A Comprehensive Overview of Hose Clamps

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The Purpose of Hose Clamps

Hose clamps play an essential role in securing hoses to fittings such as spigots or barbs. They create a reliable seal that prevents any fluid from leaking at the connection and ensures that the hose remains stabilized. While predominantly utilized in plumbing and automotive sectors, these clamps find extensive applications in various industries, helping to prevent leaks during the transportation of liquids, gases, and chemicals.

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Types of Hose Clamps Available

There are three primary types of hose clamps:

1. Plastic Hose Clamps

These clamps feature interlocking ratcheting teeth for a secure fit. Installation is quick and can be done by hand, with the option of using pliers for added grip. Commonly known as snap grips or herbie grips, plastic hose clamps, especially those made from nylon, offer strength along with flexibility for easy closure. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and can be reused.

Applications include:

• Automotive fuel lines, airlines, and drain lines in specialty vehicles
• Pumps and hydraulic systems used in medical equipment (not suitable for other hydraulic-pressure applications)
• Outdoor hoses, venting systems, and appliances

2. Worm-drive Hose Clamps

Often referred to as jubilee clips, these heavy-duty clamps utilize a helical-threaded screw, or worm gear, that tightens the band around the hose when turned. They are available in stainless steel or steel and excel in confined spaces but should not be used with soft or silicone hoses. For smaller assemblies, mini worm-drive hose clamps are a viable option.

Common uses are for:

• Wire-reinforced hoses
• Automotive fuel lines and exhaust hoses
• Plumbing tasks involving seal hoses, water pipes, and for marine sink outlets
• Signage and temporary repairs
• Sealing large containers

3. T-bolt Hose Clamps

These clamps are engineered to provide a tight, air-proof seal for larger diameters, especially in high-vibration environments. The bolt is inserted through the clamp body, and a nut is tightened from beneath using a wrench or pliers. As stainless-steel clamps, T-bolts are extraordinary for high-pressure hoses and compatible with silicone hoses.

Applications Include:

• Maintaining pressure in gas lines during engine idle
• Addressing short gas line segments or adding fittings
• Securing valves within gas lines
• Watersystem applications such as swimming pool plumbing, aquaponics, hydroponics, and drip irrigation

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Steps to Installing a Hose Clamp

Utilizing a torque wrench is ideal for installing a hose clamp, although a screwdriver can suffice. The following guide demonstrates the installation of a worm drive hose clamp:

1. Loosen the hose clamp by turning the screw counterclockwise.
2. Affix it to the hose edge, directing the screw head for easy access with your tool.
3. Place the hose edge around the fitting.
4. Use your screwdriver or torque wrench to tighten the clamp, securing the hose.

Adhere to the manufacturer's torque specifications to avoid overtightening, which may damage the clamp and cause it to fail.

Installing a T-bolt hose clamp follows a similar process:

1. Pass the bolt through the body of the clamp.
2. Use a wrench or pliers to tighten the nut from beneath.

Once tightened, the two halves come together, and the installation is complete.

Removing Hose Clamps Explained

To illustrate how to remove spring hose clamps, also known as T-bolts:

1. Loosen the bolt using a flat-head screwdriver or socket wrench.
2. Rotate the bolt counterclockwise until it’s sufficiently loose, then remove it from the hose.

Measuring the Proper Size of Hose Clamps

When we refer to "hose clamp size," we are specifically indicating the clamping diameter range, which denotes the minimum and maximum diameter appropriate for use.

1. First, determine the outside diameter (O.D.) of your hose. For accuracy, assemble the hose on the intended fitting.
2. Measure the hose and fitting O.D. with calipers, or alternatively use this formula:

Outside Diameter (O.D.) = Circumference (C) ÷ 3.14 (Pi)

Select a clamp that falls within the mid-range of the clamp's adjustment options. Below is a sample chart based on the SAE standard for Type F worm-drive hose clamps.

Worm-drive Hose Clamp Size Chart — Type F

SAE Size

Clamp Range (inches)

Clamp Range (millimeters)

6

3/8 – 7/8

10 – 22

8

7/16 – 1

11 – 25

10

½ – 1 1/16

13 – 27

12

½ – 1 1/4

13 – 32

16

13/16 – 1 ½

21 – 38

20

13/16 – 1 3/4

21 – 44

24

1 – 2

25 – 51

28

1 5/16 – 2 ¼

35 – 57

32

1 9/16 – 2 ½

40 – 63

36

1 13/16 – 2 ¾

46 – 70

40

2 – 3

51 – 76

44

2 15/16 – 3 3/8

59 – 82

48

2 9/16 – 3 ½

65 – 89

If you have a ½" hose, consider using an SAE size 6 hose clamp. For a ¾" hose, an SAE 12 hose clamp would fit well. If the hose measures 1", a size 16 clamp is suitable. With 2" hoses, you have additional options available.

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Similarly, the British standard outlines measurements for worm-drive hose clips:

British Standard for Worm-drive Hose Clips

Size

Adjustment Range (millimeters)

Adjustment Range (inches)

12

9.5 – 12

3/8 – ½

16

11 – 16

½ – 5/8

20

13 – 20

½ – ¾

22

16 – 22

5/8 – 7/8

25

18 – 25

¾ – 1

30

22 – 30

7/8 – 1 1/8

35

25 – 35

1 – 1 3/8

40

30 – 40

1 2/8 – 1 5/8

45

32 – 45

1 ¼ – 1 ¾

50

35 – 50

1 3/8 – 2

55

40 – 55

1 5/8 – 2 1/8

60

45 – 60

1 ¾ – 2 3/8

70

55 – 70

2 1/8 – 2 ¾