May_2022 - 36

Mueller-Kueps
Hose Clamp Compressor,
No. 500 007
Reviewed by Lou Fort, lead technician
at K.A.R.S. Inc. in
Huntingburg, Ind.
Q: How did the tool function
as far as saving you time?
A: Time savings is dependent on how the
tool is used, what it's used on, and the
number of cable changes needed in the job.
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: One has to attach the cable to the main
body. You may also need to swap the cable
clamp ends depending on orientation of
the clamp being removed.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: There were times it was easy to use and
other times it was quite frustrating due to
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Mueller-Kueps Hose Clamp
Compressor, No. 500 007, is
designed to reduce the difficulty
faced by technicians when removing
or installing hose and spring clamps
which often provides a challenge in
hard-to-reach areas. The set comes
with a mechanical handle and a universal
hose clamp cable. The patentpending
tool is quick and easy to use,
offering the technician a safe solution
for removing and installing hose and
spring clamps. Other cables with different
clamping jaws are available for
purchase.
109
clamp orientation. I did find that taking the
time to swap the ends helped to get poorly
oriented clamps on.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The overall design is nice and the ability
to use different clamping cables. Changing
between one cable to another is unique but
is easy enough to do. I am also a fan of how
the tension release works and liked being
able to use the tool with either hand equally.
Q: What features didn't you like?
A: Mainly the handle that has to be
squeezed to tension the clamping cable.
It's narrow enough that it hurts my arthritic
hands at times. I also had difficulty trying
to find the 500 009 (green) cable to check
out. I didn't end up purchasing one due to
shipping being equal to half the cost of the
cable itself.
Q:. What types of jobs did
you use this tool for?
A: I first used it on a 99 Chevy K3500
6.6L turbo replacement. Next up was a
2014 F150 5.0L engine swap. And then a
2011 Focus radiator R&R and several F150
5.4L timing component replacements. It
has also seen a little action on both an Audi
and Mercedes.
Q: Have you used a previous version
of this tool? If so, what are some new
features compared to the old version?
A: Yes, I have just about every type of clamp
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
36 PTEN MAY 2022 www.VehicleServicePros.com
removal tool made. Most of them have a pliers-type
handle and not a barrel style like the
Mueller-Kueps. The Mueller-Kueps is the
first I have seen that has different clamping
jaws available. The manner of swapping and
replacing the cable on the 500 007 is unique.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to the tool?
A: I would widen/cover the tensioning handle.
Also, make it easier to reverse the jaws.
Q: Is there anything you had questions
or concerns about in regard to the tool?
A: Not really, I did find the names of
the three different cables
interesting.
I had never heard of a " French " or
" Flachschellen " (flat) clamp.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: For the design, I would give the Hose
Clamp Compressor a nine. For the usage, a
seven as the tensioning handle needs work.
For three different types of cables, a solid
10. Overall, all that comes up to a respectable
8.6 score.
LOU FORT has worked in the
automotive industry for 47 years
and is the lead technician at
K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg,
Indiana. Throughout his career,
he has worked for Ford, GM, and
Chrysler dealerships, but the majority of his time
has been spent on the independent side. Fort
holds an associate's degree in applied science,
along with a year spent studying Mechanical
Engineering.
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
May_2022

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