Which Type of Hose Clamp Do You Need?


 

Stainless hose clamps

Hose clamps, devices used to attach and seal hoses onto fittings like barbs and nipples, come in a variety of types. They are typically limited to moderate pressures like those found in automotive and home applications, as most would be ill suited to high pressure applications. Hose clamps are designed to ensure a tight seal between a hose and barb, preventing fluid from escaping. As such, they are designed to provide even pressure on all sides without gaps. Here, we’ll look at a variety of types of hose clamps.

Screw Clamps

These stainless hose clamps have a screw thread pattern cut or pressed into the band. One end contains a captive screw which acts as a worm drive, pulling the threads of the band and causing it to tighten or loosen around the hose. Typically, they’re used for hoses greater than a half inch in diameter. Typical use of stainless hose clamps like the screw clamp is as a means for transmission of small amounts of power.

Spring Clamps

Typically made from a strip of spring steel, spring clamps are cut so that one side has a narrow protrusion centered on the end and the other has a pair of narrow protrusions on either side. The ends are bent outward, and to use the clamp they are pressed toward each other to increase the diameter of the ring. Spring clamps are well suited for use in confined or awkward places where tightening tools would be difficult to use. They are popular for use on automotive engine bays and securing barb connections in PC water cooling.

Wire Clamps

Wire clamps are made of a piece of heavy steel wire bent into a tight U and formed into a rig shape with one end overlapping the other. A captive nut is attached to one end and a captive screw to the other. When the screw is tightened, the overlapped ends of the wire are pushed apart, tightening the wire loop around the hose.

Ear Clamps

These stainless hose clamps are formed incorporating one or more closing elements. When the ear is closed at the base with a special pincer tool, it permanently deforms, pulling the band and causing it to tighten around the hose. Large hose clamps should be chosen for applications on large hoses, as the ear must almost completely close on installation.

Hose clamps have a variety of uses and should be chosen carefully to best suit the project at hand. Do your research to make sure you select the correct type of hose clamp in order to complete your goals successfully.

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