hose clamps

[uhcrandy]

Hey guys, what is the vote on hose clamps? When I take a "constant pressure" clamp off, do I replace it or put a new worm drive clamp? I have a buket of old "tower clamps" (I think thats the name). Did they work well?
Let the battle begin!!!

Thanks

Randy

[RickP330]

This has been discussed before and there has been alot of good banter on the subject. I'm looking forward to whats brought up. If I recall correctly it was either Goodyear or Gates that has a technical bulletin on there website about the subject.

Tower clamps and worm clamps are esentially the same thing - "constant pressure". spring clamps will provide constant tension even if the rubber compresses....

RickP

[Merkava_4]

Constant Tension clamps are superior to worm clamps, but they require you to spend money on special pliers.

[chammyman]

or just use pliers/molegrips to put them on or off

[uhcrandy]

dont the constant tension clamps loose strength over time?

[krusty the clown]

dont the constant tension clamps loose strength over time?

ford has had quite a few problems with them failing. not from loosing strength but cracking and loosing tension.

[Fedwrench]

Constant pressure hose clamps do a great job when new. However, after all of the countless heat up and cool down cycles from driving thousands of miles, they can become brittle and fail or weaken. Additionally, people tend not to replace hoses or clamps as a maintenance item. Just like people let Dexcool sit in their car forever, hoses and clamps stay until there's a problem. Then there is the low bidder concept. Not all hose clamps are equal in quality but, it's usually the lowest price clamp that wins. There are crappy low end worm drive clamps too. manufacturer's have also tried to save a few cents on hose clamps. Some models require very little effort to compress while others almost break your cable operated clamp pliers. I would use constant pressure clamps when replacing hoses if that's what came on the vehicle. A quality worm drive clamp is good and has been around forever but, they rely on the hose to stretch and contract with temperature changes which may weaken the hose at the clamp over the period of a few years or so. Your results may vary.:beer:

[v8garage]

I personally hate the spring clamps and always thought they were just a cheap and easy way for the auto manufacturers to use on the assembly line.:( I always chunk them and replace them with :bowdown:Gates worm drive clamps.:thumbup: I have a display rack that holds nine different sizes. I keep it stocked so I always have the right size at hand.:)

[speed bump]

Its all about zip ties.