Before you can determine which hose clamp is right for you, you need to understand what the many types of hose clamps are. Here are some of the most popular options available to you:
T-Bolt Clamps are a great option when you’re working in tight or otherwise hard-to-reach places because they are equipped with a spring mechanism. Furthermore, T-Bolt Clamps are typically stainless steel, which makes them a great choice in applications where corrosion is a concern. The name, “T-Bolt Clamp,” comes from the t-shaped bolt that is affixed to one end of the clamp, and the other end is threaded. T-Bolt clamps have smooth bands, making them safe for hoses made of softer material, like silicone, without having to be concerned with grating or punctures. The one downside to T-Bolt clamps is that every size has a small usable range. In order to ensure that you get tight seal, you’ll need to ensure that you purchase the right size of clamp.
Ear Clamps have earned their name because of their unique closing mechanism that looks remarkably like a human ear. Once these clamps are closed, the closing mechanism is permanently deformed, meaning that they you won’t be able to adjust and reuse the same clamp again. This makes these clamps tricky for some applications, but they are ideal for hose lines that don’t change pressure but move around.
Constant Torque Clamps are unique in that they respond to changes in the temperature naturally. The spring mechanism makes it possible for this clamp to loosen or tighten in diameter when the external temperature changes. This helps to eliminate cold flow leaks in environments where the temperature consistently changes.
Made for applications that require heavy-duty clamping, Wire Clamps are made from bent steel, and they feature eyelids on both sides of the clamp. This allows you to insert a screw into the clamp, giving you the ability to tighten the clamp until the desired tightness is achieved.
Worm Gear Clamps are sometimes called Band or Screw Clamps, and they are commonly used in the water industry to fasten piping sections. The name, “Worm Gear Clamp,” comes from the screw that protrudes out of the band; as it moves upward around the hose, it looks like a worm. Worm Gear Clamps are easy to use and flexible, making them an incredibly popular option.
Springs Clamps can be tightened with pliers, and the name comes from the fact that these clamps “spring back” after they have been tightened or otherwise altered. That they spring back into place is also why these clamps are ideal for coolant hoses in engines.
