About Worm Gear Clamps

We sell both Constant-Torque clamps and standard worm-gear clamps.

Constant-Torque Clamps

Constant-Torque clamps are the only type of clamp available that both maintains constant pressure on the joint regardless of expansion or contraction due to heat, and also resists rapid pressure spikes. Widely used in charge air cooler systems.

Requires proper adjustment to work correctly (see below).

Actually a high-tech worm-gear clamp, it offers a wide range within each size. This means one size Constant-Torque may fit more than one size hose. Far less critical than T-Bolt as far as sizing goes.

Constant-Torque clamps were developed to solve an uncommon, but important issue with spring-loaded clamps, that being how to handle rapid pressure spikes.

The metal discs on the bolt that look like washers are not actually washers – they are a type of spring called a Belleville spring. The use of Belleville springs provides the ability to handle expansion and contraction due to heat similar to traditional spring-loaded clamps, but with the added benefit of being able to maintain clamping pressure during rapid spikes in pressure. They also resist movement of the hose on the fitting during these events much better than traditional spring-loaded clamps.

If your charge air system is running near max pressures, we strongly recommend using Constant-Torque clamps, and maintaining proper adjustment of the clamps.

Fully lined - protects soft hoses, such as silicone.

All stainless.

Complex construction means higher cost.

Constant-Torque Clamp Adjustment: Use of a torque wrench for initial adjustment is recommended. Adjust to between 90 and 125 in/lbs. These clamps utilize a "Torque-Check" feature - you can visually check for the proper torque. Look at the end of the bolt opposite the hex end. It should extend out of the housing about 1/4". At rest, the bolt extends about 1/8", so you need to make sure it is closer to 1/4" - then you know the clamp is properly tightened.

DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN - these clamps will strip if grossly overtightened. You would also lose the benefit of having a constant torque applied if you get them too tight. Let the Belleville springs do their job by maintaining proper torque on the adjustment bolt (see above).

Worm - Gear Clamps:

Inexpensive and lightly constructed, we are reluctant to recommend standard worm-gear clamps on any permanent installation. They should never be used on silicone hoses, because the back of the saddle can cut into the soft silicone, and silicone can flow up through the open slots if tightened too much.

We do offer them, because customers request them, and there are legitimate uses for them such as prototyping a system, or for use on the smaller sizes of rubber hoses (not silicone).

Prototyping a System : When planning an intake system from scratch, it is difficult to predict exactly how many intake pieces will be needed, their length, or even their location. Particularly difficult is to accurately predict the size, type, and number of clamps for the final version.

Many builders will order either all worm-gear clamps, or a combination of T-Bolt clamps for the connections they are sure of, plus some worm-gear clamps for further prototyping. Once the final configuration is reached, any worm gear clamps are replaced with the proper size T-Bolt, Spring-Loaded T-Bolt, or Constant-Torque clamps to make it a professional-looking and reliably performing installation.

Our worm-gear clamps are all-stainless, including the screw.

Can be used in pairs for more holding power.

Important Note: All types of hose clamps should be re-tightened after the first few weeks of use.