Finding the right adjustable hose clamp is important to being able to eliminate risk of gas, liquid or other substances leaking in or around your home. There are many different types of hose clamps available depending on what you need it for. They come in different materials, however stainless steel is the most popular due to its strength although iron and silicone hose clamps are common also. Finding an adjustable hose clamp that works for you shouldn’t be to hard of a challenge. You simply need to find the correct material and size for your project. Most hardware stores will carry a variety and shapes and sizes, making it easy for you to be able to get what you need.
Adjustable hose clamps are typically used for moderate pressures like what is found in automotive projects and home applications. Larger hose sizes would be needed for higher pressures so the clamp would need to be able to withstand any kind of expansion without letting the hose slide off or leak. Compression fittings are more usually used in these types of situations.
They are also sometimes used for non conventional projects just as a permanent version of duct tape if a tightening band proves to be more useful than tape. Mostly, adjustable hose clamps are used for plumbing necessities but the clamps can be seen doing everything from mounting signs to holding together home repairs.
It’s very common to use adjustable hose clamps for DIY projects nowadays. Mason jars are commonly hung using the clamps to squares of plywood for a rustic flowerpot or herb garden. There are even tutorials of how to hang them in bathrooms to hold cotton buds, toothbrushes or other bathroom necessities. They are quite versatile and have been found useful in many different areas instead of just plumbing.
However, if you want to stick to the traditional use for a hose clamp then you’ll need to understand that one of the fundamental aspirations for the hose clamp is to make sure that there is an extremely tight seal between the hose and barb. This prevents fluid from leaking through until the pipe or hose can be replaced entirely. Sometimes, plumbers will put this clamps onto pipes, even if they are not broken in order to reinforce their strength and cause them to last longer. The pressure then builds up in the clamp which can be easily replaced instead of on the pipe.
If you choose not to use a hose clamp for whatever reason then push fit fittings or another option. This is when the hose is put inside a compression sleeve to force the sleeve to tighten when force is applied. Swage fittings are more of a stiff collar that is compressed onto the hose. Clamp fitting are simply two blocks the get tightened to either end of the hose such as are often found on garden hoses. Crimp banding and a whole slew of other types of clamps are also available, so you are not limited to simply one hose clamp.
Whatever you are using the hose clamp for, know that even though it does feel bendy and flexible, the whole contraption is a very sturdy and strong piece of a equipment that can withstand a lot of pressure and weight, when necessary. Knowing which clamp to use where is important, however, because size does play a big part in the efficiency of the clamp. The hardware store worker should be able to help you out with answers to those types of questions, should you be unsure about the size of clamp you will be needing. Having said that, the best way to ensure that you are using the correct type and size clamp is to simply hire a professional plumber to come in and do the work for you. Many times we try to DIY our way through life and if we are 100% efficient in our work, we end up spending more money and time by doing it ourselves and then hiring someone to come in and fix our work than if we had just called an expert in the first place. Make sure you know what you are doing before you get started, and if in doubt, call a professional.
