Hose clamps -- also called hose clips -- are used to attach and seal hoses to various equipment, serving automotive, home repair and plumbing purposes. In addition to their various uses, hose clamps come in different varieties :
- Wire hose clamps: To deal with them, you need a special tool called wire hose clamp pliers that has a slit inside each of its jaws for gripping the ends of the clamps. Instead of buying one, either find something to pinch the wire ends together so that you can slip them off the hose, or bust them loose any way you can use a saw, if necessary; you're going to throw them out anyway.
- Screw-type clamps: These clamps don't loosen easily, so they're often found on radiator hoses. and the like to keep them in place. Unscrew the screw and remove it. Then slip your screwdriver under the clamp and loosen it. To avoid the hassle of reinserting the screw, replace with gear- type clamps.
- Gear-type clamps: Just use a screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen the clamp, slip the clamp over the hose, slip the end of the new hose in place, and turn the screw clockwise' to tighten the clamp
