Hose clamps today come in many different varieties, so standard pliers just don’t cut it for removal of these clamps. The line of Knipex hose clamp pliers is here to make your hose clamp removal a breeze. Several different style hose clamps are used on vehicles, depending on the manufacturer or region they reside.  Even on the same vehicle, you may find more than one style of hose clamp.

It is a familiar situation when a clamp needs to be removed and the only choice is standard pliers. It’s not a fun exercise and it typically leads to frustration. Most of the clamps used today can be narrowed down into three (3) categories, or hose clamp styles. Knipex has created a plier for each of these, so the technician can have the right tool for each clamp.

Knipex is an independent fourth-generation family company that started in Cronenberg, Germany. The company specializes in the development and production of high-quality pliers and is Europe’s leading manufacturer of these products. With over 800 qualified employees, the assurance of success is said to be due to the importance they place on basic and advanced training.

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Types of Clamps

I mentioned three (3) types of clamps typically used today: spring clamps, ear clamps, and click clamps. Actually, there are more than three if you include the screw or band clamp. Screw/Band clamps are not used on vehicles much today unless you get into larger fasteners such as turbo piping and hoses, exhaust, etc. For the most part, we’ll leave the screw/band clamps out of the discussion since any plier is not the tool of choice for these.

Spring Clamps

Spring clamps are typically made of a strip of spring steel. The ends of the strip are typically cut into narrow strips and where opposite ends have interlocking protrusions. Pictures are much easier to display this. Over time, the spring clamps have been morphed into different shaped and functioning protrusions. Some even have locks to lock the clamp open.

Wire clamps are another type used in older vehicles; however, they work in the same manner as the spring clamp.

Knipex Spring Hose Clamp Pliers – Model 85 51 250 A

The Knipex spring hose clamp pliers is the solution to handling any spring clamps. With a slim head design, the plier jaws can fit into tight places, at any angle. Spring clamps up to three (3) inches can addressed due to the quick-set adjustment. Rotating tips make for easy yet powerful connection to the clamp.

Knipex Locking Spring Hose Clamp Pliers – Model 85 51 250 AF

Another solution for the spring clamp is the Knipex locking spring hose clamp plier or model 85-51-250-AF. This is the same as the model above, but they have an automatic locking mechanism. This allows the technician to keep tension on the spring and move it out of the way, but without an extra hand. When the job is done and the spring clamp moved into position, a quick squeeze of the plier and push of a button will release the lock.

Ear Clamps

As the name implies, these clamps initially had two “ears” that protruded from opposite sides of the clamp. Typically, the band is made from stainless steel for durability. The “ears” are the closing elements that when pinched, cause the bad to tighten and keep uniform pressure on the hose.

A stepless type of ear clamp was invented that only has one ear. In addition, the stepless clamp provides a continuous inner clamping area. This eliminates any steps or gaps on the inner circumference and produces a true 360° seal.  Both style ear clamps become permanently deformed when pinched; therefore, they can’t be reused.

Common areas of use for ear clamps are CV joints (boots), coolant and fuel lines. Ear clamps are used in many other areas outside of automotive, such as air pressure systems and compressors. Regardless of the industry or environment, Knipex still has the solution for any ear clamps.

Knipex Ear Clamp Pliers – Model 10 99 I220

Model 10-99-i220 Knipex ear clamp pliers is the right choice when it comes to installing 2-ear or 1-ear (stepless) clamps. Knipex designed these as to not damage the press points on the ears. This model includes dual jaws, one on the front and one on the side. This design enables the technician to crimp at a 90° angle when space is limited.

Click Clamps

Some vehicles, such as Mercedes and BMW use the Click Clamp. In addition to the name Click clamp, you may also see Clic or Click-R. These operate in the same manner as the stepless ear clamp, yet the click clamp is reusable. They provide secure uniform clamping, and when properly installed make the “click” noise. Some of the areas you will find click clamps are on fuel hoses, vacuum pipes and suction nozzles.

Knipex Click Clamp Pliers – Model 85 51 250 C

Specially designed for click clamps, the Knipex click clamp pliers model 85-51-250-C open and close click clamps quickly and effectively. In addition, the Knipex hose clamp pliers won’t harm the clamps or hose, hence the clamps can be used again. Serrated gripping jaws allow the Knipex click clamp pliers to loosen any tight hoses, and the slim head helps it to fit into confined spaces. Finally, the rotatable tips enable the technician to grip click clamps in all positions.

Knipex Hose Clamp Pliers Wrap Up

Knipex clamp pliers are known for their quality, and it is no exception in this line of Knipex hose clamp pliers. All the Knipex pliers tested have dipped handles to make it easy to grip and easy to clean. The jaws open easy and are simple to adjust for those that do. The long handles provide sufficient clamping force without struggle.

The German made chrome vanadium electric steel, forged and oil-hardened ensure durability. Backed with a Knipex lifetime warranty, these clamp pliers are sure to be around for years to come. These Knipex pliers are not cheap, so you can expect to pay about $75 each. While this is pretty steep, there is a price to pay for quality and durability. Whether you need to remove and install click clamps, ear clamps or spring clamps, I would recommend the Knipex hose clamp pliers. You never know when you might need them, and there is nothing like having the right tool.

To learn more about the Knipex hose clamp pliers, please click here.