What is a Hose Clamp and How Does it Work?

What is a Hose Clamp?

A hose clamp is designed to secure a hose over a fitting, by clamping the hose  down, it prevents the fluid in the hose leaking at the connection. Popular attachments include anything from car engines to bathroom fittings. However, hose clamps can be used in a variety of different industries in order to secure the transportation of products, liquids, gases and chemicals.

There are four overarching categories of hose clamp; screw/band, spring, wire and ear. Each different hose clamp is used depending on the type of hose in question and the attachment at the end.

Jubilee Hose Clips; an incredibly popular type of hose clamp

As one of the most regularly used hose accessories, questions surrounding the use of hose clamps are frequent and plentiful. The following guide will explain, the different types of hose clamps available, their uses, and how to care for your clamps. The different industries in which hose clamps are utilised will also be touched upon, answering all of your hose clamp questions in the process!

Please bear in mind that this article we will focus on screw/band clamps in particular, as they are one of the most common types of hose clamp. Therefore, the following information will be mainly concerning this clamp specifically.

How Do Hose Clamps Work?

1. A hose clamp is firstly attached to the edge of a hose.
2. This edge of the hose is then placed around a chosen object.
3. The clamp now needs to be tightened, securing the hose in place and ensuring that nothing from inside the hose can escape.

In general, screw/band hose clamps tend not to be used for ultra high-pressure scenarios, but instead are used frequently in lower-pressure environments, as well as when a quick fix is needed, especially within the home. That said, numerous industries utilise them, including the automotive, agriculture and marine industries.

A Heavy Duty Hose Clamp

What are the Different Types of Hose Clamps?

To fully understand how screw/band hose clamps work, we must look at the different types available. The most popular are the following;

1. Jubilee Clips; Also referred to as worm drive hose clips, Jubilee clips (named after the Jubilee brand) were the very first worm drive hose clip created, made in 1921. Extremely popular due to their simplicity, effectiveness and versatility, jubilee clips are ideal for fixing flexiblehoses to solid fittings. For more information on what is a jubilee clip, please read our informative blog post.
2. Heavy Duty Hose Clamps; Heavy duty hose clamps, or Superclamps, do exactly what they say on the tin! Ideally suited to heavier-duty scenarios, heavy duty hose clamps are the strongest hose clamps on the market and are ideal for more difficult applications.
3. O Clips; The most economical form of hose clamp, O Clips work perfectly for the assembly of simple hoses, carrying air and fluid only. They are more flexible with their fitting than other hose clamps, as well as tamper-proof.

All of the above come in a range of sizes, diameters and materials, to suit your specific hose needs.

A hose clamp is firstly attached to the edge of a hose. This edge of the hose is then placed around a chosen object, and the clamp tightened, securing the hose into place, and ensuring that nothing from inside the hose can escape.

In general, screw/band hose clamps tend  not to be used for ultra high- pressure scenarios, but instead are used frequently in lower-pressure environments, as well as when a quick fix is needed, especially within the home. That said, numerous industries utilise them, including the automotive, agriculture and marine industries.

An O Clip; the most economical hose clamp

Is There a Hose Clamp Alternative?

Although there isn’t a specific hose clamp alternative, hose clamps do often get categorised as hose clips. Whilst the term ‘clamp’ hails from the UK, ‘clip’ is more commonly used by the rest of the world, despite referring to the exact same product. The terms have therefore become increasingly interchangeable over time, causing ample confusion in the process.

On the subject of alternatives however, a few surprising alternative functions for hose clamps do exist! Particular favourites of ours include; fixing bike lights, changing the focus on DSLR cameras, and even as quirky DIY jewellery and home décor.

Caring for your Hose Clamp

1. Don’t over tighten your clamps, as this can cause serious pressure problems later on.

2. As hose clamps come in a range of sizes, make sure your chosen clamps are not too big. Whilst too-large clamps may potentially still do the job just fine, they can be both aesthetically displeasing, as well as pose a safety risk.

3. Finally, quality is key; be sure not to scrimp on your hose clamps and their installation if you want to guarantee durability.

Now that you know exactly what a hose clamp is, the different types and their uses, feel free to browse our selection of hose clamps and clips today!

Alternatively, keep reading our blog for additional hose guides and information, such as which hose you should choose for your industry, and how to connect hoses together.

If you have any further questions regarding hose clamps, or any other hose accessories, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and an expert member of our team will gladly advise you further.