Hose clamp sizes and types
While using hose clamps, you need to select the size depending on the diameter of the hose you are using on the fitting or pipeline. Typically, by hose clamp size we understand the diameter range of using a hose clamp. There is a wide range of hose clamp sizes used on various applications and among these 6 mm to 38 mm is the most used size range. Meanwhile, there are different clamps like spring clamp, worm clamp, or wire clamp used for different purposes.
What is a hose clamp
A hose clamp is a locking mechanism that is used to prevent the leakage of water, oil, or any fluid from a fitting or pipeline. After measuring the diameter of the hose, which is going to be fitted on the application, the user chooses the right size of a clamp that accommodates the hose.
A hose clamp is mainly used to seal the leakage in any connection and make the connection secure. However, the new users do the mistake of choosing the adequate size of a clamp for the intended application. If you select the wrong size, there will be no proper connection and it will not stop the gas or liquid leakage anyway.
Different sizes of hose clamp
As I said earlier, most new users make mistakes in choosing the right size of a hose clamp, because they don’t know how to choose the right size. I think, first of all, you need to know about the different sizes of hose clamps and this will make you understand, what size of clamp you need to choose for your purpose. Then you need to measure the diameter of the hose and select a clamp that falls in this diameter change.
I’m here to give you a proper idea regarding the different sizes of hose clamps. But before going deep into the size, I would like to make two primary categories of the clamps depending on their work.
Miniature series hose clamps
As the name indicates, hose clamps in this category are used in applications with small diameters, such as air, fluid, or fuel lines. They come with a smaller diameter and this small size allows the user to use them in enclosed or narrow places.
According to the SAE specifications, the diameter of hose clamps in this series ranges from 7/32 inches to 1 3/4 inches or you can customize the diameter according to your need. The bands of these clamps are 5/16 inches wide and there are ¼ inches slotted hex head screws used in the clamps.
Standard series hose clamps
Hose clamps in this category are used mostly and they have a wide size range as well. If you are looking for clamps to use in motor vehicles or industrial applications, you should look forward to standard series hose clamps.
Clamps in this category meet or exceed the specifications of SAE. As it has a wide range of sizes, the minimum diameter of this type of clamp is 3/8 inches and the maximum diameter is 8 7/16 inches. Hose clamps in this category come with ½ inches wide bands and they have 5/16 inches slotted head hex screws.
Except for these two primary categories, seven common diameters are used for industrial purposes or to prevent leakage of gas and liquid.
6-12 mm
In this diameter range, mainly users use mini-series hose clamps. These are great for preventing any kind of fluid or gas leakage.
10-16 mm
In confined places like this diameter, mini-series clamps are a perfect choice. You can seal the gas line or pipeline securely by using these.
13-19 mm
Both standard and miniature series hose clamps are useable in this diameter range.
16-25 mm
You will find this diameter mostly in industrial applications, but they are not on the bigger side.
19-29 mm
This diameter is typically found in larger applications in industrial areas or vehicles.
18-32 mm
The same saying goes for this diameter range.
21-38 mm
Among all the common diameter of the application and hose, this is the largest and you need to choose a standard series hose clamp always for this.
Are you still confused about selecting the right size of hose clamps? Then, let’s make it crystal clear for you guys with a size chart.
Hose clamp series | Size | Diameter range (mm) | |
Minimum | Maximum | ||
Miniature series | 4 | 6 | 16 |
5 | 8 | 17.5 | |
6 | 11 | 20 | |
Standard series | 8 | 13 | 23 |
10 | 14 | 27 | |
12 | 17 | 32 | |
16 | 21 | 38 | |
20 | 21 | 44 | |
24 | 27 | 51 | |
28 | 33 | 57 | |
32 | 40 | 64 | |
36 | 46 | 70 | |
40 | 52 | 76 | |
44 | 59 | 83 | |
48 | 65 | 89 | |
52 | 71 | 95 | |
56 | 78 | 102 | |
60 | 84 | 108 | |
64 | 91 | 114 | |
72 | 105 | 127 | |
80 | 117 | 140 | |
88 | 130 | 152 | |
96 | 143 | 165 | |
104 | 156 | 178 | |
128 | 143 | 216 | |
152 | 181 | 254 | |
188 | 238 | 311 | |
What types of hose clamps are available
Depending on their design and usability, there are mainly four types of hose clamps.
Screw clamp
It is also known as band or worm wear clamp. It is mainly used in marine or water industries to fasten the pipes and ensure a leakage-free connection. After fastening the clamp, it will look like a worm around the pipe. That's why it is named worm wear clamp and it is also known as band or screw clamp.
Wire clamp
If you need strong clamping, you should go for wire clamps. These clamps are made from bent steel and you can tighten the fastening of the connection by inserting a screw into it. Besides, there are eyelids on both sides of the clamp.
Ear clamp
It is named after the human ears because the ear clamp mechanism looks like a human ear. The clamp secures the connection permanently. Once you have attached it, the mechanism is deformed and it becomes incapable of reuse.
Spring clamp
This type of clamp features springing back for use in coolant hoses and engines. As a user, you need to use pliers to attach the clamp to the hose for making a secured and well-fitted connection.
What is used to remove the hose clamp
The task of removing the hose clamp from the secured connection becomes much easier when you use a pair of hose clamp pliers. Normal pliers will not go well in the confined places to remove the clamp from the hose, but hose clamp pliers will go.
- To remove the clamp, you need to ensure that there is no pressure or fluid remaining inside the hose.
- Then lock the clamp using the locking mechanism of the pliers’ cable.
- At last, unlock the clamp by pressing the pliers on it and then remove the hose by twisting it.
Materials used to construct hose clamp
The hose clamp you are choosing needs to be long-lasting, especially when you are using them for industrial purposes. High-quality clamps are made of steel or iron, some clamps are also made of cadmium plating. However, premium-quality 304 stainless steel is the most commonly used materials. It will definitely perform better than 201 stainless steel material. Meanwhile, some manufacturer uses 400 stainless steel materials to construct the screw part.
Concluding words
I don’t think you will have problems finding the right size of hose clamps anymore if you have read the article carefully enough.
