OK to line clamp brake hose?

When changing out a something like a brake caliper, is it okay to throw a line clamp on the attached brake hose to keep the fluid from draining out? I've done it in the past without issue, but I'm wondering if it could potentially collapse the hose wall keeping the caliper piston in a semi-applied state even when the pedal is released.

As long as the clamp is rounded and not sharp edged, damaging the hose, I wouldn't worry about. The regular brake pressur applied is considerably higher than a diligently used clamp. In a pinch I use a vise grip covered by another hose...

Thanks for the reply.

I was more concerned with the line pressure being fully released on the caliper when the pedal is let off rather than the other way around.

Yes it is okay just don't totally crush the hose.
A couple of other tricks that also do the same short cut.
The first to top up the reservoir fully -- right up to the brim and seal the top witha polythene stretched tightly over and secure either with rubber bands or screwing the cap on.
The other is crack open a nipple or brake union prop the brake fully down.
For longer term stopping up I have very short brake pipes made up with a female union at end to accept a bleed nipple.

If I'm just doing a caliper, I get the new one ready for install, put something on the floor to catch fluid drips, and just swap them over. Very, very minimal loss.

For lines, I've had some luck crimping a hard line that I'm replacing to block fluid flow. Bend it over itself or something.

If I'm just doing a caliper, I get the new one ready for install, put something on the floor to catch fluid drips, and just swap them over. Very, very minimal loss.

Sometimes I like to wire brush the brake hose end that mates to the caliper, especially if it's pretty corroded, so I really need it not be dripping when I'm doing that.

Thanks again for the tips.

Everything you read says DON'T clamp hoses. But I've clamped hoses on most of my personal vehicles and been driving around just fine for years. :silly: A little anecdotal, I know. But I have yet to see ill effects of hose clamping.

Like Juergen said, rounded, non-marring seems to be the trick. I have a set of these clamps that have served me well:

www.amazon.com/Lisle-22850-Hose-Pincher/dp/B0002NYB78

That said, in the case of caliper replacement, I keep some old rubber tire valve stems around. The stem diameter is perfect for caliper banjo fittings. Easy enough to install, seals well, and easy enough to remove. And if you lose it? Big deal! Go steal another from the tire machine.

Yea, That's what use a la the Harbor Freight version. Gotta use the biggest one in the bunch otherwise they bend. They're actually quite a nice set, super cheap, and (mostly) metal.