How to Use Ear Type Pliers
Ear-type pliers, also known as boot pliers or hose-clip pliers, are used to compress a holding ring around a hose on a fuel pipe or cooling system. This tool is also used to fix vacuum hoses. The pliers consist of two formed-steel arms covered with vinyl insulation, which are used to close the jaws of a steel clamp, bringing pressure to bear on the protruding "ears" of a circular hose clip.
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Instructions
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Slip the circular ear-type clip over the hose that needs to be secured. The "ear" is the protruding hump in the circle of the clip. Depending on the type of clip, there may be just one ear, or there may be two. When the ears on a clip are subjected to pressure from the pliers, they crimp or compress as the metal folds over on itself. This shortens the circumference of the rest of the clip, causing it to grip the hose tightly.
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Open the jaws of the ear-type pliers by moving the handles apart.
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Place the jaws around the hose clip.
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Move the handles of the pliers gently together, until they come into contact with the clip. Align the jaws of the pliers so they are directly in contact with the clip's ear, or ears.
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Squeeze the handles of the pliers firmly together, exerting strong pressure. The ears of the clip should crimp, or compress, causing it to grip the hose.
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Open the jaws of the pliers by moving the handles apart. Check that the ears of the clip have crimped and that it now grips the hose firmly. If the clip is at all loose, repeat the crimping procedure.
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Tips & Warnings
Hold the pliers at the handle-ends when you wish to exert maximum pressure. This will also ensure you do not trap your fingers between the handles when closing the pliers tightly.
Never put your fingers into the jaws of the pliers. These jaws can exert significant pressure and could badly damage your fingers.
