Knipex 1099: Oetiker Crimp Tool ~$20

[Niemand]

Following up from another thread to avoid hijacking.

Knipex 1099

This is the Knipex version of the Oetiker tool for the crimped fuel and air line clamps everyone always makes a fuss about.  For those unfamiliar with the brand, if it looks/acts like pliers of some sort, then Knipex probably makes one of the better quality options out there.  Usually one pays for that quality, but this seems to be an exception, as they are fairly inexpensive.  I saw these online routinely for about $20 shipped prior to purchasing mine a few years ago.  It crimps the Oetiker clamps very well from the front or side, allowing one to use it in different orientations if needed.  Obviously not everyone wants to retain the Oetiker setup on their bikes, but for those who do this is a solid crimp tool to take care of them.

[johnny]

looks like a euro circumcision tool to me...

j o

[mystic red]

looks like a euro circumcision tool to me...

j o

Donkey castrate tool...

[Niemand]

Donkey castrate tool...

You just gave me a flashback to my teens...   While visiting the states and helping a family member on a farm I was completely mesmerized by a tool with 5 or 6 pegs the would expand and contract rhythmically when the handles were squeezed together.  After playing with the hypnotic device for a few minutes I asked what it was.  I quietly put it down after learning the pegs held strong rubber bands which were stretched over the scrotums of bulls, thus castrating them over time due to blood loss.  Fun stuff.

[argent brick]

So, is this a tool that I really need or is there a way around this? I will buy it if need be, but cash is a little tight now days. How many areas on a K bike use the clamps that need this tool?

[Niemand]

The tool is not needed at all actually, as most owners seem to ditch the Oetiker clamps in favor of the screw-on ones.  Just make sure you have proper ones for pressurized fuel lines, as they absolutely must have uniform clamping to avoid leak causing hot spots.

The places I can think of having them are fuel lines (in and outside tank), air box to throttle bodies have large (41mm?) ones, and the line connecting to the coolant reservoir.  There might be others tucked away elsewhere, but those are the ones I always hear folks griping about changing.

I like the Oetiker stuff personally.  They work well for the intended purpose.  Also, I was originally introduced to them running pressurized lines for beer taps.  So there's...sentimental value. 

[TimTyler]

The tool is not needed at all actually, as most owners seem to ditch the Oetiker clamps in favor of the screw-on ones. 

I had to buy the Oetiker tool just to get the old clamps off.

[WayneDW]

The tool is not needed at all actually, as most owners seem to ditch the Oetiker clamps in favor of the screw-on ones. 

I had to buy the Oetiker tool just to get the old clamps off.

I was able to cut the old clamps off with a small side cutter tool.