Replacing my heater control valve, and have a dumb question, which is how do I work these clamps? lol

 

I wouldn't use that type get some of these in stainless steel.

 

that clamp looks to be only of one size (non-adjustable). either use a factory part or more adjustable clamp (i.e. worm clamp as steve pointed out).

 

these are the oem clamps from sewell Lexus. guess I'll just hit advance auto for generics lol


Posted from ClubLexus.com App for Android

 

Put the clamp in place and use pliers to remove the metal clip.

 

the OEM spring style clamps are actually the best type as they more evenly distribute pressure around the entire hose. They are worked with a pair of pliers in my experience.

 

lol
worm gear clamps are less than ideal

the clamps you have are what you want to use, they are spring loaded and do not need adjustment overtime like the worm gear clamps will, they just have a retainer clip on them locking them in the max open position.

basically slip them over the hose, slip the hose of the fitting, position the clamp on the hose/fitting so that it sits in the correct place for easy access to the fingers for tools. once in this position, put your finger on the back side of the clamp while using a screwdriver or pair of pliers to pop off the clip holding the fingers open. the clamp will snap tight around the hose and you're done.

i really have to stress that you position the fingers(under the clip holding them open) on these types of clamps in a way that allows you easy access to them later. this will save you or the next person to work on the car major headaches, busted knuckles and the possibility having to cut the hose off to remove them if the correct tool still wont access them.
while these are GREAT clamps, people who don't know hoe to use them or use the wrong tools anthem always manage to destroy them and make them leak.
you need one of these in the future to remove these clamps properly....