Hose Clamps 101

Just like there are different types of valves and hose nozzles, there are also different types of hose clamps. Let’s take a look at the most common types of hose clamps Dixon offers, their features, and applications.

Overview

Hose clamps are a device used to attach and seal a hose onto a fitting. They are essential for maintaining a connection by preventing the hose from slipping off the fitting. Hose clamps come in various designs and sizes, each suited for different applications and hose types. 

Hose Clamp Applications

Hose clamps are used across a variety of industries including agriculture, automotive, and industrial. In the agricultural industry, hose clamps have to withstand harsh environmental conditions and heavy use to connect irrigation hoses and other equipment. For the automotive industry, clamps secure fuel lines, coolant hoses, and air intake systems to ensure contents remain contained and systems operate efficiently. Manufacturing and processing plants use industrial hose clamps to connect various hoses to machinery and equipment, playing a key role in maintaining safety and efficiency.  

Types of Hose Clamps

There are six main types of hose clamps: band, bolt, ear, spiral, T-bolt, and worm gear.  Band Clamps

Band clamps are suitable for large-diameter hose and are often used in agricultural and industrial applications. When using more than one band clamp the clamps should be offset around the hose by at least 90°, preferably 180°. This helps distribute the clamping force more evenly and to help prevent potential line leaks under the buckles. A band clamp hand tool is used for application.

Bolt Clamps

Bolt clamps, available in both single and double bolt styles, are designed to bend while tightening. The bolts bend around the hose when it reaches the recommended torque rating, and the clamp halves conform to the shape of the hose while tightening. Bolt clamps are for single use only; they cannot be reused.

Ear Clamps

Also called pinch-on clamps, ear clamps are single-use clamps crimped onto a hose using special tools. They provide a tight, permanent seal and are ideal for applications where the clamp will not need to be removed.

Spiral Clamps

Spiral clamps are used on convoluted cover hose. The wire drops into the groove of the convoluted cover for secure clamping. The helix spirals on the hose can wind clockwise or counterclockwise.

T-Bolt Clamps

T-bolt clamps get their name from the T-bolt that is used with a hex nut to tighten the clamp. These clamps provide a strong, uniform seal and can be reused.  

Worm Gear Clamps

Worm gear clamps are another common type of clamp. They feature a slotted band and screw mechanism. When the screw is turned it tightens the clamp around the hose providing a secure grip. Worm gear clamps are ideal in applications where the hose may need to be removed often as the screw mechanism allows for easy adjustment or tightening.

Choosing the Right Hose Clamp

Selecting the proper hose clamp involves considering several factors.

Application: Different clamps are designed to meet different needs, so consider the specific requirements such as pressure, temperature, and exposure to chemicals.

Material: What material is best suited for the application? Clamps are typically offered in stainless steel and galvanized steel. Stainless steel is preferred for its strength and resistance to corrosion, especially in harsh environments.

Size: The clamp must fit the hose diameter correctly. If the clamp is too large or too small it will not provide a secure seal.

 Installation and Removal: Will the clamp need to be removed? Some clamps are easy to install and remove, while others are single use only.  

Dixon Clamps

Dixon offers a variety of clamps to meet your needs.

Dixon Band Clamps

Center Punch Band Clamps: Pre-formed F-Series and Open End FO-Series

Information

• Install with center punch tools F1, F38, F40, and F100; other manufacturers' punch style tools may also be used
• Sold in package quantities only

K-Series Universal Preformed Band Clamp

Information

• Can be center-punched or rolled over
• Tool options include Fast-Lok™: F1, F40, F100, page 487 in DPL424
• Sold in package quantities only

Smooth ID Center Punch Band Clamp

Information

• Double-wrapped and locked with the conical punch of the F100 tool
• Unique dimple design offers excellent sealing strength while maintaining radial compression
• Heavy buckle provides optimal holding power
• Ideal for thin wall hose
• Low profile
• Sold in package quantities only

Pow'r Tight® Band Clamp

Information

• Heavy-duty buckle and double-wrapped to provide optimal holding power
• Smooth seal design for gap-free contact
• 3/4” band width
• 0.030” band thickness
• Sold in package quantities only

Roll-Over Type Smooth ID Band Clamp

Information

• Provide a uniform, gap-free inside diameter and strong holding power
• Install with roll-over type clamp tools and most common band clamp tools such as the 51960 and 51970 band tools
• Sold in package quantities only

Dixon Bolt Clamps

Double Bolt Clamp: With Saddles and Without Saddles

Information

• Inner surface has dual gripping ridges
• Bolt lugs are reinforced to prevent bending out of alignment
• Saddles available to accommodate larger sizes

Dixon Ear Clamps

Oetiker^® DualHook Adjustable Ear Clamp

Information

• Tongue-in-groove design: provides Stepless® feature for the whole adjustable range and a smooth sliding into the recess
• Optimized interlock design: three dual hooks provide extra high force
• Waved band edge with dimples: enhances band strength and avoids the risk of breakage
• The recommended maximum closing force is 3800 Newtons
• Sold in package quantities only

Oetiker Stepless® Ear Clamp

Information

• Once installed and clamped, tampering is easily visible
• Clamps are not reusable; they should not be pried open, doing so renders the clamp nonfunctional
• Smooth inner band prevents damage to the hose while the tongue-in-groove design provides a 360° seal
• No steps or gaps inside the clamp
• Built-in spring action permits the clamp to breathe without loosening
• Sold in package quantities only

Pinch-On Double Ear Clamp

Information

• When ordering double ear clamps, select nominal clamp size nearest to, but always larger than, the O.D. of material to be clamped after insert has been fitted
• Sold in package quantities only

Pinch-On Single Ear Clamp

Information

• Band width: .275"
• Band thickness: .030"
• Sold in package quantities only

Dixon Spiral Clamps

Clockwise and Counterclockwise

Information

• More than one clamp may be needed per size; contact the hose manufacturer for more information
• Due to fluctuations in the O.D. of hose each individual installation should be checked
• To determine which style clamp is needed for your hose look at the end of the hose; if the helix spirals in a clockwise direction away from you (along the hose), a clockwise clamp is needed. If the helix spirals in a counterclockwise direction away from you, a counterclockwise clamp is needed.

Dixon T-Bolt Clamps

Heavy Duty T-Bolt Clamp

Information

• 7/8" wide, .040" thick
• Can be applied with a standard 1/2" socket wrench
• Not for use with pneumatic tools

T-Bolt Clamp and Long Bolt T-Bolt Clamp

Information

• 3/4" wide, .025" thick
• Can be applied with a standard 7/16" socket wrench
• Not for use with pneumatic tools

Dixon Worm Gear Clamps

Dixon Worm Gear Clamp
 

Information

• Four-piece construction
• Maximum recommended torque 50 in. lbs.
• All clamps sold 10 per box

Miniature Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• Maximum recommended torque 15 in. lbs.
• All clamps sold 10 per box

Aero-Seal® Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• Four-piece construction
• Saddle interlocks into embossed band to form a true concentric circle
• Slotted hex head screw design
• Heat-treated screws have buttress thread type
• Suggested installation torque 30-42 in. lbs.; maximum recommended torque 60 in. lbs.
• All clamps sold 10 per box 

Marine Grade Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• Three-piece construction
• 316 marine grade stainless steel : band, screw, and housing
• Suggested installation torque 30-42 in. lbs.; maximum recommended torque 60 in. lbs.
• Torque ratings correspond to the torque rating of the screw of the clamp and are not an indication of the working pressure of any hose assembly installed with this clamp
• All clamps sold 10 per box

Aero-Seal® Liner Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• The integral extension of the band as a liner (no rivets or welds) protects soft-surface hose (silicone and others) from damage caused by extrusion or shearing through the band slots
• All clamps sold 10 per box

Constant Torque Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• A patented Belleville spring mechanism permits the clamp to automatically increase or decrease its own diameter due to changes in operational or environmental temperatures

HTM Hi Torque Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• Withstands more than three times the SAE torque requirements for worm-driven clamps Eight screw threads are engaged in the band simultaneously for incredible torquing drive (over 90 in. lbs.), sealing pressure, and vibration resistance
• Slotted hex head screw design
• Torque ratings correspond to the torque rating of the screw of the clamp and are not an indication of the working pressure of any hose assembly installed with this clamp

Quick Release Worm Gear Clamp

Information

• Suggested installation torque 25-35 in. lbs., maximum recommended torque 50 in. lbs.
• Torque ratings correspond to the torque rating of the screw of the clamp and are not an indication of the working pressure of any hose assembly installed with this clamp

Summary

Hose clamps may be small components but they play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and safety of fluid transfer systems. Understanding the different types of hose clamps and their applications is important to ensure you always have The Right Connection®. For more information or recommendations on hose clamps for your specific application, visit dixonvalve.com or call 877.963.4966.