The latest Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN Volume 41, Number 3, March 2010) has a short article on Oetiker ear clamps and installation tools. TM has covered the ClampTite tool before (TM 12/24/06), and its use for making hose clamps. The MCN article indicates that neither the ClampTite nor worm-drive hose clamps may be suitable for high-pressure fuel-injection hoses, and that the Oetiker ear clamps are a better choice in this situation.
As shown above, Oetiker makes ear clamps in several varieties. The installation tool pictured is Oetiker’s model 14100083 “pincer with side jaws for use where space is restricted.” This tool is apparently made for Oetiker by Knipex (the Knipex model is 1099 or 1099i), and is available online for around $21. The ear clamps, depending on type and material, are available for less than $1 in single quantities, and start around $25 in packages of 25 to 100. Kits with a variety of clamps are also available; some kits include an installation tool.
Have Toolmongers used Oetiker clamps and installation tools? What’s your opinion? Do you have preferred alternatives?
Oetiker Ear Clamps [Manufacturer's Site]
Oetiker 14100083 [Google Products]
Oetiker Ear Clamps [Google Products]