When you are installing a hose, you have to select the perfect hose clamp so that the hose stays in its place accurately. There are different sizes of hose clamps available, and choosing the correct size is not an easy job when you do not have enough knowledge about hose clamp size.
In this article, we will illustrate hose clamp size through an elaborate chart so that you can decide which size of hose clamp you need.
What is a Hose Clamp?
A hose clamp is a device that you use to attach a hose into a perfect fitting. For example, you use a hose clamp to attach a hose to a pipe, a tube, or any such fitting for that matter. A hose clamp is also known as a hose lock as it keeps the hose secure in its place. It is also referred to as a hose clip. You need a nut driver or a socket wrench to tighten a hose clamp onto a hose.
Due to its secure placement, it is widely used in the construction and automotive industry. A hose clamp can withdraw high pressure and adverse weather conditions to the maximum extent.
Hose Clamp Size Chart –
There are mainly three types of hose clamps available in the market. They are miniature worm-drive hose clamps, standard word-drive hose clamps, and full-size worm-drive hose clamps. We are going to discuss every type and provide you with a size chart for a better understanding. Here is the complete size chart.
Miniature Worm-Drive Hose Clamp –
These clamps are also called micro hose clamps. You can say they are generally made of stainless steel while the screws could be zinc-plated steel. The sizes of hose clamps are determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers and they are accepted worldwide.
Standard Word-Drive Hose Clamp –
These clamps are most commonly used in hose installation. However, these are not suitable for soft hoses. There are different variants available based on materials such as marine-grade hose clamps and corrosion-resistant hose clamps. Here is the complete size chart.
Full-Size Worm-Drive Hose Clamp –
When you have the large surface area to cover, the full-size clamps are the most preferred. They are popular in industrial usage as well as automotive construction. Here is the complete size chart.
What is the Size of the Hose Clamp I Need?
Now that you know the size chart of hose clamps, you have to decide which one to opt for. Here are the steps to determine the size of the hose clamp you need.
- Install the hose to the pipe. Make sure that the hose gets installed perfectly because the size of the hose is essential for the size of the clamp.
- Measure the external diameter of hose(external edges) with a ruler or tape measure.
- Check the size charts and select the one so that your measured diameter falls in the range of the hose clamp. This means the diameter of the hose has to be higher than the min diameter of clamp hose but lesser than the max diameter of clamp.
For example, if you measure the diameter of the hose as 4.5 inches, you have to select a full-size hose clamp, and the size should be 72 whose diameter is 4” to 5” and the diameter of the hose falls in between.
How Does the Hose Clamp Size Work?
You might be wondering why there is a clamp range for the diameter of the hose. This is because a clamp is adjustable, and that is why you have a minimum size and a maximum size. The hose diameter should never be at the extremes of the clamp size. This means if the diameter of the hose is equal to any clamp range minimum or maximum value, you should not select. You should select a hose clamp whose range engulfs the diameter of the clamp so that the fitting is comfortable and long-lasting.
Conclusion
Selecting the size of the hose clamp is not rocket science. You have to first choose the hose perfectly so that it fits in the pipe comfortably. Thereafter, measure the external diameter of the hose and select the hose clamp whose range covers the external diameter of the hose perfectly.
