I don’t think its a very good idea to encourage users to allow their calipers to hang from the hose.
Users should be encouraged to tie the callipers up using wire or string to keep the hose slack.
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Jesse
Why?
nah nah… i’m jus messin…
old friend of your boy Jay, wanted to wind him up… he called me and was like wtf… 
And why am I a forum newB when I was the 2nd member on these forums and joined in MAY 05!!! grrr
Something to do with winding Jay up I wonder hehe
Because you don’t post anything you sun-kissed fly-boy 
Good to speak to you the other night mate, nutter…
You joined up a year ago today, madness eh, time flies when you’re wrecking bikes.
You say that but I wouldn’t let someone change my pads like that.
Well, my point was partially relevant, I don’t know much about bikes but with my car I would never let them hang by the hoses.
Strangely enough, I don’t need to take the calipers off to my pads.
That was the small relatively irrelevant mistake. Now find the dangerous ones.
Dangerous? Do you have some feedback for us mate?
I always let the calipers hang by the hoses when changing pads or wheels. Never had a problem. I don’t see how it could cause any problems unless the hoses or fittings were already damaged and in a dangerous state.
Duncan
You shouldn’t ever use a screwdriver as a lever.
Good quality screwdrivers have hardened tips which may break off or shatter if used as a lever. This is why safety glasses should be used when useing hardened tip tools.
If you must lever apart the pads use a pry bar. They are designed for this type of use.
Caliper in one hand, screwdriver in the other. Screwdriver slips it could go through your palm.
If you can’t move the pistons with your fingers use a set of big grips with a sheet of packing cardboard to protect the caliper. Much safer.
Thank-you for the insight Sickpup, I’ve amended the article to include your points! I am no mechanic, but perform some home maintence and servicing, it’s very useful to get wisdom from more experienced people! We would like to draw up many of these DIY articles, perhaps in the future you can help advise on them.
Would be happy to.
Just noticed as well you say the brake pad backing plate is for heat transfer, it isn’t. The ones with holes are for heat dissipation and the ones without are a combined shim and anti squeel device.