For example, tightening a hose over a barbed fitting with several ribs is not a job for a thinner clamp if the clamp isn’t on perfectly straight, it won’t apply even pressure across a set of ribs-that’s a recipe for a leak.įor barbed fittings, using a clamp with a flat band like a screw-type or ear clamp is best. Using the right type of clamp for a particular job is important.

In many cases, tightening beyond that range will misshape the clamp, causing uneven pressure that could buckle the end of the hose.Īlso, taking a hose clamp past its usable range will affect whether you can reuse it after servicing the hose down the road. In general, hose clamps can offer between ¼ to ½ inch of adjustability, though some might provide more. While ear and wire clamps do offer some adjustability, the most adjustable are screw-type clamps. Some clamps can work for several hose sizes, making them incredibly handy to keep on hand. Once a clamp becomes weak enough, it can separate under pressure. Lesser materials will rust quickly, as condensation and chemicals will hasten the oxidation. Heat-treated spring steel is also an option, though it’s not as corrosion resistant as stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and resists corrosion. It’s almost a rule that the best hose clamps must be stainless steel in construction. For that reason, it’s important to choose one made from the best material so the repair or installation will last and stay leak-free. They’re often in damp environments or exposed to corrosive liquids. Hose clamps are put in some difficult positions-quite literally. These can apply a lot of pressure over a relatively small surface area, creating very tight seals. To shut a wire clamp, the user tightens a bolt and nut, pulling the wire clamp tight and applying even pressure. Wire clamps: Wire clamps are very similar to spring clamps, but instead of springing shut, their spring force resists closing.The installer uses a special pair of pliers to squeeze the ear (a collapsible section of the clamp), pulling the clamp shut and allowing the tab to drop into place. These clamps have a metal tab that sticks up from the band and several corresponding holes for the tab to slip into. Ear clamps: Ear-style clamps are made from one band of metal that wraps around itself like a screw-type clamp but quite a bit thicker.They can also be a bit finicky in tight spots. These clamps are fast to install, but they’re not adjustable. Once released, the clamp springs shut, applying pressure to the hose. There are two tabs that the user can squeeze with a pair of pliers to open the clamp. Spring clamps: Spring-style hose clamps are made from one piece of steel bent to a specific diameter.Also, their design allows screw-type hose clamps to adjust for several sizes of hose. As the installer tightens the screw, it pulls the two ends of the band in separate directions, applying a lot of pressure. Screw clamps: Screw-style hose clamps feature a long stainless steel band that wraps around itself as well as a screw that the installer can use to tighten the band.There are a few different types of hose clamps, and they each have their strengths and functions. Be sure to read this section carefully to understand all that goes into choosing the best hose clamps. This section will outline those factors, including adjustability, compatibility, and materials. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hose Clampsīefore shopping for the best hose clamps for your projects, there are a few important points to consider. BEST WIRE CLAMPS: POWERTEC 70101 4″ Double Wire Hose Clamp.BEST EAR CLAMPS: Swpeet 120Pcs 8 Sizes 304 Stainless Steel Single Ear.

BEST SPRING CLAMPS: OCR 6-22mm 10Size Fuel line Spring Clamp.BEST SCREW CLAMPS: Hose Clamp, LOKMAN 60 Pieces Stainless Steel.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Glarks 100Pcs Adjustable 8-44mm Range 304 Stainless.BEST OVERALL: Koehler Enterprises KEDIS220 220 Piece Hose Clamp Set.For those who haven’t used a hose clamp before, it might be challenging to choose the best hose clamps from the various products available on the market. These handy devices slide over the end of a hose and tighten down, applying even pressure over the circumference to cut off the flow and stop leaks. But hose clamps have a different function. When one thinks of clamps, what comes to mind is probably a two-handled tool that clamps down to hold material tightly in place, such as spring clamps, commonly used in woodworking. Whether working on a plumbing pipe fixture under a sink or performing automotive maintenance, connecting a hose to a fitting requires a bit of pressure to prevent leaks. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

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