In this case a large hose clamp from an ALH TDI engine.

This was a spring type hose clamp for the plastic intake pipe.

I didn't use hose clamp pliers since a regular pair was closer.

That sucker slipped out of the jaws of the pliers, flew about 6 feet
horizontal and bounced off the cover of my service cart, landing neatly in
the top drawer.

It happened in an instant, with considerable force.

While slightly amusing, I quickly realized how easily I could have been
blinded in one eye if it took a different path.

Scott had mentioned wearing safety glasses when working with these things
and I knew better, but just took a shortcut.  Got lucky.

Same thing with drill bits.  I had one lock in a metal plate and shatter.  A
piece flew right past my face and blew out the fluorescent bulb on the
ceiling.

That bit fragment could have easily hit me in the eye.

All you vanagon DIY'ers, please wear your safety glasses.