A hose clamp also known as a hose clip is a device used to attach and seal hose onto a fitting such as a barb or nipple. They are available in a wide array of materials and sizes are often used as heavy duty zip ties and can also be used as a replacement for duct tape.
Hose clamps are manufactured to provide even pressure on all sides without any gaps and are used to ensure a tight seal between a hose and a barb.
With hose clamps playing such an important role, here are 12 things you need to know about them and the different types of hose clamps.
- Typical uses for hose clamps include securing hoses in automotive systems and for clamping lines in household plumbing systems.
- Hose clamps are typically limited to moderate pressures like those found in home and automotive applications.
- Without the property quality and size hose clamp, a hose seals at risk to leak gas, liquid and other substances.
- To ensure a good seal between the hose and barb, a barb must be free of nicks, scratches and contamination.
- While expanding a hose clamp, it will open completely by turning a screwdriver counter-clockwise.
- There are several types of clamps, including worm gear clamps, spring clamps, screw clamps and wire clamps.
- Screw clamps are widely used for temporarily fixing damaged pipes quickly in emergency situations.
- Screw hose clamps consist of a galvanized or stainless steel band, where a screw thread pattern has been cut or pressed.
- Screw clamps are normally used for hoses 1/2 in diameter and up.
- One of the simplest types of hose clamp is the spring clamp, which is a strip of metal in the shape of a cylindrical spring with many protrusions.
- Wire house clamps are typically composed of a heavy piece of wire and bent into a tight U shape.
- Worm drive hose clamps can be daisy-chained to make a longer clamp if there are several shorter ones that don’t have the required length.
With stainless steel hose clamps, adjustable hose clamps, extra large hose clamps and aviation hose clamps among the many varieties available, there are many options to choose from.
If you’re in need of hose clamps for a project, FCP Euro offers a look at the pros and cons of several types. Likewise, This YouTube video also offers a look at several types of hose clamps.