What is the last word for the best type of clamps to use for Radiator hoses ? Regular old screw type clamps, constant tension type clamps like heavy duty spring clamps (square or round steel cross section), screw type clamps with auxiliary springs to provide constant tension, etc. ? A little background for those who want a refresher - screw type clamps, which DIYers of all types use for everything more or less, don't allow for expansion and contraction with temperature. So over time, screw type worm clamps can allow leakage over time, as the hose naturally deteriorates over time, sometimes before the end of life for the hose.

Any experience from you guys are much appreciated, particularly from experienced motorheads, racers, and professional mechanics. I'm swapping out a radiator next week depending on the weather, and I don't want to keep using regular worm gear type clamps if I can avoid it. Problem is, zero auto parts stores carry dedicated constant tension clamps of any kind. Strange I don't get it, but maybe I'm just wrong on this altogether.

Constant tension flat spring clamps like come on every new car from the OEM are the best option for the average person. We re-use them or get new from the dealers in my shop whenever possible. I have seen far too many screw clamps fail due to either over-torquing and stripping, tension loss over time, or random breakage.

In my opinion, single ear stainless clamps that use a special tool to close are the best for a permanent install, but lots of sizes are needed, and can be harder to find in the large sizes of radiator hose. They are all I will use for heater hose sizes down, especially in pressurized applications.

Spring clamps by far.

The screw clamps put uneven pressure around the hose and compress it a different rates.

ABA brand are what I use and have used for a few decades.

https://www.normaamericasds.com/brands/aba

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 220-9er,

Big trucks, which have hoses rated for a million miles, use screw clamps with springs, and they are fully lined and rated for silicon hose.

I've read the heat shrink type are really good. I plan to use them on my restoration when I get to that point. Of course they are not reusable and require a heat gun and space to use it.

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
Big trucks, which have hoses rated for a million miles, use screw clamps with springs, and they are fully lined and rated for silicon hose.

Big truck screw clamps are T-bolt clamps typically, which are far different than your big box auto parts store screw clamp. T-bolt clamps are GTG, just very expensive for the application the OP is asking about, and in std. automotive sizes, I would question the quality of what you are getting.

Constant tensions spring clamps are the standard in the consumer vehicle industry because they are consistent and easy to assemble.

Deck the engine in the vehicle, push the hoses on the fittings, and pull a "grenade pin" (pin that holds clamp open). Alternatively, use pliers to open clamp, push hose in place, release pliers.

Compare this to the time and effort to push the hose in place, grab a nutrunner tool, align the clamp, tighten the clamp to the correct torque, etc. Underhood clearances suck so quick connects that don't require nutrunner tools are preferred by final assembly plants.

Commercial engines still use a lot of worm gear clamps though.

Another BIG recommendation for ABA clamps. If you are dealing with silicone hoses, there are T-clamps around that are supposed to be better but they can get kinda 'spensive. My silicone charge air hoses are all being held by ABBA clamps with no problems for about that last 4 years.

I had an OEM spring clamp that kept letting the upper radiator hose blow off my 1998 Dodge Diesel, I finally put double worm clamps on it and never had another problem with that. But normally I like the spring clamps better.

quote:

Originally posted by rainmaker5505:

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
Big trucks, which have hoses rated for a million miles, use screw clamps with springs, and they are fully lined and rated for silicon hose.

Big truck screw clamps are T-bolt clamps typically, which are far different than your big box auto parts store screw clamp. T-bolt clamps are GTG, just very expensive for the application the OP is asking about, and in std. automotive sizes, I would question the quality of what you are getting.

The ones we use come in all sizes and are worm gear type.
They have a liner and bands on the outside that flatten out as they are tightened.
Some have two heads, one breaks off when it's tight enough.