on. Less rotational mass or something like that.

I always say the right tools for the job makes things easier, and if you do a lot of work get a set of these:


I got mine of the snapon truck for 25 bucks I think. Good investment if you use them frequently!

Kyle

[Simon S]

Thanks much guys !
Yeah - worm gear clamps I get from parts stores seem to be designed to chew right into the rubber..

[nando]

I just use a regular wire clipper that's shaped like the actual crimper tool. It's worked for the many times I've replaced boots.

don't use worm gear clamps..