Everyone needs hose clamps in their toolbox. The hose clip is elevated duct tape–it’s typically used to repair car and plumbing hoses, but can be used for a wide variety of things. A handy person can use them to construct models, assemble highway signs, mount antennas, and more. With dozens of different types of hose clamps, you could use a different model every day for a month and never repeat yourself. However, you should become acquainted with the three most common hose repair clamps, how they’re designed, and how they are best used.
Screw or Worm Drive Clamps
The screw hose clamp is your best bet if you’re fixing a damaged pipe during an emergency. They’re made of either a galvanized or stainless-steel band, and you can use them on a hose with a diameter of a half inch or more. If you need to create a longer, reliable clamp, several screw or worm drive clamps can be screwed together to make a longer clamp. These worm drive clamps are the recommended hose clamps for plumbing problems. Simple screw clamps, by contrast, are often used for non-plumbing related repairs.
Spring Clamp
The spring clamp is the simplest model, consisting of a single strip of metal that is bent into a cylinder or loop. Experts recommend using a spring clamp to tighten a hose that is in a confined space. For example, many automotive hose clamps are simple spring steel clamps bent into loops.
Wire Clamps
Wire clamps are designed to provide even pressure on all sides of a hose. This is also particularly common in automotive hose clamps: a nut is attached to one end of the wire, and a screw is attached to the other. When the screw is tightened, the ends of the wire come together, providing a tight and even seal.
When in doubt, you can consult with an expert at the home ware store or read online forums to be sure you have the best model. It’s always a good idea to keep some hose clamps for plumbing problems on hand, so you’re never caught off-guard by a plumbing emergency.