Removing an Oeteker (stepless) clamps

[whutever]

Does anyone have any tips/tricks to removing these? I've found I can eventually get them off with a hacksaw but it takes forever.

I did search the forum but couldn't seem to find anything on it.

Thanks in advance!

[imnlfn]

I was surprised not to find anything on the forum, too.

It took me a while, but I finally figured out how to get them off fairly easily. My moment of inspiration was when I began figuring out if there was anything thin enough to go under the "flap" and bend it up that wouldn't break or bend in the process.

Finally, I realized what might work: a chisel! I found a relatively small and sharp chisel, worked it under the flap, and in less than a minute each, I had the clamps off.

I seem to remember someone suggesting a Dremel tool, too, but if you give a chisel a try, you might have as much luck as I did.

Good luck!

[whutever]

Finally, I realized what might work: a chisel!

Imnlfn, that's awesome. Found a chisel and set to work. 10 seconds in to it I realized it was too big. (Think, man think) Just as it must glow when one views the Holy Grail, I saw the same thing whilst staring at my tool chest trying to think of something I could use. There tucked away in the screwdriver drawer was an itsy bitsy flathead that would probably look more appropriate in an eyeglass case than my toolbox. 30/45 seconds later it was off!

Your ingenuity rocks - thanks!

[imnlfn]

They're remarkably easy to undo once you get the flap pried up a little, aren't they?

Anyway, you're quite welcome.

[psychodad]

I've always ripped them off with pliers. Get the edge of the pliers under the end, rock them back and off it comes.

[THE ICEMAN]

If you don't have an oetiker tool (and not many people do) to take the clamp off, you can use a pair of diagonal cutters to cut through the crimped portion of the clamp. After that you can just peel the clamp off.

OETIKER TOOL

THE ICEMAN

[edramshaw]

Ahhhhh, the holy grail of Oeteker clamp removal.....

[whutever]

Ok, the flap on a second clamp just would not bend. Not wanting to risk damaging anything a quick trip to the hardware store and I was back home with something called an "Abrasive Wheel Mandrel Set" and a 1/32" cut-off wheel. This removed the crimped portion of the clamp in no time.

[DCullender]

Here is the easiest way I've found in over 12 years installing beer systems.

Using the crimping tool you used to crimp the step, simply cut the crimped portion on the side with the flap. After the crimp is cut, the clamp pulls off.

3 - 4 seconds tops.

I use a "horse shoe nail" puller from Home Depot or Lowes. $10 bucks, it's great!

Dennis Cullender
The Draft Doctor
Richmond, VA

[McGuireV10]

Installation/Removal Instructions OETIKER International

[few2many]

Here is the easiest way I've found in over 12 years installing beer systems.

Using the crimping tool you used to crimp the step, simply cut the crimped portion on the side with the flap. After the crimp is cut, the clamp pulls off.

3 - 4 seconds tops.

I use a "horse shoe nail" puller from Home Depot or Lowes. $10 bucks, it's great!

Dennis Cullender
The Draft Doctor
Richmond, VA

Dead on, thats how I've been doing it for 11 years. In the same motion, use the oetiker jaw to cut the side of the plastic tube on the barb and with a twist and swing motion(not pull) the tube comes right off. % seconds tops, unless the bow kicks sideways instead of cuts.