The sales representatives and engineers at Clampco enjoy educating customers about clamp technology. So, we gathered a collection of our most frequently asked questions, along with their answers, and presented them here for your reference. If you would like to see a question and answer added to the list, please click here to submit your request.

Q: What are some applications for T-bolt and V-band clamps?

A: T-bolt and V-band clamps have been used as engineered joining solutions for many decades. Typical applications include material handling equipment, food processing machinery, sports vehicles, vibrating separators, hose and pipe connectors, truck and bus exhaust components, pump and filter quick release connectors, and artificial limbs. Extensive use has been made of T-bolt and V-band clamps by the military as components in the design of helicopters, airplanes, submarines, and orbiting satellites.

Q: What type of engineering performance can I expect from joints that are secured using Clampco V-band couplings?

A: Through many years of clamp engineering experience and testing, it is generally accepted in the industry that there are three load types that are predictable and can be quantified: internal pressure, bending moment load, and axial tension load (other than pressure). Due to the wide variety of applications, it becomes very difficult to predict how the influence of conditions such as temperature, fatigue, creep, and harmonic vibration will be manifested without performance testing by the end-user. Additionally, optimum clamp performance may be affected by installation of the clamp. Variation from a nominal assembly can adversely affect the joint's performance.

Q: Are there formulas that can be used to aid in the design of V-band joints?

A: Yes. For additional information please refer to: Engineering Data & Specifications to view formulas used for predicting the performance of V-band joints. These mathematical equations deal with internal pressure, bending moment, and axial tension as they affect a clamped joint either individually, or in conjunction with one another. For assistance, please use our contact us form or contact the Clampco engineering staff at (330) 336-8850.

Q: How can I predict what effects temperature, fatigue, creep, and harmonic vibration will have on the joint?

A: As stated above, there is an extensive history of the use of Clampco V-band clamps in many joints under a wide variety of service conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to project performance for those applications falling outside of the predictable range. In these instances, the end user should establish a bench test incorporating, as nearly as possible, the actual conditions the joint will see in service.

Q: What is the best way to approach hose connections that fluctuate in pressure or temperature while in service?

A: Clampco has numerous spring-loaded band clamps configured to compensate for pressure and temperature fluctuations in all types of hose assemblies. When these fluctuations cause hose lines to expand or contract, Clampco spring-loaded band clamps adjust accordingly to provide constant band tension.

Q: Are prototype clamps available for joint testing?

A: Yes, prototypes are available for a nominal charge covering set-up and processing time.

Q: What is diametrical adjustment?

A: Diametrical adjustment refers to the total diametrical range that a T-bolt clamp can provide. For additional information please refer to: How to Determine Nominal Size for your Hose Clamp Application for a dynamic explanation.

Q: What is the most common ordering mistake with regard to T-bolt band clamps?

A: Improper specification of required clamp diameter is the most common ordering mistake. Sometimes customers will order a clamp based on the I.D. of their hose, pipe, or tubing cross section. However, these measurements do not take into account the wall thickness of the material. Nor do these measurements reveal any information about the type of material being clamped. To ensure that customers are ordering the correct size, Clampco sales representatives need the O.D. of the final assembly. For additional information please refer to: How to Determine Nominal Size for your Hose Clamp Application.

Q: What is the most common ordering mistake with regard to V-band couplings?

A: Again, improper specification of size is the most common ordering mistake. The errors can occur by omitting two important factors: air gap and O-rings/gaskets.

1. Air gap

   The specified V-band I.D. should be equal to the flange assembly O.D. plus the required air gap for the selected retainer series. For example, the recommended air gap for a V-band coupling with retainer series 31 is .125 inches. Therefore, a customer that has a flange O.D. of 5 inches should order a V-band with an I.D. of 5.125 inches.

   Flange O.D. + Series 31 air gap = V-band I.D.

   Example: 5 + .125 = 5.125

2. O-rings and gaskets

   Sometimes customers forget to include the dimensions of O-rings or gaskets that they plan to use in their final assembly. O-rings and gaskets affect the final width dimensions of the flange assembly. Therefore, it is essential to measure the final flange assembly, as it will be in the field, before ordering V-band couplings. For additional information please refer to: How to Determine Proper Dimensions for your V-Band Coupling Application.

Q: Does Clampco offer 316 stainless steel?

A: Yes. Clampco stocks 316 SS material for marine and other highly corrosive applications. Our standard material thickness is 0.025 inches, and our standard material bandwidth is 0.75 inches. Other gauges and widths are available upon customer request.

Q: What is a self-locking nut? How does it work?

A: A self-locking nut is a nut that is purposely designed by its manufacturer to interfere with the threads on a T-bolt. When a self-locking nut is torqued on a T-bolt, this interference causes the nut to stay in place and not vibrate loose.

Q: What is the minimum order requirement for stock parts?

A: Clampco offers our customers (2) options when requesting stock parts. Option 1: Minimum order quantity for stock items is 25 pieces. Option 2: For quantities less than 25 pieces, Clampco suggests that the Customer go to www.trucknbusclamps.com, where they can order smaller quantities.

Q: I want to find a local distributor. Why doesn't Clampco offer a list of its distributors?

A: Clampco sells such a wide variety of parts, most of which are engineered to specific requirements, that a list of distributors would be of little value to our customers. Some of our distributors carry only T-bolt band clamps. Others offer only V-band couplings. Some carry a mixture of products but in limited styles and diameters. Some serve as stocking distributors for OEMS, others yet serve the MRO and aftermarket specialists.

Because of the diversity of our distributor base, therefore, we prefer to direct customers to the distributor that is stocking the product that they need rather than directing customers to the closest distributor. If we can't locate a distributor that is stocking the part you require, we will manufacture it for you.

Q: Is Clampco ISO 9001 certified?

A: Yes. Clampco achieved its ISO 9001: 2015 without Design certification in September 2019. For additional information please refer to: ISO Certificate.

Q: Is Clampco ISO 14001 certified?

A: Yes. Clampco achieved its ISO 14001: 2015 certification in November of 2018. For additional information please refer to: ISO Certificate.

Q: Is Clampco AS9100 certified?

A: Yes. Clampco achieved its AS9100 certification in September of 2019. For additional information please refer to: AS Certificate.

Q: Is Clampco AITF 16949 certified?

A: No. Clampco is not certified to AITF 16949. However, we meet many elements of the AITF 16949 certification.