Choosing the Right Clamp For the Task

Peter Coles
2020-06-04T06:51:00+02:00

HCL have developed a colour-coding system to help anyone choose the right clamp. We have tested all of the bands, clips and clamps we stock and rated them for strength, temperature, speed, weathering, chemical and dynamic range. We want to help you make the right choice.
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When you choose a clamp or clip, you need to be sure that you have selected the right product for the task in hand. It's too easy to end up choosing a find product, but for the wrong solution. Therefore HCL Clamping Corporation have tried to help as far as we can.

So, whether browsing our print or digital catalog, or looking at specifications on the on-site product sheets, you should be able to see a bar chart. Each listing has a helpful guide to give you clear guidance on the specific properties and environments that each clamp type is suited to.

In these guides we rate each clamp's properties: the higher the number of boxes on display, the better the performance - which can also help in comparison of the relative performance of the products.

Yellow: Strength

This is the maximum pressure exerted by the clamp. You need to match the sealing capabilities of the hose and pipe with the clamping strength of the hose clamp. An inadequate hose clamp may open under pressure and leak, alternatively a hose clamp fitted with too much strength may distort and damage the hose or fitting - which could also result in leak or failure.

Red: Temperature

This is the maximum operating temperature of a clamp. And the measure is almost always down to the material from which it has been manufactured. As expected, plastic products are less temperature resistance than metal; however, the majority of HCL’s plastic products are manufactured from heat resistant polymers, such as Nylon 6.6 so their temperature rating is still reasonable.

It's also important to consider fluctuating temperatures, particularly outdoors. These may cause diametrical variations to the hose or fitting; in which case, clamps in the ‘Constant Tension’ category may be your best choice.

Blue: Speed

‘The time taken to assemble the clamp’

This is the time taken to assemble a clamp. It is an important factor to take into account for multiple or repeat fitting. for example when using a production line or where assembly time will increase cost and time. For example, underwater fitting often will only give a diver a small window in which to operate. Choosing the right tools will also have a major impact on speed of assembly, and therefore should be selected accordingly.

Please see the ‘Installation Tools’ section of the catalogue for more information.

Green: Weathering

The resistance of a clamp to weathering can be attributed entirely to the material from which it has been manufactured and relates to any number of attacks such as moisture and UV rays. Metal products are more resistant to UV than plastic, however, as the majority of HCL’s plastic products are manufactured using a UV resistant carbon black additive they also have good weathering properties and tend to be more water resistance. It is also worth noting that Nylon offers superior resistance to weathering than Polypropylene.

Metal clamping materials are also given a ‘W’ rating from 1 to 5: the higher the rating, the more resistant the metal is to corrosion.

Orange: Chemical

The resistance of a clamp to chemicals can be attributed entirely to the material from which it has been manufactured, normally when we consider chemicals we are thinking of acids and alkalis.

Polypropylene offers superior resistance to chemicals than Nylon. The materials used for metal clamps are given a ‘W’ rating from 1 to 5: the higher the rating, the more resistant the metal is to chemicals.

For clamps that are offered in a selection of materials, the figure shown represents the standard material, and may be improved by selecting an alternative grade where available.

Purple: Dynamic Range

‘The diameter adjustment of the clamp’

Products with a wide dynamic range can fit a larger number of diameters of pipe or cylinder. This is necessary where there is significant variation in diameter across the project.

There are a number of reasons this may be the case. It could be down to manufacturing variance of the hose, or because a single clamp is being used for a series of different applications.

Clamps with a narrow dynamic range, we recommend ordering more than one diameter and evaluate the different sizes before selecting your preferred clamp.

Given this is often the most important consideration, the diameter range of each clamp can be found in its table of dimensions across our website.

So, we hope that the above helps you choose the right clamps. If you're not sure or would like advice, then call us, we can talk you through the options.