Technical Foundation
What Is a Worm Gear Clamp?
A worm gear clamp (commonly called a hose clamp or screw clamp) uses a slotted metal band wrapped around a hose, with a worm screw that engages the slots and draws the band tighter as it's turned, providing continuously adjustable clamping force over a range of diameters with one clamp size. This makes it the most common general-purpose hose clamp, sized by SAE clamp number corresponding to a specific diameter range rather than a single fixed size.
Material selection matters most in corrosive or marine environments — a clamp with a zinc-plated steel band but stainless screw housing (a common lower-cost construction) will corrode at the band in salt air or wet environments, while an all-stainless clamp (both band and housing) resists this and is specified for marine and outdoor use. Band width affects clamping force distribution — a wider band spreads clamping pressure over more hose surface area, reducing the chance of cutting into a soft or thin-walled hose under high torque.
Prefer a quick quote?
Get Worm Gear Clamps Pricing in Your Inbox
Skip the search — tell us the hose outer diameter, band material and application environment and we will come back with pricing.
| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter Range (SAE Size) | Range of hose diameters one clamp size accommodates | Clamp must be selected so the hose diameter falls within its adjustable range, not at either extreme |
| Band Material | Zinc-plated steel vs. stainless steel (300 or 400 series) | Stainless resists corrosion in marine, outdoor, or washdown environments where plated steel will rust |
| Construction Grade | All-stainless vs. stainless screw with plated band (or vice versa) | Mixed-material clamps can corrode at the non-stainless component even if partially stainless |
| Band Width | Width of the metal band contacting the hose | Wider bands distribute clamping force over more surface area, reducing the risk of cutting into the hose |
| Screw Housing Type | Perforated (slotted) vs. embossed (non-perforated) band | Non-perforated bands reduce the risk of hose material extruding into the slots under high pressure |
Shop Worm Gear Clamps
Browse Worm Gear Clamps Sub-Categories
Organised by material grade. Pick a sub-category, or describe the hose diameter and environment (marine, automotive, industrial) you're clamping in.
How it works
From Half-Remembered Part Number to PO, in Three Steps.
Ask
Type an MPN, paste a spec sheet, or describe the part in plain English. ChatMRO understands engineer-speak.
Compare
Side-by-side specs, cross-references, and equivalents from multiple sources — without the clutter of endless browser tabs.
Quote & Buy
Request a quote or add to cart. Volume discounts, VAT-aware pricing, and consolidated procurement — all in one place.
Applications
Where Worm Gear Clamps Get Used
Worm gear clamps are specified anywhere a hose or flexible duct connection needs adjustable, mechanically-tightened clamping force over a range of diameters.
Automotive Cooling & Fuel Systems
Worm gear clamps securing radiator hoses, coolant lines, and fuel hose connections on vehicles.
Marine Engine & Plumbing Systems
All-stainless worm gear clamps specified for below-waterline hose connections and marine engine cooling systems where corrosion resistance is critical.
Industrial Ducting & Dust Collection
Larger-diameter worm gear clamps securing flexible ducting connections on dust collection and ventilation systems.
HVAC Flexible Ductwork
Worm gear clamps securing flexible duct connections to metal collars and fittings.
Plumbing & Irrigation
Worm gear clamps used on flexible tubing and hose connections in irrigation and general plumbing repair.
Brands
Worm Gear Clamps Brands in the Catalogue
Cross-reference freely between them — ask for an equivalent and ChatMRO shows what matches and what differs.
FAQ
Worm Gear Clamps Questions, Answered
How do I pick the right SAE size worm gear clamp?
Match your hose's actual outer diameter to the clamp's rated adjustable range printed on the packaging or box — choosing a clamp where your hose diameter falls near the middle of its range, not at the extreme minimum or maximum, gives more reliable clamping tension.
What's the difference between all-stainless and mixed-material clamps?
An all-stainless clamp has both the band and the screw housing made of stainless steel, resisting corrosion fully; a mixed-material clamp might have a stainless screw housing but a plated steel band (or vice versa), meaning the non-stainless component can still corrode in marine, outdoor, or wet environments.
Why would I choose a perforated vs. non-perforated band clamp?
A perforated (slotted) band is standard and cost-effective for most uses; a non-perforated (embossed) band reduces the risk of hose material extruding or bulging into the slots under high pressure, which matters more on softer or thinner-walled hose under significant internal pressure.
Does band width matter for hose protection?
Yes — a wider band spreads clamping force over more hose surface area, reducing the risk of the band cutting into or deforming a soft or thin-walled hose compared to a narrow band concentrating the same clamping force over less contact area.
Are worm gear clamps reusable?
Generally yes, within reason — the worm screw can be loosened and retightened multiple times, though repeated heavy over-tightening can eventually strip the band's slots or fatigue the screw mechanism, so heavily used or corroded clamps should be inspected before reuse on a critical connection.
Keep browsing
Related Categories
Explore More
Find Your Next Part Now.
Describe a part number, spec or what it does.