the one special tool I know about is a pliers like thing with a cable on it
..
specifically for releasing those clamps where they are hard to reach.

it works...
but not well enough to use instead of a good adjustable pliers where access
is easy.

Mostly I just get rid of those spring clamps.
their real purpose is to reduce time and costs during factory production.
They are cheaper to make than a proper screw clamp.
you'll notice some say, 84 TD jetta still use good german screw clamps ..
a few years later ..it's all those spring things.

I think they are a hazard, and basically suck.

I replace most with good german high quality german screw type clamps, with
curled up edges so they don't bite into the hose.
I think the common US style is not-that-great ..sharp edges, a bit wide,
etc.

Scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Lincoln" <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 9:51 AM
Subject: Stock "squeeze" hose clamps

> Alright - enough is enough for me! Is there a tool specially for those
> stock
> hose clamps - you know the type you squeeze together? If so what is it
> called and where do I get one?
>
> I've had enough of trying to remove/install those clamps with vice grips,
> etc.
>
> I thought I had seen a post about this quite a while ago but I'll be
> darned
> if I can find it.
>
> I was working on completeing the heater hose replacement on Gertie
> yesterday
> (finally) and those darn clamps are a pain - but I like that they do a
> good
> job so I try to reuse them whenever possible. Got everything buttoned up
> and
> discovered that the front heater valve leaks like a seive - crud. I
> bypassed
> it for now - was nice to have heat fromt he back heater ont he ride to
> work
> this morning.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> '85 GL (Gertie)
> '90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
> '86 (We call this one Scrap)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus