I think he's talking about this kind of
clamp:
http://www.engineeredsource.com/retaining_rings_and_rotor_clamp.html
and there's the pliers to work them.  I got a cheap plier like that
from ebay and it's OK.  It's "lock pinched" mode is not very good
though.  I also borrowed one of these
once:
http://toolmonger.com/2007/08/28/s-k%E2%80%99s-cable-operated-ratcheting-hose-clamp-pliers/
and it was convenient to get to the clamps in weird places but had
the same problem of not being able to lock in the "most squeezed"
position.  I like that type of clamp and always try, with any hose
clamp, to consider future access angles of attack.

Edward

At 07:58 PM 6/8/2012, Mike S wrote:
>On 6/8/2012 7:35 PM, JRodgers wrote:
>>I'm sure there is a tool to remove and reinstall VW factory hose clamps
>>but what is it? And where could I get one? I want to remove the hose
>>clamps on the rear heater hoses and would like to reuse them - among
>>others on my vans. Hate to destroy them. Anyone dealt with this before?
>
>I have an AC, but from your question will guess that they used Oetiker
>clamps (which they use a lot of on current vehicles). They're not made
>to be reused, but you sometimes can. Normally, you just use some pliers
>to twist them, breaking the overlap, to get them off. If you want to
>try, you can use an awl or small screwdriver to try and spread the
>pinch. Search for "oetiker pliers" for the tool to crimp them on. ~$25.
>The Knipex ones are the best.