Tool Review: KNIPEX Tools Hose Clamp Pliers for Click Clamps
The KNIPEX Tools Hose Clamp Pliers for Click Clamps, No. 85 51 250 C, are designed to open and close click clamps quickly and effectively, with and without limit-stops in the locking mechanism. The tool will not harm the clamps they’re compressing, allowing the click clamps to be reused multiple times. The rotating swivel tips allow access from multiple angles, and the push-button adjustment helps users find the right adjustment position.
The Review
When working on fuel hoses, vacuum pipes, suction nozzles and other areas of the vehicle requiring the removal of small clamps known as Clic or Clic-R clamps, technicians can oftentimes become frustrated. A technician may have trouble accessing or removing this clamp type, sometimes requiring a replacement of the original clamp. With the introduction of the KNIPEX Tools Hose Clamp Pliers for Click Clamps, technicians can now use a tool designed to easily remove and reuse these click clamps.
“These clamp pliers have saved me a lot of time when dealing with this style of clamps,” says Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Ind.
Fort confirmed the tool setup was simple with the push-button adjustment to set the opening size of the tool head, as well as the rotating tips to adjust the tool to the appropriate position.
Fort says he received a demonstration kit with his tool, allowing for an easy visual of how to use the pliers. “It had two different styles of [click] clamps on a piece of hose over a brass tube insert,” says Fort.
Of the features that stood out, Fort liked the overall size of the tool, as well as the adjustable jaw opening. “The five-to-one leverage makes resetting even the largest clamp a snap,” Fort says. “The shape of the jaw, along with having a row of teeth on the top jaw used to help loosen up the hose once the clamp has been released, is a feature I have not seen on competitor's (tools).”
Fort also appreciated the ability to replace the rotating tips of the tool, if needed.
He confirmed the tool allowed him to unlock clamps as necessary, but he oftentimes used a pick to complete this task. He more often used the Hose Clamp Pliers with Click Clamps to lock the clamp back in place.
The only drawback Fort found was the rare instance where he could not access the clamp due to the difficult positioning of the clamp.
As a suggestion for future iterations of the tool, Fort suggested having additional tip options available to remove a wider variety of clamp types. “How about making a few different sets of tips for use with different types of spring clamps?** Offer a set that would allow the jaws to pivot from side to side?”
Fort found a number of applications on which to use the Hose Clamp Pliers for Click Clamps.
“They proved handy when working on Jaguar, BMW, VW and Mercedes that used the Clic-R style hose clamps. I was able to reuse rather than replace most of (the clamps),” Fort says.
“Using the KNIPEX 85 51 250 C couldn’t be much easier,” Fort confirms. “I have used a few different models of click clamp pliers made by different companies. None of them make working with this style of clamp as easy as KNIPEX does.”
Fort does confirm it is still a challenge to find a local vendor selling replacement Clic-R clamps, which is another benefit to having this tool on-hand. He currently must work with a local dealer to obtain replacement clamps.
Overall, Fort appreciated the KNIPEX Tools Hose Clamp Pliers for Click Clamps. “These are a very high-quality tool that work as intended with an ease that is expected,” Fort confirms.
Manufacturer's note: The Hose Clamp Pliers for Click Clamps are intended for use with the Clic and Clic-R style clamps. KNIPEX also offers the 85 51 250 A and 85 51 250 AF with lock to assist with accessing other types of spring hose clamps.
