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5 Basic Demands of a Hose Clamp

1. Sufficient rugged design which incorporates reserve strength to withstand sudden surges of pressure.

2. Enough elasticity so the clamp will return to its original shape after expansion.

3. The clamp should not damage the hose when fully tightened.

4. The band should glide easily against the hose when tightened without catching in the hose material or pulling it.

5. One clamp should be suitable for hoses of different types and materials.

Torque Test with Strain Gauge
2 3/8" Hose Clamps

The split load cell tester (2 segment) is a device which measures clamping force. The purpose for testing the clamping force is to record how much torque from the worm gear screw transformes into clamping force. A digital read out displays the clamping force as the worm screw is turned. A torque wrench with a dial reads the torque applied on the worm screw.

 

Consequently, the relation between the input reading on the torque wrench compares to the output reading on the digital display of the load cell tester. The load cell tester enables direct comparisons between various hose clamps. Clamping force is vital to prevent leakage or blow-off.

UNIFORM CLAMPING FORCE
An even, uniform clamping force is the best way to avoid leakage.

EVEN INSTALLATION TORQUE
Even installation torque is necessary to prevent leakage. Excessively applied torque or under applied torque can cause hose damage or blow-off.

ELIMINATES HOSE DAMAGE
Sharp edges caused by burrs and perforations cut into the hose when torqued, causing weak points and damage. As time goes on, these cuts and abrasions are enlarged causing leakage and total hose failure.

Consequently, users blame the hose for the failure not the clamp. ABA clamps utilize non-perforated bands and rolled band edges to eliminate any hose damage.

REUSABILITY
Clamps should be easy to get on and off. A hose clamp should run smoothly when torqued down and never lock up when being removed.

ABA of America sets the free running torque high in order to eliminate the screw from backing out during vibration. A low free running torque causes the screw to unscrew and release resulting in a blow-off. ABA's higher free running torque eliminates the need for later adjustments, saving both time and money. ABA and AWAB clamps are vibration proof!

CORROSION RESISTANT
Mixing a stainless steel with non stainless steel material causes galvanic corrosion. Note, some clamp manufacturers shave costs by using a carbon steel screw with a stainless steel band. Mixing the two materials causes galvanic corrosion and premature clamp failure. ABA of America prefers to use like materials and TRUE stainless steel.

NO EXTRUDING PARTS
On occasion, users substitute a larger clamp on a smaller application in order to consolidate and save costs. The excess band that extrudes out from the housing can harm the installer or user. Further, using a larger clamp for a smaller application does not provide sufficient clamping force or allow for recommended installation torque. ABA clamps recommends that only 1/8" of the band sticks out from the worm drive housing when completely closed down.