Do it Yourself Plumbing Understanding Hose Clamps
A hose clamp is used to attach and seal a hose onto a fitting such as a nipple or a barb. There are a variety of styles and sizes available to accommodate the diameter of the hose and the fitting to which it will be attached. These are remarkably useful devices in a number of plumbing situations.
Hose Clamp Sizes
To determine the appropriate size hose clamp to use on your project, you must begin by measuring the outside diameter (O.D.) of the item which will be clamped with the fitting inside. It is fine to use millimeters or inches. When it is time to select the clamp, simply ensure the O.D. is between the minimum and maximum range of the selected hose clamp.
Large hose clamps are used for larger hoses, however, it is important to note that clamps are typically used for moderate to low pressure. If the larger hose will be experiencing high-pressure flow, another type of restraint may be a better choice.
Types of Hose Clamps
There are many styles of hose clamps available, including spring clamps, gear clamps, and wire clamps. Which one is used depends on the project one is working on.
Spring clamps are usually made of spring steel and are not often used for large hoses or high-pressure situations. They are most frequently used in areas that are awkwardly placed or in a confined location where other types of hose clips would be difficult to place effectively. One of the common uses for this type of hose clamp is automotive cooling systems.
Gear clamps, alternatively called screw clamps, are usually made of stainless or galvanized steel and cut into a screw pattern. They are usually used with hoses that have at least a half-inch diameter. These are especially useful in emergency repair situations.
Wire clamps are usually made with a heavy piece of wire and shaped into a tight U before being formed into a ring with one end that overlaps the other before the ends are bent out. A captive screw is attached to one end and a captive nut on the other. As the screw is tightened it causes the loop to tighten around the hose. This type is usually used for sealing a connection.
It can take a little time to become familiar with the various types of hose clamps that are available and to learn how to utilize each one properly. The effort is well worth the time for anyone who wishes to increase their ability to complete plumbing and other projects on their own.
