I just changed the air filter on my MCS from the OEM paper to a foam one. I spent the bulk of the time trying to get the hose clamp back on. I finally ended up using a wire stripping tool and was able to squeeze it back together (don't ask, pliers were too big and kept slipping off, the wire stipper had small flat pincers with a sharp edge that gripped the clamp latches well enough). I doubt though that the clamp will survive another round of this abuse when it comes time to clean the filter. Is there some special tool that is available to relock the clamp without damaging it?

Thanks for your help!

 

you reclamp it with pliers


ive found vicegrips are easier to use
just grab it right on the catch and on the hook part and squeeze, the hook will pull itself over the catch and lock in.....i'll put up pics if you want me to...

 

I tried some vise grips, too but they wouldn't grip and kept sliding off. A picture or two would certainly help - if you get a chance - or just a description of the size and type of vise grips you used (were they needle-nosed?)


Thanks for your help!

 

yep, i'll post a few pics tomarrow evening, i gotta sleep now hehe

 

Watched Randy Webb at a Pulley Party, and he used a tiny pair of channel-locks - made it look effortless. He recommended that tool highly!They were maybe three or four inches long. I haven't even tried yet!

 

Try oiling the underside of the clamp all the way 'round. Makes a world of difference!

 

I used a small needle nose pliers, had no problem.

- John

 

You spilled Randy's secret!! After I saw what he used he swore me to silence.
I think they used to be called "Ignition Pliers" back in the days of Distributors, Points and such.
I picked up a pair and they do the trick!
Jim

 

Ok, I'll edit my post to keep the secret - but since you copied it already consider the blood to be on your hands!

 

I'm sooo ashamed.
I bet BMW/MINI has a "Special Tool" that sells for $$$$$$$$
Jim

 

Where did you get this magical implement?

 

I work at a Nissan Dealer, so we get all the tool salesmen coming buy with trucks full of goodies. I think it was Mac Tools, but I've seen them in some hardware stores.
Here they are: http://www.tools-plus.com/cha424.html
Jim

 

Randy Webb showed me how to use a small channelock pliers that locks on good enough not to slip. I went thru the same hell trying to clamp mine on. J

 

To revive and old thread...
Randy swears they have these at Home Depot, but I've yet to find them there, or Sears, or OSH...:impatient

Did my first hose clamp today (hey, the MINI is low maintenance!) and the large channel locks worked, but the small ones would be easier.

If I was a louse I'd steal Randy's at the pulley party, but I guess I'll have to keep looking.

 

I found that if you keep a small screwdriver under the locking part of the clamp while clamping, it makes it a lot easier to use large pliers.

 

You can find channel locks anywhere that sells plumbing tools.. because that's what plumbers use I used a vise-grip plier, I always have one in the garage