If you’re feeling particularly ambitious or are interested in learning how to do a little plumbing yourself, you need to know what kind of equipment you need. One vital element of plumbing is that of hose clamps. However, there are many different types of hose clamps — anything from a heavy duty aircraft hoseclamp to screw hose clamps, which are usually used in a temporary emergency situation when damaged pipes need a quick fix. You’ll need to know what kind of hose clamp to be looking for and there’s plenty to discuss! We’ll give you a hose clamp primer of sorts and discuss different types of hose clamps (aircraft hoseclamps, stainless steel clamps, screw clamps, and more), as well as what to know when looking for hose clamps, and what some general uses for hose clamps are.
Hose Clamps 101
Hose clamps are clamps or clips that attach and seal a hose onto either a barb or a nipple to ensure that a tight seal happens and no liquids or other types of material can get in or out. They were invented in 1921 by Lumley Robinson, who was a former Royal Navy Commander.
Usually, they have only moderate pressures, like ones used for the home or in automotive applications. Some people may use them as heavy duty zip ties or a quick replacement for duct tape and they’re versatile, coming in a wide variety of sizes and materials.
In an automotive setting, they’re used to secure hoses in vehicles and for household applications, you can usually find them clamping lines in plumbing systems.
What are the Different Types of Hose Clamps?
As discussed above, there are several different kinds of hose clamps. The most common tend to be worm gear (screw) clamps, spring clamps, and wire clamps.
There are several different types of hose clamps. The spring clamp is the simplest type. Essentially, a strip of metal is formed into the shape of a cylindrical spring that has a few different protuberances. These are a great option for weird spaces or confined spaces where it’s tough to get tightening tools in or provide inaccessible angles.
Worm gear clamps (also known as screw hose clamps) are often used as a quick fix for pipes and are made of a galvanized or stainless steel band that has a screw thread pattern on it. These are usually used for hoses that are a half inch or more in diameter and can be daisy-chained if a longer clamp is needed, which is particularly useful if sections of piping need to be attached.
As for wire clamps, which are made of a heavy piece of wire that’s bent into a tight U shape, their application is mostly centered around sealing connections. A nut is attached to one end of the U and a screw to the other. When the screw is tightened, the wire loop around the house also tightens, ensuring a good seal.
What Should I Know When Looking for Hose Clamps?
Though you’re likely not looking for the quality or intensity of an aircraft hoseclamp, you still certainly want a good quality hose clamp and one that’s the right size for the hose you’re working with. Without the proper quality and size hose clamp, a hose seal is at risk to leak gas, liquid, or other substances. All stainless steel hose clamps are good bets for high quality, so keep an eye out for those.
If you’re trying to figure out what size hose clamp you need, measure the outside diameter of whatever you’re trying to clamp (and make sure the fitting is inside). The outside diameter of the item should be between the minimum and maximum range of that clamp. Be sure to bring a tape measure with you!
Hose clamps are a wonderful and versatile item to have around the house, especially if you’re a DIY kind of plumber. You may not need anything as heavy duty as an aircraft hoseclamp, but it’s good to be well versed in at least the basics and know which one suits your needs.