What is an ear hose clamp?
Ear hose clamps comprise a band with one or more integrated "ears." These ears are closed using a pincer tool to create a tight, permanent, leak-proof connection at the hose fitting. Ear hose clamps are often used in demanding applications where thin walled hoses, plastics, and soft and hard rubbers are present. Other common variations of Oetiker 2 ear clamps include interlock, adjustable, and Stepless tongue-in-groove clamps to accommodate a variety of application requirements.
What is the difference between 1- and 2-Ear clamps?
Choose single ear clamps (153 Series & 154 Series), if your requirement is to achieve uniform compression around the hose / tube. But, it's recommended to go ahead with a double-ear variant (101 Series & 151 Series ear clamps) if you are dealing with materials prone to thermal expansion / contraction (for an extended clamping range).
A word of caution: Note that Oetiker ear clamps should be crimped in just a single tool stroke. Applying additional force after the first try can damage the clamp.
How do plastic hose clamps work?
Plastic hose clamps are a one-piece nylon clamp featuring a toothed, ratcheting mechanism that locks the clamp in place. The ends of these Oetiker clamps feature engineered openings with interlocking teeth. As the openings are pressed together, the teeth interlock, preventing the loosening of the clamp. To release the clamp, grasp one side of the interlocking assembly with a pair of pliers and push sideways. The teeth will slide apart and the clamp will release.
What is a quick release hose clamp?
Quick release hose clamps are similar to the common worm drive hose clamps, however, the worm screw is designed to pivot away from the clamp band to fully disengage from the perforations. During installation, the worm screw is disengaged to allow the band to be cinched down by hand. Once the desired amount of slack has been removed, the screw snaps down allowing the worm gear to mesh with the perforations in the band. The band can then be tightened using common hand tools.
Where should I use spring hose clamps?
Spring clamps, sometimes referred to as constant tension clamps, are a wide band spring steel hose clamp that provides constant pressure on fittings. The spring qualities of the clamp allow it to maintain tension as joints expand and contract with temperature fluctuations.
How do T-Bolt clamps work?
T-Bolt hose clamps, or racing clamps, are considered a quick release clamp designed with a steel band and a captive bolt T-bolt that is tightened by a hex nut. The "T" end of the bolt is secured in a loop at one end of the clamp band with the opposing end of the bolt fitted through a pivoting housing with its threads protruding out the opposite end.
The threaded end of the bolt acts as a lever, and when pivoted away from the metal band, loosens the clamp. To tighten the clamp, simply pivot the bolt down onto the clamp and secure its place by tightening the hex nut against the bolt housing.
How do screw clamps work?
Screw-style Oetiker hose clamps feature a long stainless steel band that wraps around itself as well as a screw that the installer can use to tighten the band. As the installer tightens the screw, it pulls the two ends of the band in separate directions, applying a lot of pressure. Also, their design allows screw-type hose clamps to adjust for several sizes of hose.
How to choose the right clamp?
Selection of the right Oetiker clamp depends on the nature of applications and several other factors as shown below in the chart:
- Material: It's almost a rule that the best hose clamps must be stainless steel in construction. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and resists corrosion. Heat-treated spring steel is also an option, though it's not as corrosion resistant as stainless steel. Lesser materials will rust quickly, as condensation and chemicals will hasten the oxidation. Once a clamp becomes weak enough, it can separate under pressure.
- Adjustability: Some clamps can work for several hose sizes, making them incredibly handy to keep on hand. While ear and wire clamps do offer some adjustability, the most adjustable are screw-type clamps. In general, hose clamps can offer between 1/4 to 1/2 inch of adjustability, though some might provide more. In many cases, tightening beyond that range will misshape the clamp, causing uneven pressure that could buckle the end of the hose.Also, taking a hose clamp past its usable range will affect whether you can reuse it after servicing the hose down the road.
- Compatibility: Using the right type of clamp for a particular job is important. For example, tightening a hose over a barbed fitting with several ribs is not a job for a thinner clamp; if the clamp isn't perfectly straight, it won't apply even pressure across a set of ribs-that's a recipe for a leak.
For barbed fittings, using a clamp with a flat band like a screw-type or ear clamp is best. Spring-style clamps are excellent for clamping a hose over a grooved fitting, such as a radiator fitting in a vehicle.
The hose's material doesn't matter as much as sizing the clamp properly. Forcing a clamp that's too small will cause the hose to buckle if it even works at all. Using a clamp that's too large simply won't apply enough pressure.
Which material hose clamps are the best for marine applications?
Always go for high-grade stainless steel Oetiker clamps for applications that involve dealing with highly abrasive environments.
How are Oetiker hose clamps measured?
Just measure the outside diameter of the hose. Then, make sure that the measured diameter is in the middle of the clamping range of the clamp.
Are Oetiker clamps reusable?
Certainly, selected Oetiker models like low profile, screw & profile & universal clamps are reusable.
How do you remove an Oetiker clamp?
Oetiker clamp tools like a side cutter, rotating or bowl nose cutter can be used for removing the clamp. However, rotating cutters is not recommended as they can damage the hose while cutting the clamp.
When should I replace my hose clamps?
Every 3 to 5 years, radiator hose clamps and radiator hoses should be replaced so that the engine is in proper working order. With age and use they can become brittle, swollen, or corroded. The radiator can only cool the car if the internal pressure stays high.
Can Oetiker clamps be used in high-temperature applications?
Yes, Selected Oetiker clamps can be used in high-temperature applications. Users should choose a clamp with a temperature rating suitable for the specific application while following the brand's guidelines.
Are Oetiker clamps easy to install?
Yes, Oetiker clamps are easy to install. Some clamps have a ratchet mechanism for easy tightening, while others can be tightened using pliers or a screwdriver.
