73-87chevytrucks.com
General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dr_Snooz on January 15, 2024, 08:32:28 PM
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Anyone have a source for hose clamps that don't suck? All I can find are the garbage ones that strip out and/or come loose. I found the 1-ton 2 qts low on oil the other night because a hose clamp on the cooler line had come loose. Then it stripped out when I tightened it. I found a half dozen other loose and leaking clamps before I was done. This is a fairly new 454, so I've gotta get this handled.
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Constant Tension Clamps are probably your best bet: https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Constant-Tension-Hose-Clamps-s/670.htm
For Screw Type clamps, if you can find made in USA ones they will be better than the others.
Norma Group makes good product: https://www.norma-aftermarket.com/en/products/norma-torro-worm-drive-hose-clamp
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I agree with ehjorten on the oe style spring clamps being your best best. Powergrip clamps are great too but one-time use.
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I have not had good luck with constant tension clamps holding something as high pressure as an oil cooler line. I have had good luck with good quality worm gear clamps, like the kind made in USA or Taiwan. Getting harder to find though since everyone wants to stock the Chinese garbage.
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Thanks guys. I did some research and found that Gates makes hose clamps. I'm not sure where they're made, but Gates is a good name.
They offer a few different options starting with the regular worm drive, of course.
(https://www.jegs.com/images/photos/400/465/465-32024.jpg)
There is also a worm-drive constant tension option.
(https://www.jegs.com/images/photos/400/465/465-32716.jpg)
And a sleeved worm drive designed for silicone hoses. I guess the smooth sleeve prevents those annoying serrated slices.
(https://www.jegs.com/images/photos/400/465/465-32344.jpg)
They also have T-bolt clamps that are too big and way too expensive for this application.
I'll order some and if they're any good, I'll keep a supply on hand. Stay tuned for more.
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Most parts stores stock heavy duty and fuel line rated clamps if you don't want to use worm clamps.
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Another thing to thing about, "names" don't mean what they used to...just about everyone reboxes/relabels chinesium stuff now. All the names we used to think are quality have bitten the dust....Raybestos, Moog, KYB, Timken, National, on and on...they are now made everywhere, and very little where we would be happy with. :-[
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Call me cheap, call me frugal... Every time I have parted out a vehicle I have saved everything like clamps, and bolts if they are solid and original. I can't count the times I have gone to my drawer of used clamps or GM bolts for what I needed. You never know what you need until you are faced with a trip to the parts store. Sad thing is when I am gone my kids will just get a scrap roll off and fill it up.
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One man's treasure is another man's junk... lol