Types of Hose Clamps Available

Hose clamps are a useful little tool to have on hand if you have an outdoor hose or irrigation system. Designed to act as a seal to prevent fluid leaks, hose clamps secure the hose over a fitting such as a spigot or barb and stabilize the hose connection. There are a variety of different size clamps available depending on your specific needs and the requirements of your system. DripWorks carries a wide range of hose clamps, including the traditional stainless hose clamps and the newer crimping clamps that give a more secure fit. Read on to learn more about the different types of hose clamps available for your irrigation system.

Common Types of Clamps

There is a range of hose clamps available for your specific needs. Though each type serves a similar purpose, they function a bit differently. Fortunately, most clamps are easy to install, even for novices.

Stainless Hose Clamp

The first and most common type of clamp is the stainless hose clamp, made from stainless steel bands and gear. These clamps are also known as bolt clamps or worm clamp. These are very strong and long-lasting and they work best when pressure is over 20 PSI and your goal is to secure poly tubing over barbed fittings. One end contains a screw meant to tighten the clamp around your poly tubing. You need only a slotted screwdriver to tighten the clamp and they can be reused many times over. The screw can loosen over time due to external forces, so it is helpful to check the clamp's tightness every once in a while. Because most of the tension is on one side of the clamp, it's possible that it may create some distortion on the tubing over time. The stainless hose clamp comes in a variety of different size clamps so you can choose the one that fits your system.

Crimping Hose Clamp

Another option available is the stainless crimping hose clamp. These clamps have an extended piece of metal that gets squeezed together with a crimp tool. This simple design has earned this clamp increasing popularity in recent years because it will not loosen over time and avoids any gaps in the seal like the traditional clamps. However, they are strictly a one-time use clamp and as such are best reserved for permanent installations. Crimping clamps also require the use of a crimping tool, which is often sold separately. These clamps also come in a variety of sizes so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

T-Bolt Clamp

A middle ground between the previous two types of clamps is the T-Bolt clamp. They provide 360° tension around the entire clamp to prevent distortion, but they can also be reused at any time. The major issue with these clamps is that they tend to be more expensive than the previous two.

Plastic Clamps

Plastic can also be used to create effective clamps for your irrigation system. Also known as snap grip clamps, plastic hose clamps have interlocking teeth that come together to form a secure but flexible grip. Plastic clamps are also reusable and tend to be cheaper than their metal counterparts, but they are also much more breakable.

With various clamp options available we are sure that you will find the right one for your needs. Clamps are often overlooked but are an important part of any irrigation system as they can secure tubing and fittings and avoid leaks. For more information on clamps and barbed fittings visit dripworks.com and see our full selection.