Choosing the right clamp for your needs can be complicated. Different industries require different functions from clamps. You want to ensure that the clamp you choose will serve its purpose correctly.
Here are a few tips to help you make the best clamp decision.
1. Determine The Grade Of Stainless Steel You Need:
Stainless steel clamps are all built for durability and versatility, but steel comes in many different grades. Determining the right grade of stainless steel is key when choosing your clamp. You need to ensure that the material in the clamp you choose will stand up to the task.
Steel grades vary in terms of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability and strength. Some austenitic types of stainless steel can be hardened by cold working, which provides added toughness and ductility, while the steel is still formable and weldable.
The grade you choose will depend on the application. Clamps used in the marine industry, for example, must be corrosion-resistant and able to hold up under pressure. Automotive clamps endure a great deal of stress and must endure high temperatures. Strong steels containing nickel are a must in both of these industries.
2. Consider The Material Of The Hose Or Pipe:
While choosing the right clamp material is important, you should also consider the hose material. They vary in thickness, weight, elasticity and strength. Softer hoses provide more flexibility but are less durable than harder substances designed to withstand high temperatures and stress.
For instance, irrigation systems use PVC piping that can undergo strong water pressure, whereas ventilation hoses made of polyurethane are created for strong suction.
Softer hoses such as silicone and some polyurethane hoses require clamps that will not cause damage. When working with a soft hose, choose a clamp with beveled edges that prevent cutting or tearing of the hose material, and consider a clamp that does not have any slots where hose material may ooze through, damaging the hose.
3. Select The Proper Clamp Size:
Of course, size is one of the biggest factors to consider when determining which clamp you need. When measuring the size of the hose, you should use the outside diameter.
Adjustable clamps (such as worm drive and non-perforated screw clamps) can be a great option because of their versatility. They give you the ability to tweak your clamp after installation in case temperature changes or aging cause the hose to shrink or expand.
However, the added range provided by worm gear clamps can cause other problems. If a clamp is too large, you may end up with a long protruding band, or tang, which is a safety hazard. Also, if the clamp is closed down too far, the clamp may become D-shaped, leading to leaks. Its also wasteful since you are paying for more material than you need.
Its best to choose the ideal size to begin with rather than compensate for the wrong size.
These are just a few of the factors involved in selecting the right clamp. Contact us for more information on finding the perfect clamp type for your application.
Pipe clips, as they're also called, are typically used in plumbing, heating, drainage and electrical applications and come in a range of different materials. They're also sometimes referred to as pipe clamp brackets, but brackets can also be part of the fixing system, such as pipe support brackets. In this article we cover:
Pipe clamps are supports for suspended pipes, whether vertical or horizontal. They shouldn't be confused with pipe fasteners, which join two pipes together. The job of pipe clamps is to securely hold pipes, while allowing for any movement or expansion to enable the application's maximum performance.
The main pipe clamp types have their own subset of clamps. Theyre first affixed to a wall, ceiling or support base before securing the pipe.
This term simply refers to the components that will work together to support pipes. The system can include clips and clamps, pipe hangers, screws or bolts, anchors, struts and anything else you plan to use. These components are also called pipe clamp fittings. Your system should:
Also called pipe screw clamps, these come in two halves and are secured with two screws or bolts on either side of the clamp. Single-screw standard clamps are also available for faster installation. Typically, standard clamps come in steel. The single-screw variety feature a rubber lining that isolates vibration and provides sound insulation. Styles can also vary. Standard pipe clamp dimensions come in a wide range of sizes, so you should find something to suit your needs.
With competitive price and timely delivery, zhiang sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Metal can crack or break plastic pipes if secured too tightly, while plastic provides a softer hold. This makes plastic ideal for softer metals, such as copper plumbing. Plastic clamps and clips work well when pipes are thin and somewhat fragile, or when its carrying gas or another lightweight load. With this type, the pipe is put through the clamp and the arm is closed over it. These are also typically quick-release pipe clamps.
Saddle clamp pipe supports, as shown here, half saddle pipe clamps and U-bolts are traditional clamps that hold steel or copper pipes. Saddles transfer the weight of the pipe to a supporting base. Theyre best used when issues such as vibration and insulation arent a factor. U-Bolts and other pipe clamp U types are typically used to elevate pipes and are secured to beams and ceilings.
Designed to support heavy loads and are used both indoors and outdoors. These tend to come in two parts with locking bolts. Theyre usually made of steel and some are also lined to reduce noise and isolate sound.
You can sometimes use other components as pipe brackets and pipe hanging systems, particularly in the building and service industry.
Cable ties are ideal for fixing insulation to pipes or working in conjunction with pipe clips, but they can also support the pipes themselves with the aid of cable tie mounts . These are self-locking and easily installed by hand. They are resistant to extreme temperatures and offer great strength and durability. Another good option is strap and buckle cable ties , which has a tensile strength of 350 lbs.
The rubber profile isolates vibration and noise. The steel is zinc plated for corrosion resistance. P-clamps, which are typically used for hose and cable bundles, can serve as small pipe clamps to support lightweight loads. Ideal as an electrical pipe support.
Wherever pipes are used, clamps or their alternatives are needed. One clamp can usually work across all applications. We say usually because what counts is the diameter of the pipe and the environment where the clamp will go. The table below is a guide to what clamp types are most commonly used for the application.
Choosing the right clamps involves considering the material. That choice will be dictated by the material of the pipe. Metals are best at tolerating high temperatures, but connecting different metals to each other will cause galvanic corrosion.
For example, dont use a stainless-steel clamp on a copper pipe. Contact between these two dissimilar metals causes a reaction. There is no universal agreement as to which metal causes the corrosion, but that it happens is a fact.
Plastic hose clamps
Or, stainless steel clips with brass pipes what were talking about here is how the metals react. Some stainless steels can work with brass. It depends on the grade of the stainless steel. These are the grades that tend to work well with brass:
You can learn more about this topic in Understanding stainless steel grades.
Brass pipe clamps add an aesthetic touch, but theyre also corrosion resistant, which makes them a good choice for exposed pipes.
Stainless steel famously resists corrosion. It also offers excellent wear resistance. Do not use stainless steel with carbon steel, as this will cause galvanic corrosion. If youre planning on using it with brass pipes, see the subsection above, Brass pipe clips with stainless steel pipes.
You already know you shouldnt use copper with any stainless steels. Copper pipe clips are best used with plastic or domestic copper pipes. Like brass, copper wont corrode, and theyre an appealing option if aesthetics are relevant.
Corrosion is a fact of life, but you can slow it down. Most steel clamps are zinc plated to resist corrosion. These clamps are ideal for steel tubes, cast-iron tubes and for use with insulated pipe supports. Steel clamps have a hard grip on pipes, so if you need flexibility, consider another material for your clamp. These clamps often use threaded rod, a component you can learn more about in our Guide to threaded rods.
Ideal when your pipes need a degree of flexibility, as needed when movement or expansion occurs due to heat or cold. These clamps come in a range of plastics, from nylon 6/6 to PVC. Of course, PVC pipe is used the world over, and a plastic clamp is ideal, as it provides a softer grip.
The company is the world’s best Quick release pipe clamps supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Comments
0