Abstract: A tool for removing a retaining cap from a hose clamp has a handle to which is attached a retaining cap nest having a cap receiving portion for receiving the capped ears of the hose clamp, an opening in an end of the receiving portion for accepting an uncapped portion of the capped ears, and a pair of lands, one on either side of the opening, for pushing against the legs of the cap during removal from the ears. In one embodiment, the nest has a pair of symmetrically shaped half-sections attached to the jaws of a locking pliers type tool which are placed around the capped ears. When the handles of the tool are squeezed together, a nest is formed capable of retaining the cap after removal from the ears. A preferred embodiment has a handle with a hollow cylindrical jacket attached thereto surrounding a pneumatically operated rod to which is affixed a unitary nest. When in an extended position, the nest can be positioned to grasp the hose clamp retaining cap in the receiving portion.