How Hose Clamps Help

Stainless hose clamps are the long-term version of a zip tie or length of duct tape in pipe fittings. They are used when a pipe needs to have a very tight seal onto a barb or nipple. While very commonly used in automotive and household projects, stainless hose clamps are not found where pipes contain high pressured liquids or gases; they are best for moderate pressured hoses. Stainless hose clamps are easy to use and are more professional than a makeshift seal.

If you have not had cause to handle any hose clamps before, the types of hose clamps may seem confusing at first glance. There are heavy duty hose clamps, plastic hose clamps, and others that all imply a certain specificity of purpose. Do not worry, as the actual process is incredibly simple.

First, determine the size of stainless hose clamps you need by measuring the size of the barb. While you are measuring, examine the barb for scratches, nicks, contaminations, or other blemishes that may prevent the hose from getting a tight seal. Once you have the size of the barb, find a hose clamp of the same measurement. The hose clamp will be slack enough to fit over the pipe, and then you will tighten it appropriately.

Stainless hose clamps can be adjusted in several ways. The method to use depends on the type of hose clamp. Some will have a piece of plastic to give you a thumb hold as you twist the hose clamp tight. Others, particularly the very small ones, will require you to use a wrench or screwdriver to make adjustments.

While they are a very simple and straightforward piece of equipment, hose clamps are valuable. Where a length of duct tape may slowly lose its stick and begin to sag, or a zip tie may grow brittle, a stainless hose clamp is sturdy. And best of all, they are reusable. Simply twist the adjuster counterclockwise and slip the hose clamp off, to be used for the next project.