S-K’s Cable Operated Ratcheting Hose Clamp Pliers
By Rick Reimundez
The spring-type clamps auto manufacturers apply on nearly every hose fitting are an endless source of frustration for most of us; they’re often buried in the engine compartment where only Stuart Little could get at them. But with S-K’s cable-operated clamp pliers, it’s a cable that twists and winds through the hot engine instead of your arm.
The business end of S-K’s pliers latches on to the hose clamp way down in the engine compartment while your working hand remains free to squeeze the trigger. S-K also includes a locking ratchet mechanism on the handles so you don’t have to squeeze quite so hard — also making it easy to apply just the right amount of pressure. Best of all, these pliers firmly hold the clamp ends, so they don’t fly loose like they do when your old needle-nose pair slips off.
The S-K pliers handle clamps from 3/4″ up to 2-3/32″ and come with a lifetime warranty. The bad news: they’re ex-pen-sive. MSRP is $133, but thankfully the street pricing is significantly less at about $70.
Cable Operated Ratcheting Hose Clamp Pliers [S-K Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon
August 28th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Too many times Stuart little was off drunk in the corner so I had to get those clamps myself. Great tool.
August 28th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
I bought the astro pneumatic version of this tool. Totally rocks!
Abe
August 29th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Go to Sears and buy the Craftsman version of this tool for $40. The Craftsman version is made in France, just like the SK… I bet they’re identical.
Oh, and as far as a tool, once you use one of these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I’ve got the Snap On version, other co workers have different brands as well and they all do the same thing. Super useful tool.
August 30th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Useful tool? It’s almost necessary, as were impacts once not necessary for mechanics, I imagine.