When you engage in DIY projects, it is important that you have the right tools, supplies, and materials for the job. Depending on the type of project you are doing, there is a list of essential tools you need to have in your kit to make your project go as smoothly as possible. A tool that can really come in handy, especially if you have to do some tightening, is a hose clamp.
In general, the main purpose of a hose clamp is to secure hoses over fittings by clamping the them down and preventing the fluid from leaking out at the connection. They are mostly used in the plumbing and automobile industries, but can also have other applications where the prevention of leaks of chemicals, liquids, and gasses is of great importance.
While their main purpose is the same, there are different types of hose clamps available, each used for different purposes depending on whether you need to tighten, loosen, or sustain light and heavy loads.
In this post, we outline the four most common types of hose clamps and their use.
Spring clamps
Spring clamps, commonly known as pinch clamps, are a type of hose clamp made out of steel which is mainly used to supply constant pressure on fittings. They are very handy, especially for smaller repair jobs where they act as a third hand when you need to paint or glue something. You can find them in many shapes and sizes, and they can be easily installed or removed with common hand tools and reduce the chances of unwanted leaks.
However, despite these great features, there is one downside to spring clamps you should be aware of and that is that they are not easily adjustable. This means that they can be quite difficult to use in tight spots because of the need to use a pair of pliers. It is because of this reason that spring clamps are often the best choice for coolant hoses in an engine where there is enough room to adjust them.
Ear clamps
Ear clamps are another type of hose clamp that gets its name because of its closing mechanism, which is similar to that of a human ear. These clamps are made from a band of metal that wraps around itself, similar to other types of hose clamps, but a lot thicker.
The best thing about ear clamps is that they can easily fit into tight spaces, unlike spring clamps, and provide a great balance for part tolerances. It is because of this reason that they are most commonly used in high-pressure applications where thin-walled hoses firm plastics and rubbers are present.
It is important to note that ear clamps are meant for single use where permanent installation is required which prevents the clamps from being removed in a destructive manner. You can also find them with stainless steel bands which are resistant to corrosion.
Screw clamps
Screw clamps, also known as worm gear clamps, usually feature a long stainless band that wraps around itself, and a screw that allows you to tighten the band it is in place. As the screw is tightened, the two ends of the band are pulled in separate directions which results in the band applying more pressure around the hose.
When it comes to the main application of screw clamps, they are mostly used in the automotive, water, and plumbing industry. However, because they are very easy to use and install using common hand tools, they serve as the best economical and eco-friendly option for various other applications as well.
Wire clamps
Wire clamps are quite similar to spring clamps, except their main difference lies in that wire clamps don’t spring shut but instead, they resist closing. They are made from heavy steel wire, featuring a steel handle that makes installation much easier. There are also eyelets on both sides of the clamp through which you insert the screw and tighten it until you reach the desired tightness.
When it comes to their use, wire clamps are ideal for various general applications as they provide constant tension and can expand or contract with fittings as temperatures fluctuate.
Final thoughts
Although there are many essential tools you need to have in your toolbox to engage in various DIY projects, hose clamps are one of the most important especially when you need to tighten something. You can find them in many types, shapes, and sizes, all of which can be used for different purposes.
For more information, refer to our post and learn about the most common types of hose clamps and their main applications.
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