Looking for a tool for real cars. Looks like a giant ice pick.

[LDO]

The mechanic where I work has one. It’s about 18” long (my guess). He says he uses it for removing radiator hoses. Neither of us knows what it is called. He just bought it off a tool truck. I need it for removing debris from garbage disposals (I’m in the service department of a construction plumbing company).  I can only find a tiny set of hooks and picks, or larger tools that are not a plain pick. Can anyone here tell me what I need to look for? 

Thanks. Lee

[espo]

I picked up a couple of junior sized tools like this with different sizes of hooks on the end. I got them at Harbor Freight. Endless number of uses around the house also. Inexpensive and I think everyone who does their own minor repairs at home or on your car should have a set.  

[Mark]

Ask the tool truck guy.  I'm sure he wouldn't mind selling another one!

[iamsuperdan]

I think they're just known as Radiator Hose Removal Tool.

I've also heard them called a Radiator Hose Pick.

 

There are a few different styles, depending on what shape you want the end.

 

[LDO]

44 minutes ago, espo said:

I picked up a couple of junior sized tools like this with different sizes of hooks on the end. I got them at Harbor Freight. Endless number of uses around the house also. Inexpensive and I think everyone who does their own minor repairs at home or on your car should have a set.  

I have the junior size. They are useful for removing debris from shower heads and taking apart aerators. I need the king size one for reaching way down into a disposal to pop out the stupid knockout plug. The appliance guys bust out that plug during construction and then leave it in the disposal. It gets stuck and then makes a horrible racket. The plumbers always get sent out for it. We charge the appliance company for that, but still, a tool that makes it easier would be great. I have WAY more tools than any of my coworkers. It gets me extra work. The boss knows he can send me to calls without having to go back to the shop to sign for a specialty tool. 

[LDO]

45 minutes ago, Mark said:

Ask the tool truck guy.  I'm sure he wouldn't mind selling another one!

Good idea, but they get to the shop 2 hours after I leave. Now that you mention it, I have pulled up to a tool truck at a gas station to buy a tool. I can try that again. It’s been ages. No reason I can’t do that again. 

[espo]

1 minute ago, LDO said:

I have the junior size. They are useful for removing debris from shower heads and taking apart aerators. I need the king size one for reaching way down into a disposal to pop out the stupid knockout plug. The appliance guys bust out that plug during construction and then leave it in the disposal. It gets stuck and then makes a horrible racket. The plumbers always get sent out for it. We charge the appliance company for that, but still, a tool that makes it easier would be great. I have WAY more tools than any of my coworkers. It gets me extra work. The boss knows he can send me to calls without having to go back to the shop to sign for a specialty tool. 

Another tool I have had for years has a long, maybe a foot, flexible cable with a wire inside. The handle is gripped  by your first two fingers and your thumb moves the cable which has a little gripper fingers on the end. I got it to get dropped nuts and bolts when working on a car, but it should be perfect for fishing out anything in the disposal. 

[Rob Hall]

 

7 minutes ago, espo said:

Another tool I have had for years has a long, maybe a foot, flexible cable with a wire inside. The handle is gripped  by your first two fingers and your thumb moves the cable which has a little gripper fingers on the end. I got it to get dropped nuts and bolts when working on a car, but it should be perfect for fishing out anything in the disposal. 

Yes, a graboid tool.   Bought one a couple years ago from Amazon, found all sorts of uses around the house and yard for it...the one I have is about 2 feet long. 

Edited December 3, 2020 by Rob Hall

[Oldcarfan27]

11 minutes ago, LDO said:

Good idea, but they get to the shop 2 hours after I leave. Now that you mention it, I have pulled up to a tool truck at a gas station to buy a tool. I can try that again. It’s been ages. No reason I can’t do that again. 

How about Harbor Fright?

[LDO]

58 minutes ago, espo said:

Another tool I have had for years has a long, maybe a foot, flexible cable with a wire inside. The handle is gripped  by your first two fingers and your thumb moves the cable which has a little gripper fingers on the end. I got it to get dropped nuts and bolts when working on a car, but it should be perfect for fishing out anything in the disposal. 

I have one. The knockout plug is a flat plastic disc that gets wedged into the wall of the disposal. It needs to be pried out with a little force. The wire-fingered grabber can’t get it out. 

Edited December 3, 2020 by LDO

[LDO]

48 minutes ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

How about Harbor Fright?

I’m hoping to find a tool that is made in the US or Europe. 

[Doug 1061]

Is this what you are thinking of?   I bought these off of a Cornwell tool truck years ago.   Good for pulling radiator and heater hoses.  Don't know if they are still available. 

[sfhess]

Sometimes they are referred to as cotter pin pullers.

I have a Craftsman one I purchased at Sears several years ago.

[1930fordpickup]

17 minutes ago, sfhess said:

Sometimes they are referred to as cotter pin pullers.

I have a Craftsman one I purchased at Sears several years ago.

Yes I was thinking the same thing, but he wants a longer one. 

Just stop into a garage you trust and ask them who they buy from. The tool guy will gladly sell you anything you need, they like cash sales. worst case you could make your own out of 1/4 or 3/16 rod. Have someone  weld it to an old screwdriver so you have a handle. 

 

[LDO]

7 hours ago, Doug 1061 said:

Is this what you are thinking of?   I bought these off of a Cornwell tool truck years ago.   Good for pulling radiator and heater hoses.  Don't know if they are still available. 

I’m looking for one that is straight, no curves. 

[LDO]

It just occurred to me that I never see tool trucks when I’m in the field. I leave the shop in the morning and get on a tollway, exit and drive to new subdivisions that are not far from the exit. Not really tool truck territory. I’ll talk to the mechanics again and ask them to check with the tool trucks. 

[Mark]

7 hours ago, LDO said:

I’m hoping to find a tool that is made in the US or Europe. 

Good luck...a lot of tools are sold with multiple brand names, all made in People's Great Imperial Tool Factory Number Six...

[mikemodeler]

So Mayhew tools are made in the USA and they have something you might be looking for. Check this set out, might be able to buy pieces individually, might find something else on their site.

 

https://mayhew.com/product/13097-17-34-6-pc-progrip-hose-pick-set/

 

They make a bunch of different length pry bars too, might be what you end up going with. Check with Lowes or Home Depot, they have long pry bars if you are wanting it quickly. 

Edited December 4, 2020 by mikemodeler

[tbill]

Snap on makes this kit

 

[sfhess]

15 hours ago, tbill said:

Snap on makes this kit

 

I saw a similar set by Craftsman at Lowe's earlier this evening for 30 bucks.

Edited December 5, 2020 by sfhess

[NOBLNG]

On 12/3/2020 at 6:15 PM, LDO said:

I’m looking for one that is straight, no curves. 

You could likely make one out of a piece of rod...smooth or threaded? Chuck it in a drill and take a file or grinder to it.

Edited December 5, 2020 by NOBLNG