What Is a Hose Clamp?
Hose clamps, or clips, are designed to create secure hose connections over fittings. Their intended purpose is to prevent leaks, including liquid, air, or gas leaks. They have also been used to correct alignments and for emergency repairs. Hose clamps are common in automotive systems, plumbing, and several other industries. In some cases, they can also be used in place of zip ties to create a firm grasp or hold together several cables at once.
Types of Hose Clamps
There are several different types of hose clamps. Each comes in a range of sizes and diameters. You can pick from a variety of materials to suit the specific needs of your projects. Below is a list of three of the most popular types of clamps.
Also called worm drive hose clips, this style of clip is popular because it’s easy to use and often versatile. It consists of a circular metal band or strip combined with a worm gear attached to one end.
Also called superclamps, these clamps are stronger and intended for more heavy-duty projects. They have a similar construction to Jubilee clips but are typically made of materials such as stainless steel.
These clips are cost effective and ideal for connecting simple hoses that distribute air or liquids. More flexible than heavy-duty clamps, some are also tamper-proof. Since O-clips don’t contain a band and their securing mechanism is to the side, they are often easier to remove than the clamps above but not ideal for all situations.
Removing a Hose Clamp
The following steps will help you remove a variety of clamps, regardless of their style or purpose, with a focus on removing trickier or damaged clamps.
Step 1. Prepare for removal
Make sure it’s safe to remove the clamp. This might mean powering down any attachments, depressurizing the hose, or draining out any liquid that might be currently running through the hose, such as antifreeze.
Step 2. Unclamp if possible
If the clamp you’re working with contains screws, remove them with a screwdriver. Some clamps have a clinch and latch. Use parallel jaw locking pliers to give the clinch a gentle squeeze and lift, thereby releasing the band. Proceed to the next step if this doesn’t work.
Step 3. Loosen the band
Some clamps will be hard to remove, often because their locking mechanisms or screws have become rusted or contaminated. When this is the case, you may have to employ other methods. This could mean compromising the clamp and having to replace it, so make sure you’re prepared to do that. In most cases, you’ll want to make sure not to damage the hose. To prevent damaging the hose, you can place a small piece of flexible sheet metal (or a similar barrier) beneath the clamp. If it’s too tight to insert, try to gently create a small space using a flathead screwdriver.
Once you’ve protected the hose, some clamps will break or snap off with a small amount of added pressure. If this doesn’t work or you’re concerned about damaging the hose, use tin snips. Other cutters may work as well, but tin cutters are ideal for tight spaces. Make small cuts with the snips until the clamp comes loose.
| Hose Clamps Type: |
Screw hose clamps |
Crimp hose clamps |
| Tool to Remove: |
Slotted screwdriver |
Diagonal cutters |
Since there are many types of hose clamps, determining how to remove one can be a challenge—especially when a clamp has become damaged or has been secured extremely snug over the hose. The tips above are a good place to start when troubleshooting any removal issues. Also, when you are installing clamps on a project, you may want to take their future removal into consideration in case you need to revisit or make repairs to the project.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.