Tool Review: Mueller-Kueps Hose Clamp Compressor, No. 500 007

Q. How did the tool function as far as saving you time?

A. Time savings is dependent on how the tool is used, what it’s used on, and the number of cable changes needed in the job.

Q. What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A. One has to attach the cable to the main body. You may also need to swap the cable clamp ends depending on orientation of the clamp being removed.

Q. How easy was it to use?

A. There were times it was easy to use and other times it was quite frustrating due to clamp orientation. I did find that taking the time to swap the ends helped to get poorly oriented clamps on.

Q. What features did you like?

A. The overall design is nice and the ability to use different clamping cables. Changing between one cable to another is unique but is easy enough to do. I am also a fan of how the tension release works and liked being able to use the tool with either hand equally.

Q. What features didn’t you like?

A. Mainly the handle that has to be squeezed to tension the clamping cable. It’s narrow enough that it hurts my arthritic hands at times. I also had difficulty trying to find the 500 009 (green) cable to check out. I didn’t end up purchasing one due to shipping being equal to half the cost of the cable itself.

Q. What types of jobs did you use this tool for?

A. I first used it on a 99 Chevy K3500 6.6L turbo replacement. Next up was a 2014 F150 5.0L engine swap. And then a 2011 Focus radiator R&R and several F150 5.4L timing component replacements. It has also seen a little action on both an Audi and Mercedes.

Q. Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some new features compared to the old version?

A. Yes, I have just about every type of clamp removal tool made. Most of them have a pliers-type handle and not a barrel style like the Mueller-Kueps. The Mueller-Kueps is the first I have seen that has different clamping jaws available. The manner of swapping and replacing the cable on the 500 007 is unique.

Q. Is there any way you could think to improve or add to the tool?

A. I would widen/cover the tensioning handle. Also, make it easier to reverse the jaws.

Q. Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool?

A. Not really, I did find the names of the three different cables interesting. I had never heard of a “French” or “Flachschellen” (flat) clamp.

Q. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A. For the design, I would give the Hose Clamp Compressor a nine. For the usage, a seven as the tensioning handle needs work. For three different types of cables, a solid 10. Overall, all that comes up to a respectable 8.6 score.