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Kanani · 03-12-2007, 09:34

I would recommend buying only S/S clamps made by a major US manufacturer (like Ideal) and are made of "316" stainless.

When purchasing S/S clamps, take a magnet with you. You will find that most S/S clamps have a ferrous metal screw in them (The clamp is S/S but the screw isn't). I'll bet that is what the problem is with the clamps that you have. Avoid these like the plague. If the clamp has any attraction to the magnet, avoid it. It has ferrous metal in it and it won't last long.

Always double clamp all hoses. Be careful not to scratch or ding the clamp screw with a screw driver. It's best to use an appropriate sized nut driver to tighten hose calmps. If you tighten a clamp too tight and you feel it start to strip, pull it off and replace it. "316" S/S clamps will strip more easily so buy plenty. Return what you don't need (throw away the stripped ones

).

Hose clamps should be taken very seriously. They are your defence against sea water intrussion. I think that more boats sink from failed hose clamps than any other one single cause.

03-12-2007, 09:34	#2
Kanani Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Southern California Boat: Was - Passport 45 Ketch Posts: 797	I would recommend buying only S/S clamps made by a major US manufacturer (like Ideal) and are made of "316" stainless. When purchasing S/S clamps, take a magnet with you. You will find that most S/S clamps have a ferrous metal screw in them (The clamp is S/S but the screw isn't). I'll bet that is what the problem is with the clamps that you have. Avoid these like the plague. If the clamp has any attraction to the magnet, avoid it. It has ferrous metal in it and it won't last long. Always double clamp all hoses. Be careful not to scratch or ding the clamp screw with a screw driver. It's best to use an appropriate sized nut driver to tighten hose calmps. If you tighten a clamp too tight and you feel it start to strip, pull it off and replace it. "316" S/S clamps will strip more easily so buy plenty. Return what you don't need (throw away the stripped ones). Hose clamps should be taken very seriously. They are your defence against sea water intrussion. I think that more boats sink from failed hose clamps than any other one single cause.