My 'Mr. Coffee' finally konked out for the
last time. (Repair parts weren't in my stockpile
and would cost a significant fraction of a new
coffee maker, considering shipping and taxes.)

On disassembly, I discovered two brown silicone
tubes that pipe the water to and from the
heating element. I removed the checkvalve
from one and slid them both over the handles
of my electronics needlenose pliers, using
alcohol as a lubricant.

Trimmed to size, they give me a very comfortable
grip, just like the expensive quality pliers.

--Winston