4 Advice to Choose a Di Saddle Clamp

Whether you service cars, trucks, washing machines or airplanes, choosing the right clamp can be tricky. Clamps come in many different grades of material and sizes, and several are designed with specific attributes to meet the need of the environment it will be used in. And while clamps might look simplistic in form, choosing the wrong one can be catastrophic. Here's four tips from NORMA experts on how to ensure you are choosing the right clamp for the job.

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1. Analyze hose material

The type of clamp needed often depends on the material that the pipe or hose the clamp will be in contact with is made of. Some materials will require a clamp with a much higher grade of stainless steel while others ' like softer hoses ' will need a clamp with smooth or beveled edges to help ensure there is no damage to the hose. The steel grade you choose will also depend on the level of corrosion resistance, strength and formability that's required.

2. Know your size range

Choosing the right size clamp is extremely important and should not just be eyeballed. Most clamps come with a minimum and maximum fitment so knowing the exact diameter of the hose or pipe you need to properly seal is your best case scenario. A clamp that is too large may cause the band to project out past its intended range and cause safety issues. Or a clamp that is too small may put unwanted additional pressure on a hose and eventually cause cavitation or a leak. In addition, certain size hoses may require a clamp with a more robust screw or different locking mechanism so it's important to know exactly the size you need.

3. Account for environmental conditions

Different industries ultimately have different levels of stress and temperature extremes for clamps. These factors will impact the type of clamp you choose. Take a look at whether your clamp will be exposed to severe elements like ocean water, or high heat from an engine or from outdoor exposure. Also, look at the type of movement that your clamp will be subjected to like constant vibration or shaking. These environmental conditions will greatly impact the style of clamp and grade of steel you should choose. For instance, hoses that expand or contract due to temperature extremes need a special spring loaded clamp.

4. Pay attention to quality

Some hose clamps are just plain cheap. They may be made from steel but it could be a lower grade steel or they have a screw that doesn't tighten or offer as much clamping force as a better quality clamp. Off shore or lower quality clamps are not worth the few cents you will save on a job done right. They tend to stretch and give way much sooner so always be sure you are getting your clamp from a reputable manufacturer and one willing to provide you will all the specifications.

For more information on the rigorous testing that NORMA clamps and connectors are put through, check out how we test our products or thumb through our featured products to see the wide range of clamps we offer.

Choosing the right clamp for your needs can be complicated. Different industries require different functions from clamps. You want to ensure that the clamp you choose will serve its purpose correctly.
Here are a few tips to help you make the best clamp decision.

1. Determine The Grade Of Stainless Steel You Need:
Stainless steel clamps are all built for durability and versatility, but steel comes in many different grades. Determining the right grade of stainless steel is key when choosing your clamp. You need to ensure that the material in the clamp you choose will stand up to the task.

Steel grades vary in terms of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability and strength. Some austenitic types of stainless steel can be hardened by cold working, which provides added toughness and ductility, while the steel is still formable and weldable.

The grade you choose will depend on the application. Clamps used in the marine industry, for example, must be corrosion-resistant and able to hold up under pressure. Automotive clamps endure a great deal of stress and must endure high temperatures. Strong steels containing nickel are a must in both of these industries.

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2. Consider The Material Of The Hose Or Pipe:
While choosing the right clamp material is important, you should also consider the hose material. They vary in thickness, weight, elasticity and strength. Softer hoses provide more flexibility but are less durable than harder substances designed to withstand high temperatures and stress.

For instance, irrigation systems use PVC piping that can undergo strong water pressure, whereas ventilation hoses made of polyurethane are created for strong suction.

Softer hoses such as silicone and some polyurethane hoses require clamps that will not cause damage. When working with a soft hose, choose a clamp with beveled edges that prevent cutting or tearing of the hose material, and consider a clamp that does not have any slots where hose material may ooze through, damaging the hose.

3. Select The Proper Clamp Size:
Of course, size is one of the biggest factors to consider when determining which clamp you need. When measuring the size of the hose, you should use the outside diameter.

Adjustable clamps (such as worm drive and non-perforated screw clamps) can be a great option because of their versatility. They give you the ability to tweak your clamp after installation in case temperature changes or aging cause the hose to shrink or expand.

However, the added range provided by worm gear clamps can cause other problems. If a clamp is too large, you may end up with a long protruding band, or tang, which is a safety hazard. Also, if the clamp is closed down too far, the clamp may become D-shaped, leading to leaks. It's also wasteful since you are paying for more material than you need.

It's best to choose the ideal size to begin with rather than compensate for the wrong size.

These are just a few of the factors involved in selecting the right clamp. Contact us for more information on finding the perfect clamp type for your application.

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