Hose clamps are an important element for securing hoses to fittings, ensuring that connections are strong and prevent the chance of a leak. Hose clamps find use in numerous settings, often being found in bathrooms, car engines, and various industrial applications. When procuring a hose clamp, it is useful to know that there are multiple types available, each presenting a different attachment style to accommodate varying hoses. In this blog, we will discuss spring gear and worm gear clamps in particular, allowing you to better understand the difference between two of the most widely used hose gear clamp types.
In general, hose clamps will often be similar in the way that they function and attach to an assembly. To begin, the hose clamp is first secured to the edge of a hose. Then, the edge of the hose can be brought to the object it will be secured to, such as a fitting. To ensure the hose clamp is securely attached to the chosen object, the clamp will be tightened through various means. While hose clamps are quite useful and easy to apply, they are most often relied on for quick fixes and low pressure environments due to their somewhat limited pressure characteristics. Nevertheless, they still play important roles in automotive, agricultural, and marine industries.
Spring clamps, also known as constant-tension clamps, are a type that is known for its ability to maintain constant tension on a rubber hose to ensure it remains secure to a hose connector. True to their name, spring clamps are constructed with the use of a single strip of spring steel, and the way that they are cut establishes a tab on each end of the strip. While in a resting state, spring clamps will create tension.
When it is time to install the spring clamp onto an assembly, the tabs are pressed together to increase the diameter of the clamp. Then, the spring clamp is placed over the hose before the tabs are released. As the hose clamp returns to its resting state, it will create tension that will hold the hose in place. Across all industries, spring clamps are often found within automobile systems where they are placed on cooling system hoses for the means of upholding security regardless of part condition.
Worm gears, on the other hand, are hose connector components that feature a circular metal piece with a captive screw. In order for the worm gear clamp to tighten around a hose and fitting, the captive screw is turned. When the screw is tightened, the worm gear clamp will increase in diameter, while loosening the screw will tighten it around a particular object. As the component acts as a worm drive with its captive screw and tightening action, it is known as a worm gear clamp.
Apart from their method of tightening, another major difference between worm gear clamps and spring gear clamps is the presence of adjustment slots on the band of the former. While these slots are designed for the worm gear to have multiple levels of tightness, they can fray, cut, and strip the hose that they are attached to. Additionally, they may not reach the levels of tightness that spring gear clamps can, making them less fitting for an application such as automobile cooling systems. However, with their low price point and general capabilities, worm gear components are used for smaller rubber hoses and prototypes.
Whether you decide that a spring gear clamp or worm gear clamp is the best for your needs, it is important that such components are properly used and cared for. During the installation process, one should always make sure that hose clamps are not overtightened as they will risk damage to the assembly and cause major issues further down the line. The size of the clamp is also important, both for performance and aesthetics. While too small of a clamp will be detrimental for proper security, one that is too big may create a safety risk with excess materials present. The last major factor that one should take into account is the quality of the hose clamps that they intend to purchase.
When it comes time to begin procuring the various hose clamp components that you require, look no further than Fulfillment 3Sixty. Whether you require clamp hose worm gear components, pinch clamp components, captive screws, or other such items, we have you covered with unparalleled pricing and lead-times for your benefit. With a supply chain stretching across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, we guarantee expedited shipping to meet the time constraints of our customers. If you find particular items from our database that you wish to procure, first begin with a competitive quote for your comparisons that you may receive through the submission of an RFQ form as provided on our website. At Fulfillment 3Sixty, we are more than just a trusted distributor; we are your strategic sourcing partner for all your needs!