Tool Review: Matco Tools Ratcheting Hose Clamp Pliers
Content brought to you by PTEN. To subscribe, click here.
Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: The Ratcheting Hose Clamp Pliers do a great job of grabbing and holding onto those pesky spring hose clamps that manufacturers seem to be very fond of using. Without this tool, those clamps can be very tough, and time-consuming to grab and compress to release them, and just as time-consuming to reinstall. This tool cuts that time down considerably.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: There is no setup involved. You simply take the tool off of the cardboard that it’s attached to, and you’re ready to go.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The hose clamp pliers are very easy to use. You select which side of the clamping head will best fit your hose clamp (there are two different grip ranges), slide it over the clamp, and squeeze the handles together. It has a locking ratchet mechanism to hold the clamp open, and a quick-release lever to release the tension on the clamp to reinstall it.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: The pliers came attached to a thin cardboard informational board. It’s complete and doesn’t need any accessories.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: There was no manual with the pliers, just some information printed on the cardboard piece that it was attached to. It’s very self-explanatory, and no manual is needed.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The pliers have two different size clamping jaws so that they can accommodate clamps from 11/16” through 3-1/8”. The grip handles have a nice, rubberized coating, making them easy to grip, and very comfortable to use. There is also a quick-release handle to make it very easy to release the tension on the clamp.
Q: What features didn’t you like?
A: So far, I haven’t found anything that I haven’t liked.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used the pliers to release spring hose clamps on heater hoses and radiator hoses during radiator replacement, water pump replacement, and various other operations involving the cooling system.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool?
A: I have, but they weren’t nearly as nice. The handles weren’t padded at all, and the latch release didn’t work nearly as well.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: It’s actually pretty well thought out and designed. I can’t think of any improvements for it.
Q: Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool?
A: No, the pliers are well designed, well made, and do the job that they're designed to do.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: Probably a nine. The pliers are very nice and work very well, but it’s hard to be a perfect 10.
