Hose clamps play an important role in protecting against leaks. Also known as hose locks, they are designed to squeeze hoses around mating surfaces. Even when pressurized fluid flows through the hose, it won’t leak. The clamp will create a leakproof mating surface by squeezing the hose. Rather than choosing just any type of hose clamp, though, you may want to choose worm-drive hose clamps for the following reasons.
#1) Adjustable Tension
You can adjust the tension of worm-drive hose clamps. As shown in the adjacent photo, worm-drive hose clamps consist of a metal band with a captive screw. After placing the metal band around a hose, you can then tighten the captive screw. If it’s too tight, on the other hand, you can loosen it.
#2) Tighten With a Screwdriver or Nut Driver
Worm-drive hose clamps support the use of a screwdriver or a nut driver. The captive screw features a recessed head, such as a flathead recess. Using a flat-head screwdriver, you can turn the captive screw. Alternatively, some people prefer to use a nut driver with worm-drive hose clamps. Nut drivers consist of a socket that wraps around the entire head of the captive nut.
#3) Compact
Another reason to choose worm-drive hose clamps is their compact design. They don’t take up as much space as other types of hose clamps. Rather, worm-drive hose clamps are small and compact. This makes them a popular choice for engine bays. The engine bays of cars and other vehicles often have limited space. Even with their limited space, engine bays can still accommodate worm-drive hose clamps thanks to their compact design.
#4) Available With Cushions
There are worm-drive hose clamps available with cushions. Cushions are essentially soft liners that are used in conjunction with a hose clamp. They are designed to protect hoses from clamp-induced fatigue. Over time, a clamp may stress a hose, weakening the hose and increasing the risk of a leak. A cushion, however, will provide a soft barrier between the hose and the clamp.
#5) Long-Lasting
Worm-drive hose clamps are long-lasting. While available in different styles, most of them are made of stainless steel. They can withstand humid and moist environments without succumbing to corrosion. So, if you’re tired of constantly replacing corroded or worn-out hose clamps, you may want to try worm-drive hose clamps. Along with their adjustable tension, ability to tighten with a screwdriver or nut driver, compact design and cushion, this is one more reason to choose worm-drive hose clamps.
