A guide to Hose Clamps
Hose clamp
A hose clamp, hose clip, or hose lock, is a device used to attach and seal a hose onto a fitting such as a barb or nipple. Hose clamps are commonly used in automotive and plumbing applications. Hose clamps are also used in various industrial applications where hoses are used to convey liquids, gases, and granulated materials.
Hose clamp quality
The quality of a hose clamp is determined primarily by the material from which it is made. Common materials used in the construction of hose clamps include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and plastic. The type of material used to construct a hose clamp will affect its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the design of the clamp (such as the number of teeth, radius of teeth, and type of band) will affect its quality.
Allowance
It is important to consider the allowance of a hose clamp when selecting one for an application. The allowance of a hose clamp is the difference between the inner diameter (ID) of the hose and the outer diameter (OD) of the fitting it is being used with. The allowance should be sufficient to ensure a secure fit without being so large that it causes the hose to slip or leak. A general rule of thumb is to use a clamp with at least a 1/16 inch allowance.
Breaking torque
The breaking torque of a hose clamp is the maximum amount of torque (in inch-pounds) that can be applied to the clamp before it breaks. This is an important factor to consider when selecting a hose clamp for a particular application. The breaking torque of a hose clamp should be sufficient to hold the hose securely in place. For most applications, the clamp should have a minimum breaking torque of at least 3N.m.
