A guide to hose clamps

Hose-clamp names include hose clips and jubilee clips – some people even call them jubilee clamps.

“Jubilee” is actually an example of a brand name that has become synonymous with a type of product, in this case a style of hose clamp. In this article, we’ll refer to them as they’re most commonly known.

What are hose clamps used for?

Hose clamps are designed to secure a hose over a fitting, such as a spigot or barb, acting as a seal to prevent fluid from leaking at the connection. They also stabilize the hose connection. They’re predominantly used in the plumbing and automotive industries but are also used in other applications and to prevent leaks during the transport of liquids, chemicals and gases.

What are the different types of hose clamps?

There are three main hose-clamp types:

Applications and industries:

• Specialty vehicle and automotive fuel lines, airlines, drain lines
• Pumps and hydraulic systems in medical equipment (should NOT be used in other hydraulic-pressure applications)
• White goods, venting systems and garden hoses

The high clamping force makes this a heavy-duty jubilee clip. Available as stainless-steel or steel hose clamps, these are ideal when space is restricted or hard to reach. NOT recommended for soft or silicone hose. For small hose assemblies, consider mini worm-drive hose clamps.

Applications and industries:

• Wire-reinforced hoses
• Automotive fuel lines and exhaust hoses
• Plumbing – seal hoses, water pipes and marine sink outlets
• Signage, temporary repairs, sealing large containers

Applications and industries:

Specialty vehicles and automotive

• Maintain pressure on gas lines when engine is off
• Gas lines cut too short or needs a fitting added
• Secure a bleeder valve or safety valve in the gas line for putting gas tank at a specific pressure

Sealing off water lines when hoses and tubing are used. Examples:

• Swimming pool plumbing
• Aquaponics systems
• Hydroponics systems
• Drip irrigation

How to install a hose clamp

A torque wrench is the best tool for installing a hose clamp, though a screwdriver will work too. We’ll use the popular worm-drive hose clamp for our example below. Follow these steps for how to tighten a hose clamp too:

1. Loosen the hose clamp by turning the clamp’s screw counterclockwise.
2. Attach it to the edge of the hose with the screw head in the direction needed to make contact with the tool you’re using.
3. Place the edge of the hose around the fitting.
4. Turn the screwdriver or torque wrench concentrically to tighten the clamp to secure the hose in place.

Adhere to the clamp’s torque specification, which is given in inches by the clamp manufacturer. Be careful not to overtighten, which will only damage the threaded part of the clamp and lead to the clamp failing.

A t-bolt hose clamp is similarly installed:

1. Insert the bolt through the clamp’s body.
2. Tighten the nut from underneath using a wrench or pliers.

The two halves of the clamp are then tightened against each other, and just like that, you’re done.

How to remove hose clamps

Specifically, let’s look at how to remove spring hose clamps, which is another name for t-bolts, which have both a drive and a bolt head.

1. Loosen the bolt with a flat-head screwdriver or a socket wrench.
2. Turn the bolt counterclockwise until it’s loose, then pull it off the hose.

How to measure hose-clamp size

When we say “hose-clamp size,” we’re referring to the clamping diameter range. This range means the minimum and maximum usable diameter.

1. You’ll first need to know the outside diameter (O.D.) of your hose. For an accurate measurement, assemble the hose on the fitting you’ll be using.
2. Measure the O.D. of the hose and fitting with a caliper. If you don’t have a caliper, then use this formula: