Front brake caliper dust boot clip

[leggman1]

I have removed and cleaned the front calipers on my 81 special. The dust seals are in good shape so I am reusing but for the life of me I can't get the wire retaining clips back on. What should I do? super glue???, Duct tape???, sledge hammer??? None of these seem to work. What is the trick with these???
Thanks Dave

[leggman1]

I think I will try to freeze the boots and maybe that will make them stiff enough for me to get the wires on.

[bikerphil]

First time I tried installing those clips it took about 100 tries, I eventually got them on, I can't recall any trick, just patience, GL

[Radioguylogs]

Repetition?

I hold one end with a fingernail and pull the other end with a fingernail on the other hand an try to get it to go on. Usually it doesn't work the first time.

So I try again and again.

It usually takes me about 10 tries to get it how I want it. I like to place the split where you don't see it near the U cross-section.

The job is easier with the piston pushed most, but not all of the way in.

[leggman1]

I got the first one today in about the second try so I was thinking "this won't be so hard" Right. After about a half hour of trying to get the other one on the front caliper I gave up and got a bottle of superglue. I just put a very small amount on the boot then placed the boot on the caliper. Looks good and works good. When I did the back one the clip went right on no problem.

[leggman1]

I have removed both master cylinders and all wheel calipers and it's a good thing I did. There was so much dirt and rust in there it really looked nasty.
I just cleaned everything really good and put it all back together. After bleeding everything works like brand new. I really do appreciate all the info I have gotten from this site. You guys are a big help. Thanks.