Need recommendation for single ear SS clamp kit

[monster1]

I need to replace the power steering lines in my boat that go from the power steering pump to the steering actuator. The lines came from the factory with stainless steel one ear crimp rings. I'd like to redo with the same. I just hate standard hose clamps. Please recommend a readily available kit with tool that isn't absolute junk. There are a few on Amazon, but I just don't know what I'd be getting. The home box stores sell similar for pex line. Are these the same? It would be nice to be able to use the set for that purpose purpose well.

Thanks

 

[M6erfan]

I've always used OEM Oetiker clamps. Not cheap and probably have to order them. I think you can find them on Amazon.

Avoid the ubiquitous china clamps that are all over, they're garbage. I think they are made from an alloy of recycled tinfoil and used cigarette filters.

Lowes sell an Apollo brand but I've never tried them.

 

[no704]

McMaster has SS crimp clamps in any size

 

[plinker]

+1 on OEM Oteiker. I picked up a couple smaller sets that didnt overlap much off amazon. Not terribly expensive at the time, 15-20$ IIRC. I also bought larger bags of certain sizes afterwards.

Edit,

These appear to be the sets I picked up,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X6MPQIU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017V1AU0K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[The Cobbler]

agree on the oetiker clamps

 

[monster1]

Thanks. I'll buy the oetiker clamps and a pair of Knipex crimpers. Amazon has the crimpers for less than 20 bucks.

 

[plinker]

Actually depending on how much and where you use them these may be better for crimping as they have a side jaw too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I3H6UIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use the side crimper about as much as the end crimper for automotive & small engine stuff.

 

[M6erfan]

Actually depending on how much and where you use them these may be better for crimping as they have a side jaw too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I3H6UIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use the side crimper about as much as the end crimper for automotive & small engine stuff.

These are the ones I have. Sometimes that side crimping option is a life saver.

 

[GrantCee]

Actually depending on how much and where you use them these may be better for crimping as they have a side jaw too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I3H6UIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use the side crimper about as much as the end crimper for automotive & small engine stuff.

Are these easier to use (hand-strength-wise) than the ubiquitous ratcheting type? I have a devil of a time crimping the 1" clamps.

 

[plinker]

Are these easier to use (hand-strength-wise) than the ubiquitous ratcheting type? I have a devil of a time crimping the 1" clamps.

Never used the ratcheting varity for these. It would be similar to using a Klein 1005 (or similar) crimper instead of a ratcheting crimper for electrical. Best comparison I can think of. The ear clamp is pretty well fixed as to how much force it will take but you dont have the fumbles trying to keep things lined up as with a ratcheting type tool (based on electrical work, dont see hose clamps being too different).

Never had a problem/failure crimping Oetiker clamps with either jaw on the Knipex.

 

[Jlarson]

I have an SUR&R kit in my service truck, I use them all the time. Yet to get a bad product from SUR&R.

 

[mikegt4]

I used common tile nippers to close Oetiker clamps for many years, mostly on CV joint boots that were being repacked out on the workbench. A few years ago I picked up a couple of Oetiker crimpers from Zoro, they can work from the side or straight on which really makes them much more useful for closed in areas around hoses.

Oetiker Reliable Connections

Oetiker is a global leader in high-end connecting solutions for the vehicle industry and for high-value applications in industrial segments.

oetiker.com

 

[monster1]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I got the clamps and the knipex crimpers in the mail today. I ended up not needing them for what I originally bought them for, but I repaired all my garden hoses. Lol

 

[monster1]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I got the clamps and the knipex crimpers in the mail today. I ended up not needing them for what I originally bought them for, but I repaired all my garden hoses. I have to say that this tool makes hose clamps obsolete.

 

[rlitman]

Are these easier to use (hand-strength-wise) than the ubiquitous ratcheting type? I have a devil of a time crimping the 1" clamps.

The Knipex are great on all size irrigation clamps (single or double ear), as those don't take as much force. They're also good on stepless clamps up to about 1/2". PEX rated clamps are all of the stepless type, but also often have thicker and/or wider bands for more clamping force than the normal sizes.

For 1/2" PEX, it takes me two hands to fully close with the Knipex tool, but it's still quite usable. For 3/4" PEX, I can barely close one before my hands are just worn out. You need compound leverage for 1" PEX clamps, as you're NOT closing this with the Knipex tool (which has jaws too narrow for the wider 1" bands anyway).

 

[GrantCee]

The Knipex are great on all size irrigation clamps (single or double ear), as those don't take as much force. They're also good on stepless clamps up to about 1/2". PEX rated clamps are all of the stepless type, but also often have thicker and/or wider bands for more clamping force than the normal sizes.

For 1/2" PEX, it takes me two hands to fully close with the Knipex tool, but it's still quite usable. For 3/4" PEX, I can barely close one before my hands are just worn out. You need compound leverage for 1" PEX clamps, as you're NOT closing this with the Knipex tool (which has jaws too narrow for the wider 1" bands anyway).

Thanks - exactly what I needed to know!