Updated on Nov. 06, 2024
Spring-style hose clamps that secure hose connections can be tricky to remove. The right hose clamp pliers saves time, money and your knuckles.
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Inside your washing machine and car engine there are many types and styles of clamps that prevent leaks between hoses and fittings. These plastic fittings use flat-band/spring- or ring-type clamps that can be really tight and difficult to remove, especially from hard-to-reach places. That’s why you need hose clamp pliers.
There are different styles of hose clamp pliers. Most look similar to regular pliers, or arc joint pliers. Another design, called remote cable pliers, have a long cable with clamping jaws at one end and a squeeze handle to close the jaws on the other.
On some vehicles, it appears the manufacturer installed the hose clamps and then built the vehicle around them, making the clamps difficult to reach.
The amazingly well-designed and powerful long-reach Lisle 17000 Universal Hose Clamp Pliers and Lisle 17370 35-Degree Long Hose Clamp Pliers makes reaching, removing and replacing spring clamps buried deep in an engine bay much less challenging.
Features include spring-loaded locking handles and jaws with flat-nibbed teeth that firmly grab and hold onto hose clamps better than the long needle-nose pliers you’re probably using.
Pro and DIY mechanics will find the well-priced locking two-piece Drake Off Road 4502 Hose Clamp Pliers are a serious tool. These sturdy, versatile pliers come with wide, non-slip, plastic-covered handles and ratcheting lock mechanisms that securely hold spring clamps in place.
Each plier has rotating tips — one for ring clamps, the other for flat-band hose clamps.
To grasp onto spring clamps in really tight spots, the Astro Pneumatic Tool 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers are what you want. Stronger and longer than other brands, this tool works great on flat-band hose clamps found on automotive heater, fuel and radiator hoses.
The wide, deep-ratcheting gearset ensures the jaws remain securely locked onto the clamp, no matter its position. The adjustable cable, rubber-coated handles, one-hand lock release and easy-to-replace cable, spring and lock assembly make this a real winner and a worthwhile automotive tool purchase.
Made from high-carbon steel, the inexpensive QWork 45-Degree Angled Hose Clamp Pliers are perfect for DIYers who work on their cars. Rotating tips make it easier to maneuver into tight areas when working on engine cooling, fuel and vacuum hose clamps.
Practically designed with anti-slip, wide-opening handles, these come with a 30-day 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. All that might make these your go-to hose clamp pliers.
The Betooll HW0105-1 Nine-Piece Hose Clamp Pliers Set earned a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with more than 2,500 reviews. According to the manufacturer, the upgraded design features pliers made from high-quality carbon steel, treated to resist rust and corrosion.
Equipped with PVC -covered, ergonomically designed handles, these pliers remove flat-band and ring spring hose clamps anywhere on your vehicle. Four pliers (including one 45-degree angle pair) and long-reach cabled pliers come with all the features listed above.
Also included are Clic-R type collar pliers, handy hose removal pliers, a removal pick to help loosen stuck hoses and a reversible screwdriver. The durable blow-molded storage case makes this set an outstanding value and will quickly make you the envy of the car guys in your neighborhood.
The reasonably priced BaFu Professional Hose Clamp Pliers offers swivel tips that work on flat-band and ring spring clamps. This flexibility makes this tool perfect for working on coolant hoses, as well as fuel and vacuum hoses.
The rubber-coated handles provide a solid grip and help cushion your hand when squeezing open a spring clamp — plusses for the entry-level DIYer.
Any of the hose clamp pliers on this list could fall under this category. But for the pros or dedicated gearheads, the Astro 9406 Seven-Piece Hose Clamp Pliers Set is for you.
Although lacking the hose picks and screwdriver as the Betooll set reviewed earlier, this versatile set includes the same type of hose clamp pliers and major features found in that kit.
Well-designed, solidly built and durable enough for everyday use, these pliers do not bend or twist when cranking open hefty spring clamps. They also work on stainless steel and plastic clamps, making this set a valuable and indispensable addition to your prized tool collection.
Although pricey, the ‎10-inch Knipex Tools 85 51 250AFSBA Hose Clamp Pliers offer exceptional leverage to easily open and close all styles of spring clamps. This tool is well-designed and extremely well-built.
The adjustable, hardened jaws accommodate several size clamps, while the beefy locking mechanism keeps those jaws safely locked in position. The jaws behind the tips are machined to protect hoses from damage when removing, while the slim head fits into confined spaces.
The strong, rotating serrated tips, coupled with the locking mechanism, make it almost impossible for these pliers to slip off a clamp. That justifies the high cost.
Before purchasing hose clamp pliers, consider the size of clamps you’re removing and where they’re located. Additional features to look for include:
For remote cable pliers, also look for:
Safety first: Always let the engine completely cool before replacing a coolant hose or any hose clamp. It’s important to replace hose clamps with the same style of clamp. Replacing a flat-band spring clamp with a screw clamp can damage plastic radiator inlet/outlets or other plastic hose fittings.
