CV Boot Clamp Question

[Hawkeye's-911T]

I was wondering if any of you gents have used a set of "modified-to-suit" end cutters or something similar to set or tighten the boot clamps. It seems to me to be a bit of a waste to spend $80+(US) dollars for basically a 'one-time' use tool added to the fact I am spending our 73 cent 'Canuck Buck' coupled with an unreasonable crap-load of attendant "gubmint" charges and taxes to have it shipped here.


This is one the new boots with an 'Oetiker' clamping ring.



Here's a photo of the old style clamping ring which I feel may lend itself to my "Macgyver" approach. They are in pretty decent condition & appear to be re-useable. I'm sure it has been mentioned somewhere - but after spending a ton of time going over numerous posts on the subject - I gave up looking.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks & Cheers
JB

[EC900]

When a zip tie won’t do…There’s this generic brand on Amazon if available on the .CA site…

[winders]

This tool:

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Ear-Type-Crimping-Mercedes-Vehicles/dp/B00K0TOYJE/ref=sr_1_50?keywords=oetiker+clamp+tool&qid=1678154708&sprefix=oet%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-50

$14.99

[fanaudical]

I have tried side-cutters in the distant past and they just don't get the clamp tight enough. I bought an inexpensive pair of clamp pliers at a parts store and they work perfectly. Those shown on Amazon would do the trick.

Another thought: Maybe your local FLAPS loans tools and has a set...

[OldSpool87]

Originally Posted by winders

This tool:

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Ear-Type-Crimping-Mercedes-Vehicles/dp/B00K0TOYJE/ref=sr_1_50?keywords=oetiker+clamp+tool&qid=1678154708&sprefix=oet%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-50

$14.99

I used this tool successfully when I replaced CVs on my SC. It works.

[Marc Bixen]

Or, you can waste your money on this! Why do people over-engineer?

https://www.***************/pn/HZ-1847

[Walt Fricke]

I've had some success with a tile nipper I happened to have, though it was inexpensive when I bought it for its intended purpose. The cutting edges of the jaws are parallel, unlike a dyke or other side cutter.

[proporsche]

very basic and work very well are this horseshoe pliers...the Italien USAG i bought back in 1985,and the West Germany i have found in the farm field in France..
Ivan

[dannobee]

Use the right tool for the job; the one that Winders posted for Oetiker Keystone clamps. They work great and are cheap.

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by dannobee

Use the right tool for the job; the one that Winders posted for Oetiker Keystone clamps. They work great and are cheap.

have you noticed that the ends look identical as the horseshoe pliers?;-)

ivan

[Walt Fricke]

And tile nippers. However, the bespoke tools have blunter ends, don't they? In the grand scheme of things, the cost of that Amazon tool is chump change.

Given that some of us have had zero issues using common zip ties for this application, I think you can hardly go wrong with what you fasten these boots with.

I believe the virtue of Oetiker type clamps is that they exert a sort of spring force on what is clamped. Over time, clamped tubes of elastic material (like thickish rubber for oil or water cooling) benefit from this type of clamp. With a screw hose clamp (or a zip tie), as the tube extrudes some under the local pressure (i.e., thins out) of the clamp, the force holding it in place is decreased. With an Oetiker, that force remains constant (or decreases less). Clamps on the large elastic tubes used on turbos incorporate a compression spring which is compressed by the bolt which squeezes things together, maintaining a constant pressure despite material squishing out.

This application doesn't seem so critical, especially if you take the time to insert a tube into where the boot and the axle join, so you don't have air pressure trying to push the boot off.

[Hawkeye's-911T]

Thanks Guys for your responses. After seeing Walt's remark re tile nipper, I dug out an old set I used for a bathroom reno from about 15 years ago. They look to be the answer as they worked perfectly on a test try with an old style clamping ring. The jaws are of a size just about the right width to be an effective tool for use on the new style.

Thanks again fellas
Cheers
JB

[winders]

You want a tool that keeps a flat on top of the area that is squeezed. That shape helps maintain the clamping affect.

[proporsche]

if i do not have the original booth clamp i use these, it is stainless steel tie wrap with special pliers to use on them..

[dannobee]

Originally Posted by proporsche

have you noticed that the ends look identical as the horseshoe pliers?;-)

ivan

Absolutely not. The correct tool keeps the center part square to the clamp. Once you've used the real tool, you'd never use anything else.


Here's a "seasoned" pair for $10.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144730120983

[proporsche]

Originally Posted by dannobee

Absolutely not. The correct tool keeps the center part square to the clamp. Once you've used the real tool, you'd never use anything else.


Here's a "seasoned" pair for $10.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144730120983

well..i have been using my tools for over 39 years(back those day was not Amazon) never ever i had problem .....trick of the trade, you call it;-)

Ivan

[proporsche]

besides the tool being used.The cv joint should be serviced ,let`s say on major service.
I have made myself this tool.
Ivan