When researching some of the different types of clamps used in the aerospace industry, you may encounter loop clamps. They are commonly used on vacuum hoses. Vacuum hoses, of course, are designed to carry a vacuum. If they leak, they’ll their vacuum. Loop clamps can seal the mating surfaces of vacuum hoses — as well as other hoses in airplanes — so that they don’t leak.
Overview of Loop Clamps
A loop clamp is a type of spring clamp that features a semi-circular or loop shape. They are designed to fit over hoses, such as vacuum hoses.
If you’re installing a vacuum hose, you may want to use a set of loop clamps. Vacuum hoses are pressurized. Therefore, you can’t just place a vacuum hose over a fitting. Unless it’s clamped, the vacuum hose may leak. Loop clamps protect vacuum hoses from leaks by securing them to fittings.
How Loop Clamps Work
Loop clamps work like most other types of spring clamps: They apply constant and uniform pressure over hoses. Loop clamps will “clamp” hoses to fittings so that they don’t leak.
Before using a loop clamp, you’ll need to place the vacuum hose over the fitting. You can then pull the loop clamp open and slide it over the end of the vacuum hose. As a type of spring clamp, the loop clamp will apply pressure over the vacuum hose. It will press against the vacuum hose while sealing the vacuum hose to the fitting.
Benefits of Loop Clamps
Loop clamps are easy to install. You don’t have to use a screwdriver or any other tool. You can install loop clamps simply by pressing them open and sliding them over hose ends.
Most loop clamps also offer mounting holes. Mounting holes, of course, are slotted holes that are designed for mounting. You can drive fasteners through these mounting holes and into a nearby supporting structure to keep the loop clamps in place.
Unlike some other types of clamps, loop clamps apply uniform pressure to hoses. Hoses will receive the same amount of pressure on all sides. They won’t be exposed to excessive pressure in a particular spot. With loop clamps, hoses will be exposed to uniform pressure.
Loop clamps are long-lasting. They won’t weaken or fail prematurely. Most loop clamps are made of metal, such as aluminum or steel, that’s able to withstand many years of use. If you’re tired of constantly replacing hose clamps, perhaps you should switch to loop clamps.
