One trick that I've had success with is using a heavy duty clear plastic bag to catch the coolant when I open a connection. You can get the opening of the bag really close to the connection and usually not spill a drop. And you can usually get it closer to the source than a bucket. Also, if the coolant is fresh enough to want to re-use, the plastic bag will keep it contaminate free and makes it easy to pour back in. I use open-topped bags that hold 1 to 2 gallons and then zip-tie them closed while I work on the coolant system.
I also have an inline drain in one of my heater hoses and I'm always surprised by how much coolant remains in the system.
Mike M

Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 15, 2015, at 11:06, Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I use the craftsman variety which I like very much. But you cannot clamp
> off a steel pipe or an opening in the engine. If you think you have drained
> a water boxer especially, and you work under it, you are at some point
> going to get wet.
> 
> Jim
> 
>> On Tue, Sep 15, 2015 at 1:03 PM Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> These clamps:
>> http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-fluid-line-clamp-set-65116.html
>> should help control flow and are super useful to carry for emergency fluid
>> leaks.
>> 
>> 
>> Neil.
>> 
>> 
>> On Tue, Sep 15, 2015 at 10:34 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
>> .....
>> 
>> knowing that you're going to need a shower and a
>>> change of clothes by the time you are done
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Neil n
>> 
>> Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
>> 
>> 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
>> 
>> 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
>> 
>> Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
>>