KNIPEX - 10 99 i220 Tools - Ear Clamp Pliers, Front and Side Jaws (1099i220), Red

My out-of-warranty Gaggia espresso machine has been leaking water during the brew process for months, while I worked with the seller to identify the problem. The most recent best guess was a weak seal in the water line from the pump to the boiler, sealed on either end by Oetiker ear clamps. Having already dismantled the machine twice to swap out gaskets (to no avail) I really wanted to avoid having to do that again. But the ear clamp proximal to the boiler seemed like it would require doing just that, as it had to be approached from the side, in very cramped quarters, to attempt to tighten it.Enter the Knipex ear clamp pliers, with its combination of front and side jaws. After removing the top of the Gaggia, I was able to tighten the problematic ear clamp in about 10 seconds, using the side jaws. Problem solved. Not only are there now no leaks, but also I presumably now have regained the amount of pressure the machine was designed to deliver. What a relief. It would have taken me an hour or two, with considerable frustration, with the standard ear clamp pliers.Relatively few ear clamp crimpers feature both end and side jaws, and so far as I could establish, there are none on Amazon that are a part of a combination set of pliers plus a clamp assortment. Knowing what I know now, about how very useful the side jaws option can be, I would recommend that anyone buying a pliers for a job needing only the end jaws should, even so, buy a combination pliers, in case some future task would be made easier if you had the side jaws option. It's a few dollars more, but is a great feature to have as insurance.The German made Knipex is very well-made and precise. Like some other reviewers on this site, I was initially confused by the disparity in the two jaws: the end jaws touch when completely closed, while the side jaws remain partly open, by a fraction of a mm, when completely closed. Nonetheless the side jaws worked perfectly, compressing the ear clamp completely without destroying it (while being operated by a complete novice!). Note that the statement on the web site that the handles are "plastic" is not exactly correct. The underlying handle is part of a uniform metallic whole - but the red covering of the handles, presumably there to give a better, more comfortable grip, is a smooth plastic.My sense is that the Knipex would last me a lifetime, even with daily use. The fact that I may never have to use it again does not lessen my conviction that this was money very well spent!

These are high quality, great ear clamp pliers. The side jaws allow you the reach areas inaccessible by standard ear clamp pliers.Like the inner clamp on a Fiat 500 axle boots.

Well madeLike the option of crimperOn side of tool helps in tight places

Was finally able to crimp a garden water hose today. Worked perfectly with no leaks under pressure.

Quality product

Works great!

Quality Tool worth the money

Using as part of the procedure on a CV joint boot clamp. I take the eared clamp to full tightness with another tool but use this Knipex tool to position the clamp and start the crimping process. Works fine. Grabs good.