cool,
send me a link showing a true spring clamp pliers please.

I'll check with my FLAPS next time ..
or a snap-on tool truck, etc.

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Beierl" <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:38 PM
Subject: Re: Sealant necessary for coolant hoses?

> At 12:15 AM 2/24/2011, Scott Daniel  - Turbovans wrote:
>>I just don't like things near my face or hands that can jump or
>>spring at me or instantly out of control.
>
> Ok, leaving aside your other points which I'll think about more
> slowly - if you actually use the *proper* tool, i.e. a spring clamp
> pliers designed specifically for band-type clamps, they will never
> jump out of the tool.  Using *anything* else, including spring clamp
> pliers designed for the round wire type clamps, is asking to get hurt.
>
> The proper tool (as well as specifying that it's for band-type spring
> clamps) has a deep groove on one (rotating) jaw and a flat cup on the
> other one; and of course a ratchet.  The combination gives total
> control of the clamp under all circumstances.  And unlike the
> wire-type, it's totally non-fiddly to secure on the clamp.  I was
> reminded of this tonight as I reinstalled a dishwasher and had to
> deal with a wire spring clamp on the drain hose with fairly poor
> access.  What a stinking nuisance to get everything lined up just so
> and then not let the first end slip out while I captured the other end.
> Faugh!
>
> I would not only not work on either type of spring clamp with the
> wrong tool, I wouldn't stay within thirty feet of someone who was.
>
> Yours,
> David