Hose Clamps

[Minuit]

I'll be un-deleting my heater control valve very soon, and I felt like this was a good time to ask.

 

I have not had a good record with worm drive hose clamps (most of the ones I've used tend to come loose when they feel like it), and it's enough of a concern that I'm strongly considering going back to the original spring-type clamps. I have some of my old ones, but I'd have to buy a few. Before I try and track down some of the OEM clamps, I was wondering if anyone on here had an informed opinion on the matter. What hose clamps do you guys like? My absolute top priority is reliability. Ease of use is secondary, and OEM appearance is a definite plus.

[Jeep Driver]

Tbolt clamps are the best by far..........finding the size you need is another story. 

 

I prefer the spring clamps and I've asked parts stores about availability...........none............maybe a dealer item or scour the JY. 

 

I agree, standard parts store clamps are garbage......that said-

 

I got a couple of Earl's ends for braided SS hoses, the worm/screw clamps are top notch, real nice like they used to be. So, somewhere somebody still makes good ones. 

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

THESE are my personal favorites. Found them on my old 85 BJ73 Land Cruiser. Not sure if you can find them, but worth a search at least. They are easy to deal with, and I have never had one fail on that 3B engine.

 

A brief search showed several auctions on eBay, so you should be able to find some if you are interested.

[Pete M]

I realize this isn't a direct answer to your Q, but on the topic of clamps the best "traditional style" band clamps I've found were available at Lowes.  fully stainless and decent quality.   just an fyi for anyone reading this thread.   never buy regular clamps from an auto store.

[DirtyComanche]

21 minutes ago, Pete M said:

I realize this isn't a direct answer to your Q, but on the topic of clamps the best "traditional style" band clamps I've found were available at Lowes.  fully stainless and decent quality.   just an fyi for anyone reading this thread.   never buy regular clamps from an auto store.

 

Yeah, if you want worm clamps go fully stainless and get them from a hardware store.  Most other places have crappy plated ones that will rust out or strip in a hurry.

 

If you want spring clamps autoparts stores should have them, find a counter guy that knows what he's doing.

 

I generally run worm clamps but admit that spring clamps are better in ideal conditions (new hoses and undamaged fittings).  Buy a pair of Knipex Cobra Pliers to make removal and install of them easy.

[mjeff87]

6 hours ago, DirtyComanche said:

 

If you want spring clamps autoparts stores should have them, find a counter guy that knows what he's doing.

 

 

 

Maybe for you up in the Canada....but not for me anywhere around here unless you are looking for tiny little ones for small engine gas lines.  I even had parts guys look at me like I had 3 heads as I tried to explain to them what I was looking for.  I pull mine from the junkyards when I go for something else.

 

Spring clamps are actually designed to work best with cooling system hoses, or any hose that expands and contracts.  As the hose warms up/expands, it actually makes the clamp tighter.

[75sv1]

I buy some of the worm drive ones from an Import Auto Parts place. Real hole in the wall. They are much better. I remember the sides being bent up, so it doesn't cut into the hose. I think European made.