Tool Review: Cal-Van Tools Fuel Line Disconnect and Heater Hose Removal Tools

June 22, 2011

The Cal-Van Tools' 230TNZ Fuel Line service tools were designed to remove stubborn fuel lines. To use, force the tapered end into the disconnect, instantly disconnecting from the fuel line. The tools tapered opening goes from 3/4” to 1/8”. This allows a universal application with just two tools. Two different styles in one set give the user the ability to work in tight spaces.

The 244TNZ Heater Hose Disconnect Tools are designed to completely fill the void in the connector to release the fastener. There is also a 40-degree offset designed to help users work around obstructions in tight spaces, which is especially important in vans and pickup trucks where space is tight. Sold as a set with all four sizes: Ford, GM, large and extra-large. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum.

The Review

Tom Karigianis, owner of Tarkus Automotive in Milwaukee, Wis., tested out the Fuel Line Disconnect Tools set and the Heater Hose Removal Tools set.

"They’re nice and small to get into tight areas,” said Tom.

Tom also appreciated the ease of use with these tools, and found them handy because they were lightweight yet durable.

“The tool is lightweight, and strong, being made of aircraft aluminum,” said Tom. He preferred the aircraft-grade aluminum over other disconnect tools he’s used previously. “The plastic ones tend to break, they’re not as strong and they flex too much.”

Tom recommended one improvement for the disconnect sets: a bigger variety of different sizes. Tom explained because of the vast number of different size hoses manufacturers produce, no hose sizes are uniform. “It’s because manufacturer’s are making what they want,” said Tom. “Some make (hoses) 10 mm, some make them 12mm. Some make them American sizes.”

But while he was trying out both disconnect tool sets, Tom didn’t run into any hoses he was unable to disconnect on the vehicles in his shop.

On a scale of one to 10, Tom says he’d rate both sets of disconnect tools at a 10 because of the toughness and durability over plastic disconnect tools, while still be lightweight. “It’s tough stuff.

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.