A hose is a flexible hollow tube used to move liquids from one location or another. They can be made out of many materials, including nylon, rubber, and polyurethane. While a hose generally refers to a flexible material, hoses can also sometimes be referred to as pipes, with pipes having the properties of a hose but made out of a rigid material.
Hoses have a wide variety of applications. The image most conjure when thinking of a hose is a garden hose that is used to spray the lawn or connect to a sprinkler. Other applications include air hoses used to connect diving equipment, fire hoses, and hoses in air brake systems.
An important piece of equipment to have when using a hose is called a hose clamp. Hose clamps come in a wide range of sizes and materials and are used to moderate different pressures. Here are some things to know about hose clamps and how to choose the right one for your project.
Choose from a Wide Selection
There are many different types of hose clamps, including gear clamps, spring clamps, and wire clamps. They also come in a wide array of materials and sizes. Choosing the right one depends on your project and your needs.
If you need a clamp that will be used in a harsh, corrosive environment, it might be better to buy a stainless steel hose clamp. The stainless steel makes this clamp highly durable and sturdy. As an example, automotive and marine uses are two areas cited for a stainless steel hose clamp.
Understand Different Clamp Types
Many hose clamps have different designs. A wire clamp for instance uses a ring of heavy wire that are sealed using a screw on one end and a nut on the other. A worm gear clamp uses a screw thread that tightens when a captive screw is turned. The worm gear clamp, which is also called the screw clamp, is generally used for hoses with 1/2 inch diameter and up.
It is necessary to understand your needs prior to buying a hose clamp from the hardware store. As with considering the differences between a stainless steel hose clamp and another type, it may prove useful to research different clamp types beforehand and finding the right one for your needs.
Think About the Size of the Clamp
Like material and like design, hose clamps come in many different sizes depending on needs. The clamp is used, after all, to match the size of the hose, even when that hose is a fire hose. For those who demand a slightly larger hose clamp or a hose clamp that is more suitable for industrial or truck uses, there are heavy duty hose clamps, large hose clamps, and even aviation clamps.
