Tower hose clamps kinda suck

[66Uncut]

Is it just me or does anyone else have issues with these clamps not wanting to tighten straight? I finally got around to using some I bought a few years ago from Marti Auto and at least half of the clamps threaded off to the side. This was even after making sure the screw was started into the dimple. I was able to somewhat tweak them back into shape on the vise, but what a PITA!

Anyone else?

 

[eaglenest66]

They suck! And you can never get them tight enough eliminate leaks either. Try the double band ones from AMK I believe!?

 

[JAFO]

They suck. I suspect that modern hose has slightly thinner walls too. Those style clamps for the appropriate size hose just do not tighten enough to seal. I tried using them to be period correct and gave up.

 

[charlie6976]

Give those clamps a couple more turns in the vice, then put in the round filing cabinet. Go find some good clamps.;D

 

[71broncman]

I bought a package of those from O'reillys for my trans cooler lines. Took the package back for a refund after I stripped the threads on the first one I installed. Went to Napa and got the "T" style fuel injection hose clamps made by Belkin in Canada. Cranked those tight, and other than checking them once and a while when I'm under the Bronco just forget about them. Even the "T" style clamps at O'reilly's are Chinese made junk and will strip if you try to get them tight. I've come to the conclusion that you'd be better off pulling that style of clamp off of vehicles at the JY and using them, than the new Chinese junk most parts stores sell.
Mark.

 

[ntsqd]

If you want good worm-drive type hose clamps find those made by ABA. West Marine carries them if all else fails.

 

[BigB]

I used them on 2 different 390fe's and they have have worked fine without leaks for many years.

I have also loosened a few of them by placing a socket over them and hitting with a hammer after you loosen the screw a bit at a time.

YMMV and it's obvious that it did ;D

 

[Specracer]

I got the ones from marti, all but one went on fine. The one that did go sideways, I used a pair of these to hold it straight and got the bolt to sit into the dimple properly. The pliers are compound, and smooth jaws so prefect to hold things straight.

http://knipex-tools.com/index.php?id=1023&page=group_detail&parentID=1368&groupID=1500&artID=2959

The effort was worth it to me for the correct period look.