A hose clamp or hose clip is a device used to attach and seal a hose onto a fitting such as a barb or nipple, but
hose clamps are not all created the same. They are designed to provide even pressure on all sides, without any gaps, but some are more effective than others. Different types of hose clamps include worm gear clamps, spring clamps, and wire clamps. They come in a wide array of sizes to meet the fastening needs for a hose of any size. If you want to do a job once and do it right you are probably familiar with quick release hose clamps.
A quick release worm clamp is like a belt. It is made of stainless steel and can be used in multiple situations. It can also be reused. Quick release hose clamps have a track all of the way around so you can make it as large as you want or as small as you want. You can even combine quick release hose clamps to create an even larger clamp. The quick release mechanism obviously allows for faster removal.
In a normal clamp drive you have to screw to release and to tighten the clamp. In many cases, these less expensive and lower quality clips start opening up and lose tension. If you turn it too tight it may even become stripped. While this inferior type of clam might work well for a small project like repairing a garden hose or as a temporary radiator hose clamp, it can leak if over tightened. This will result in a loss of coolant in a radiator.
Quick release hose clamps, however, have a snapping mechanism that allows the user to use the quick release part to initially engage the clamp. The screw is then tightened as an extra support, but is not withstanding the entire pressure.
Some mechanics like to use a constant tension clamp. These are quality clamps, but require a specific kind of tool. One problem with this kind of clamp is it is designed for a certain size of hose. It is a good design, but not good enough when you are using equipment that is not original to the clamp. It does not have as much ability to adjust in size. Again, this problem can lead to leaking.
Quick release hose clamps can also be used for a variety of unusual jobs. Florists use them to attach an arrangement of flowers to a post or other round surface. Some home brewers even use these stainless steel hose clamps for beer barrels. Hose clamps are sometimes used as heavy duty zip ties, or as a replacement for duct tape.
The list of unusual uses for this versatile product is endless. Without the proper quality and size hose clamp, however, a hose seal is at risk to leak gas, liquid, or other substances. Selecting the correct clamp for the job is the secret to a successful repair or installation.
