Choosing the Right Hose Clamp

Choosing a hose clamp depends on several factors:

• Intended use and sector: Hose clamps are used in household appliances (gas stoves, dishwashers, etc.), in the automotive, chemical, mechanical, construction, load handling, and agricultural sectors.
• Material: Stainless steel is the most widely used material for hose clamps, due to its corrosion resistance. Although less common, it is possible to find clamps made of other materials, such as aluminum, brass, and plastic. The material you choose will depend on the environment in which the clamp will be used and the mechanical stresses it will be subjected to.

• Tightening force: To perform its function, the clamp must provide a constant grip on the hose, neither too weak nor too strong. If tightened too much, the clamp could break or open.
• Diameter: The clamp must be perfectly adjusted to the diameter of the hose, so it must be neither too small nor too large. A clamp that is too large does not exert sufficient clamping force and if it is too small, it cannot be clamped properly or the hose could be damaged.
• Ease of installation and adjustment: This is another aspect that should not be overlooked. Some hose clamps have a quick-closing mechanism, which makes them easier to install and adjust. They are especially useful when they have to be installed in tight spaces or when they need to be replaced and/or adjusted frequently.
• Standards and certifications: Certain clamps must meet specific standards, such as ISO or DIN, which guarantee their quality and performance. For example, for critical applications, it may be necessary to opt for clamps with industrial certifications or that have been tested to withstand extreme conditions

There are several types of hose clamps.

Berardi Bullonerie screw hose clamp

Screw hose clamps

These are among the most common and versatile. They generally consist of a perforated, spiral metal strip and a screw for tightening or loosening the clamp. These clamps are adjustable, which makes them ideal for applications where the diameter of the hose or cables may vary slightly.

Applications:
They are widely used in automotive applications and various pipelines, as they offer good resistance to pressure and are easy to install.

Senga ear clamp

Ear hose clamps (single or double)

This is a practical option when there is little space to install the clamp or in cases where it has to be fitted or removed quickly. These clamps have one or more “ears” which are tightened with pliers to secure the clamp around the hose. They are widely used in the automotive sector to secure small hoses. They are not reusable, as you have to cut them off to remove them.

Evereon Industries wire hose clamp

Wire hose clamps (single or double)

These are suitable for attaching semi-rigid or corrugated hoses, such as those used in cars. They can also be fitted to large-diameter hoses.

Ojop Sweden quick-release clamp

Quick-release clamps

It is recommended to use these when the job involves frequent assembly and disassembly of hoses. The system is simple: simply tighten or loosen the screw to adjust the clamp’s clamping force and secure the assembly.

King Seal Fastener Technology T-bolt hose clamp

T-bolt hose clamps

These are easy to recognize by the non-leaking strip to which two brackets are welded that accommodate a bolt and a locking nut. They are intended for thicker hoses, as they are extremely resistant. However, they have a very limited opening range.

Metal hose clamps are suitable for all types of industrial machinery and adapt to the various diameters of hoses and tubes. They are resistant to corrosion, high pressure, temperature variations, fire, and humidity.

They are available in different materials: steel, stainless steel, cast iron, brass, aluminum, etc. Depending on their material and level of corrosion resistance, they are classified into six categories (from W1 to W5, according to DIN 3014). Stainless steel clamps are the best known for their rust resistance.

Some applications:

• Metal clamps are used for cooling hoses, outlet hoses, and irrigation hoses. In the construction sector, they are used to fasten ventilation ducts and air conditioning hoses.
• In the automotive sector, stainless steel clamps are used to connect all kinds of hoses through which the various fluids needed to run vehicles circulate, such as fuel, oil, and water.

Emico plastic hose clamp

PANDUIT® hose clamp with label holder

Plastic hose clamps, particularly made of nylon or polypropylene, are a lightweight and non-conductive option. They are particularly useful in electrical applications where insulation is crucial. In addition, they have good resistance to chemical corrosion and do not rust, which makes them suitable for certain chemical or aquatic applications. However, plastic clamps are not as resistant to heat or pressure as metal clamps and can break when subjected to heavy mechanical stress or temperature variations.

Types of clamps and examples of applications:

Plastic hose clamps are mainly used in the electrical and electronics sectors.

• Simple clamps: for tying, securing, and organizing cables
• Saddle clamps can be used to attach a hose to a wall, for example
• Label clamps
• Seal clamps guarantee the inviolability of packages and containers and therefore the safety and integrity of their contents

There are other important factors when choosing a clamp, in particular:

• The width of the clamp
• The operating temperature
• The material of the hose/pipe