Source For Thin Utility Pliers?

[npalen]

Would anyone know of a source for thin jaw utility pliers as shown in photo PLIERS-1 below? I run into a problem when trying to tighten garden hose connections occasionally where a thin nose pliers would help out. I once had a pair of ceetee (crescent brand) narrow jaw pliers that disappeared some years back.

The male connector part of the plastic hose end repair parts tends to slip inside the clamp and needs to be held with a pliers, but there is not enough room as shown in the other pics. (I know that pliers are not supposed to be required to tighten garden hose fittings)

The picture of the narrow jaw pliers, just as a curiosity, was found on a website talking about tool kits for WWII jeeps. They appear to be a stamped and formed product. The pair I had were forged if I remember correctly.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Roadworthy]

Crescent and Proto both seem to have thin nose slip joint pliers. You may have to go through Grainger or someplace like that to get them. or order online from eBay. They do go for about $15 per pair.

 

[Diggin It]

Replace the washer in the female, use some lubricant (even just dish soap) and hold the green thing in the other hand. Hose fittings should not need tools to be tight enough to not leak.

 

[jaydee325]

McMaster-Carr has them.

 

[npalen]

True that but I can't even get the connection finger tight enough without the plastic piece slipping inside the clamp. The plastic threads don't help much either as they are not very precise. Just need to be able to get a hold of the plastic as mentioned in my first post.
Thanks for the Crescent and Proto and Ebay suggestions. I'll check that out.

Edit: Found these "right off the bat".
PROTO PROFESSIONAL 6-1/2" LONG, THIN JAW, SLIP-JOINT PLIERS, ( 22 ) MADE USA | eBay

 

[Diggin It]

Then rework the clamp. Those are normally so tight I have to cut the hose to get the insert out. Cut the hose back an inch or two and start with fresh hose. Maybe add some sealant to it while you have it apart.

 

[PILOON]

Oh, heck, simply purchase a cheap pair and take them to your grinder to grind down to your desired thickness.

 

[npalen]

Have any of you guys or gals gone to a quick coupler system for your garden hoses and accessories? I've tried them a time or two in the past but never too happy with them. Maybe there are better systems available nowadays?

 

[/pine]

one possible source for lightweight slip joint pliers (like channel locks) is bicycle tool kits...

 

[WranglerX]

True that but I can't even get the connection finger tight enough without the plastic piece slipping inside the clamp. The plastic threads don't help much either as they are not very precise. Just need to be able to get a hold of the plastic as mentioned in my first post.
Thanks for the Crescent and Proto and Ebay suggestions. I'll check that out.

Edit: Found these "right off the bat".
PROTO PROFESSIONAL 6-1/2" LONG, THIN JAW, SLIP-JOINT PLIERS, ( 22 ) MADE USA | eBay

Use the fitting that are metal in future...

Dale

 

[npalen]

Use the fitting that are metal in future...

Dale

Is there a metal hose end repair available that doesn't use a hose clamp? Screw type hose clamps are the pits.

 

[kthompson]

Is there a metal hose end repair available that doesn't use a hose clamp? Screw type hose clamps are the pits.

I agree the screw type clamp is not a great setup but they work. Don't know much about PEX joints, but I found some brass male ends that you should be able to use the PEX clamps on. That would be a very near hose end.

 

[npalen]

Yes, a pex or sharkbite type end would make sense.

 

[rScotty]

Would anyone know of a source for thin jaw utility pliers as shown in photo PLIERS-1 below? I run into a problem when trying to tighten garden hose connections occasionally where a thin nose pliers would help out. I once had a pair of ceetee (crescent brand) narrow jaw pliers that disappeared some years back.

Yes, I know that problem. I have it every time I do some garden hose work, too. Luckily, there's a pair of old thin jaw mechanic's pliers in my toolbox - probably from my father, and probably WWII vintage.

They still make a mechanic's pliers with thin jaws. It looks just like a regular mechanic's pliers but has a thinned head. Go to McMaster.Com and enter "Tight-Clearance Slip-Joint Pliers" Cost less than $20.

My old pipe pliers by channel lock also has a jaw that is thin enough to work on that garden hose joint. In fact, that's the pair I usually pick up for garden hose work, but my wife prefers the thin jaw mechanic's pliers.
rScotty

 

[Diggin It]

Have any of you guys or gals gone to a quick coupler system for your garden hoses and accessories? I've tried them a time or two in the past but never too happy with them. Maybe there are better systems available nowadays?

I've used both the brass and plastic ones. They're OK. You can crank them on the hose ends to eliminate leaks, but I've had them leak at the QC. At least with the brass ones, you can replace the internal washer which is a special type and not as easy to find.

 

[denchen]

Years ago, whilst working in a factory, I made a pair out of flat steel plate. Some of the lads see them and I finished up making about eight. I`ve still got them in my tool box. Don`t tell the boss. I made them in the firms time.

 

[Xfaxman]

This is what I use, needle nose vise grips:

 

[Gem99ultra]

This is what I use, needle nose vise grips:

View attachment 648890

Thee and me. Handy 'go-to' pliers!

 

[Ford850]

I've had this same problem with garden hoses, and after fighting with the worn out fittings (slipping and spinning) for years I finally cut them off and replaced them. I was stupid for not doing that much sooner. Now I keep a few replacements on hand, and the first sign of problems I replace them. I mainly use the plastic type, but last year I used some heavy duty brass and aluminum styles on a couple hoses. The metal styles look nice, but they cost so much more than the plastic I don't know if they are worth it. I also replace the hose washers regularly, so between the newer connectors and the fresh washers, finger tight is all that's needed for drip free seals.

 

[rScotty]

I've had this same problem with garden hoses, and after fighting with the worn out fittings (slipping and spinning) for years I finally cut them off and replaced them. I was stupid for not doing that much sooner. Now I keep a few replacements on hand, and the first sign of problems I replace them. I mainly use the plastic type, but last year I used some heavy duty brass and aluminum styles on a couple hoses. The metal styles look nice, but they cost so much more than the plastic I don't know if they are worth it. I also replace the hose washers regularly, so between the newer connectors and the fresh washers, finger tight is all that's needed for drip free seals.

I've also learned to replace the fittings rather than fight with them. Yes, replacing hose washers frequently is one of those tricks you learn after awhile. It beats me why someone doesn't make a better quality rubber hose washer - more elastic and longer lasting.

Someday I'm going to outfit one of our hose lines with quick connectors and set up a test to see just how much pressure and flow it costs to use that type of connector.
rScotty