Next time you find yourself in need of a hose clamp, do yourself a favor and buy an all stainless steel hose clamp. Whether you’re using it for a quick home plumbing repair or applying it to your car or boat, a stainless steel hose clamp is a surefire way to get the tight seal between barb and hose you need with the non-corrosive and heavy duty strength of stainless steel.
Why you should use a stainless steel hose clamp
Almost everyone has heard of stainless steel. It’s become a popular component in our homes from kitchens to bathrooms to the garage and beyond. The reason for this is two-fold.
Stainless steel is made with an invisible layer of chromium oxide over its surface. This layer protects the stainless steel hose clamp from stains and, more importantly, it helps prevent corrosion. Stainless steel is also resistant to heat and chemical damage. The other major benefit to a stainless steel hose clamp is its high strength-to-weight ratio. High-strength duplex grades of stainless hose clamps can provide incredible holding power for minimal weight.
Those environmentally-conscious among us will be happy to hear that as an added bonus, stainless steel made in the U.S. is 100% recyclable. So why choose a stainless steel hose clamp? Because you get strength without unnecessary weight, resistance to corrosion, heat, and chemical damage, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re being kind to our environment.
Types of stainless hose clamps
Three common varieties of hose clamps that come in stainless steel are the screw or band stainless steel hose clamp, the spring stainless steel hose clamp, and the ear stainless steel hose clamp.
- Screw hose clamps
Most commonly used as temporary or emergency fixes, screw hose clamps have a stainless steel band with a screw thread pattern. At one end of the band is a captive screw. As the clamp is put around the hose, the loose end of the stainless steel hose clamp is fed through the narrow space between the band and this captive screw. Turning the screw then pulls the threads of the bands tight around the hose. To loosen a screw hose clamp, simply turn the screw in the opposite direction.
Typically large hose clamps, screw clamps are often used for pipes and hoses that are at least 1/2 inch in diameter. It’s important to watch out for screw clamps labeled as “stainless” but which are sold with non-stainless screws. To ensure you’re getting a fully stainless steel hose clamp, look for one labeled as “all stainless,” as opposed to just “stainless.” You can verify if the screw is stainless simply by looking at it, too. A stainless steel screw will be silver, not yellowish in color. - Spring hose clamps
Not all spring clamps are made of stainless steel. The type of steel used will depend on the grade of spring steel, so buyer beware. A spring hose clamp is cut so that a narrow protrusion extends from one end and a pair of protrusions extends from the other. To apply a spring hose clamp, tabs on these protrusions are squeezed, increasing the diameter of the clamp ring. While extended the clamp is threaded over the hose or pipe and then the springs are released. - Ear hose clamps
Like screw hose clamps, ear clamps have a stainless steel band. Instead of screws, however, this stainless steel hose clamp has “ears.” These ears are used to tighten the band around the hose or pipe with the help of special pincer tools. When the ears are closed, they permanently deform the clamp. Ear hose clamps can’t be easily unscrewed the way screw hose clamps can. This could be a benefit or detriment, depending on the job you’re using a stainless steel hose clamp for. Ear hose clamps can be found with dimples, enabling a spring-like effect around a hose or tube that contracts or expands.
Conclusion
A stainless steel hose clamp is a thing of beauty. With the functionality of a hose clamp and the strength and durability of stainless steel, you can’t go wrong. Whether you need to clamp a hose in your boat or provide a quick seal on a home plumbing emergency, “all stainless” is the way to go.