Gabriel:

You will not find better hand tools than Knipex - their channel locks, hose clamp pliers and electrical gear are top notch.   The self-adjutsting channel locks and wrenches don’t slip and can easily be used one-handed.   

The only downside is they are pricy, but they last - I have a couple that are 20+ years old, see almost daily use and are still in great shape.

> On 19-Sep-2019, at 13:54, Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> David (or anyone that may have experience with this brand or another),
> 
> Does this look good to you?  (see link below)
> Or, is it overkill?
> 
> https://www.amazon.ca/Tools-9K-00-80-104/dp/B00SI7LV8C/ref=sr_1_3?crid=18CC9L9XUUVPI&keywords=knipex+hose+clamp+pliers&qid=1568911567&s=gateway&sprefix=knipex+hose+cl%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-3
> 
> In case the link doesn't work, it is a combo of Knipex 8551250A and 8701250.
> 
> Knipex Tools 9K 00 80 104 US 10" Cobra and Hose Clamp Pliers Set (2 Piece)
> by KNIPEX Tools
> <https://www.amazon.ca/KNIPEX-Tools/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_11949347011?ie=UTF8&node=11949347011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=KNIPEX+Tools>
> *5.0 out of 5 stars* * 1 rating
> <https://www.amazon.ca/Tools-9K-00-80-104/dp/B00SI7LV8C/ref=sr_1_3?crid=18CC9L9XUUVPI&keywords=knipex+hose+clamp+pliers&qid=1568911567&s=gateway&sprefix=knipex+hose+cl%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-3#customerReviews>
> *
> 
> 
> 
> * ------------------------------ Price:CDN$ 126.00 FREE One-Day 8 new
> <https://www.amazon.ca/gp/offer-listing/B00SI7LV8C/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new>
> from CDN$ 126.00
> - Adjustment at the touch of a button directly on the work piece - Hose
> Clamp Pliers feature rotatable, universal grip inserts for securely
> gripping the Clamps in all positions - Hose Clamp Pliers can be used for
> standard, space-saving, spring wire hose Clamps and for spring band Clamps
> up to 70 mm Nominal size - Cobra Pliers are self-locking on pipes and nuts:
> no slipping on the work piece and low hand force required - Chrome vanadium
> electric steel, forged, oil-hardened *
> 
> On Thu, Sep 12, 2019 at 11:30 PM Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> David,
>> Thanks for the valued response!
>> Cheers,
>> g
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 2:28 PM David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 1:12 PM Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Found a coolant leak in the hose that connects the T-stat to the
>>>> Distributor Tower.
>>>> 
>>>> https://www.gowesty.com/product/hoses/18816/coolant-hose-thermostat-housing-to-distribution-tower-?v=
>>>> 
>>>> Looks like it might be a bit tricky to make the connection to the
>>>> distributor tower.  Is that the case?  Any tips?
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> I don't recall there being any particular difficulty.  You'll need a set
>>> of hose clamp pliers intended for flat band spring clamps to work with the
>>> factory clamps.  Some people like the cable operated type, but I prefer the
>>> pliers type and have been able to reach everything I've needed to so far.
>>> 
>>> Some people also replace the factory clamps with the screw type.  This is
>>> a poor idea as the factory ones are self-compensating for rubber shrinkage
>>> etc.
>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> The leak is suspiciously close to where work was done to replace my oil
>>>> leak last month.  Did the leak happen because the hose is old and
>>>> couldn't
>>>> handle being bumped and pushed around?
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> Possibly but much more likely it was simply its time.
>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Am I going to hasten many other leaks by fixing this one?
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> The likeliest problem would be having the coolant tower break -- if it's
>>> an original it's well past the time of anticipated failure.
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Would rescue tape work for a few years and prevent me from causing new
>>>> problems in the immediate future?
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> It could, depending on where the leak is.  But it's difficult to apply
>>> properly without good access and a clean dry hose.  Beside the road, sure.
>>> At home, makes much more sense to replace the hose.
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> All I need at present is one hose ($14.95).  Should I change all of the
>>>> coolant system ($944, if I am not mistaken)?  If I don't change all of
>>>> the
>>>> system, what would be the smartest items to replace?
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> Depends how old they are.  If they're from '86, any or all, and any
>>> plastic cooling parts (distributor housing, nipple on right head to the
>>> bleed manifold that runs around the hatch, tower, bleed manifold unless
>>> it's metal) are past due for replacement.
>>> 
>>> Aside from shipping costs, the more you replace at one time, the fewer
>>> times you have to drain and refill the system.  Depends whether time/money
>>> or peace of mind are more important to you in the moment.
>>> 
>>> I had four coolant leaks in three months when I put my present '89 on the
>>> road.  I took the hint.
>>> 
>>> Yrs,
>>> d
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Weak in the knees,
>>>> Gabby
>>>> 1986 WBX Westy
>>>> 
>>>