Are there tools or methods for preserving stuck heater hose?

One of the biggest pains in the ass I run into on cars is stuck heater hose. But I'm too cheap to cut it up. So how do you guys do this?

My current tactic is to give it a little wiggle with some pliers. Maybe give it a light pry around the lip to get it started.

This usually works except for those really tight spaces....

Tight spaces, like the lower heater core hose on my 91 cabriolet. It seems like they decided to put the only mild steel male/male coupler in the hardest place to reach. Thanks VW engineering guys!

there are these 'radiator hose tools' available that might help. just shove it in and work it carefully around the stuck end to break it free, and if you can get it against the end of the nipple you can work it against that too. just dont poke a hole...

also a vw helper is this spring-clamp plier for getting those awful located clamps on and off

Wilber, I've never seen the spring clamp plier before today, but I have to tell you that I had imagined a tool identical to that today when I was working on the cabriolet!

I might just order this bad boy to have in the toolbox for a later date with a stuck heater hose...

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-radiator-hose-pick-96572.html

In reply to Taiden:

Also very handy for dealing with exhaust hanger donuts...

also penetrating oil using the hose into a lil part of hose pulled up makes it easy.

Taiden wrote: I might just order this bad boy to have in the toolbox for a later date with a stuck heater hose... http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-radiator-hose-pick-96572.html

That's also the go-to tool for releasing the "bitch-clip" on an E30 shifter.

For stubborn heater hoses, I have these:

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-2661-k-d-tools-82107.aspx

I use a cotter pin tool.... not as sharp as a pick, yet just as useful for slip between hose and fitting

Ian F wrote:

Taiden wrote: I might just order this bad boy to have in the toolbox for a later date with a stuck heater hose... http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-radiator-hose-pick-96572.html

That's also the go-to tool for releasing the "bitch-clip" on an E30 shifter. For stubborn heater hoses, I have these: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-2661-k-d-tools-82107.aspx

Damnit, this post needs to go back in time and tell me about itself. I have done the e30 shifter at least 12 times........using only anger, hatred and pleading.

oldeskewltoy wrote: I use a cotter pin tool.... not as sharp as a pick, yet just as useful for slip between hose and fitting

this work wonders for putting scars on your hands as well

Why reuse old heater hose? And yes, you can't really work on a vw without those pliers. I dont like those clamps anyway though because they wear out and leak if you take them off too many times.

I agree Travis. I have found that if you have to pull the hose, and it is stuck, it is probably time to replace it

Screwdriver. Don't laugh- it almost always works.

Just pry the end a little against the base of the barbed fitting. Once it's slightly loosened, a quick twist usually finishes it off.

I have VERY few specialty tools. There is almost always a substitute.