There are many types of clamps available for securing hoses, both for the aviation industry and other applications. How do you know whether you need embossed clamps, a heavy-duty hose clamp, an adjustable hose clamp, or some other type? And how do you make sure you have a reliable clamp? Here’s what you need to know to choose the best one:
What Are Clamps?
A hose clamp attaches to a hose and seals it onto a fitting, like a barb or a nipple. most hose clamps can only be used under moderate amounts of pressure, such as what would typically be found in automotive or home application. Hose clamps for emergencies and aviation clamps may be made to higher specifications.
What Types Of Clamps Work Best With a Silicone Hose?
For a silicone hose, the double wire screw, mini screw, worm drive, and double wire spring clamps are particularly effective.
What Is the Most Reliable Clamp To Use with PVC Hard Hose?
The worm drive, mini screw, and worm drive super torque clamps work best when using a hard hose.
What Clamps Work Best with PVC Helix Wire Reinforced Hose?
The most reliable clamp for this type of hose will be the bolt and barrel clamp, the double wire screw, or the worm drive super torque clamp.
What Works Best with the Rubber Flat Hose?
For this type of hose, use the bolt and barrel clamp or the metal tie style clamp.
How to Choose the Right Diameter
Since hose clamps come in such a wide variety of diameters is crucial that you choose the correct size for your hose. There are three important steps to follow when determining the diameter you will need:
- Measure the outside diameter. Because there will be expansion when the hose is pushed onto a pipe fitting, it is important to measure the diameter of the hose only after it has been placed.
- Check the dynamic range. After measuring the outside diameter of the hose as it is fitted onto a pipe, follow-up by measuring the dynamic range of the hose clamp you hope to use. Make sure that it can be tightened to the necessary size. Be sure to allow for the fact that the hose itself will compress.
- Choose a midrange diameter. This is the ideal. You want a required diameter close to the middle of the hose clamp’s range. this is not always possible, however, in which case it is a good idea to get sample sizes and test them in order to determine the correct compression.
Other Important Considerations
Remember that if a rubber hose is too thick, it may require a compensating clamp that can adjust shrinkage that will take place over time while still maintaining the necessary compression. it’s also important to make sure that the barbs be free of any contamination, scratches, or nicks in order to ensure a good seal with the hose. Finally, bear in mind that a stuck hose needs to be removed by methods other than cutting or slitting. Doing so could leave a scratch on the barb that will cause leakage later.
Hose clamps are essential to providing temporary fixes to damaged pipes in an emergency or simply making it possible to do a repair at all. If you do not choose a reliable clamp with the correct quality, the integrity of the seal will be at risk and liquids, gases, or other substances may be released. Take the time to make sure you have a reliable clamp that is properly sized and suited to the job at hand.