I reuse them when they're still in good shape.
  I push a small standard screwdriver or pick into the raised crimp area.
Then, wiggle and bend it side-to-side to open the crimped part and release
the tension.  Then you can remove the hose.
  To reuse it, I re-crimp it with end cutters (or side cutters, if you don't
have those).  It works like a charm!

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Daniel - Shazam" <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 1:02 AM
Subject: Re: best way to remove original hose clamps?

I don't think the poster is talking about 'springy' type coolant hose
clamps,
But the smaller crimp type ones on fuel hose.

What I do is get a good size cutting dikes. And grab them on the part that
sticks up, the crimped part, and  squeeze, then twist hard and that just
snaps them, then I pull the now broken clamp off the hose.  No damage to the
hose or anything.
And replace them with good quality screw type # 4 size American style small
hose clamps, or
There are German  small ones that are even nicer with nicely  turned up
edges that won't cut into the hose.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike Collum
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:19 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: best way to remove original hose clamps?

Hose clamp pliers.

I got mine from Sears and they're cable operated so the "working" part
can get into hard to reach places.

Mike

Wesley Pegden wrote:
> I'm planning on (finally) doing my engine compartment fuel lines tomorrow.
>
> Before I do this, I was wondering what the "correct" way is to remove
> the little factory original hose clamps (the ones that don't have
> screws)?  In the past I've always just worked these with pliers until I
> can bend them off---what's the best way to remove them to avoid damage
> to anything like a nipple the hose is over?
>
> Thanks very much,
> Wes
> '83 1.9l westy
>