I'm getting sick and tired of finding hose clamps with rusted or just rusty-looking bolts and threads, especially those in damp areas like the bilge and the engine wet exhaust line. Sadly, some of these clamps are made by Tridon Australia and labelled "all-stainless" (could be 302/4, definitely not 316). Also don't like the perforated bands on Tridon clamps. We're talking worm-drive rather than T-bolt style clamps here.
So, searching some web forums it seems that many boat owners swear by all-stainless clamps made in Sweden by AWAB. Bit confusing, but it appears possible that the related brand ABA is equally good. The problem with most clamps is they rust where the water accumulates inside the thread housing, but it seems that the Swedes' clamps survive better than others.
Now that's all hunky dory, if I could just get some of them in Australia. I know I can order them from the UK and probably the USA, but who wants to wait two weeks for a dozen hose clamps with shipping often costing quite a bit, especially if they use Fedex or DHL as some US stores prefer to do.
Anyone come across these AWAB/ABA clamps in Aus (size 25mm and up)?
Or know about equivalent quality, all 316, non-perforated band, hose clamps in Aus?
Alternatively, anyone know what the prof fishermen use, or have good long term experience with another brand of ss316 clamp in the bilge or in contact with seawater?
Just use the non perforated type and always use two on all hull fittings. Not much you can do about corrosion in the stainless clamps apart from arranging the clips so that water does not collect in the screw section. Two clamps are always needed for vessels in survey and is worth the extra insurance on amateur boats. Its fairly rare that both clamps will fail at the same time and the occasional inspection is worth the bother.
Wot he said. There is no substitute for correct fitting and regular maintenance.
We would all like to set and forget but the marine environment don't let you do that.
Yes a visual check every now and then never hurts. Rubber hose onto bronze skin fittings will tend to stick and seal after awhile even when both clips have broken. Good routine to get into is to check when you switch on the battery each day. Attach the engine key to a wooden tag and hang it on the inlet seacock so that you open it as you get the key.
Hi Karstan,
Titanium hose clamps are the go... but good luck on your search!
Wurth have good quality 316 hose clamps, a lot better then Trident and they don't cut into your hoses.
The problem with titanium is limited supply and industries eat up the stock before it reaches the shelves. I also like the idea of uranium as ballast but try and find that stuff haha...
Yes, I imagine that most of the worlds supplies of depleted Uranium are being used as projectiles in Phalanx Close-In Weapons System.
However I do recall that a few years ago I think it was one Club Meds boats had a keel built from depleted Uranium, courtesy of the French Government.
Titanium would be good; for me it would work out cheaper in the long run because I would not have to replace clamps in the bilge every few years. However, if you go to the Titanium web site you will note that they are "out of stock", and I have been told that this has been the case for well over six months.
Thanks Garyk for the tip about Hurth 316 clamps. My initial quick web search found some Hurth clamps from auto shops in Aus, but galv version only. Will keep looking.
The titanium ones look nice but are perforated. I would want to hear from someone who has had some in service for awhile to see how they last. At that low a price and a perforated design I'm not confident.
Corrosion damages and weakens metal. I mostly get corrosion in the screw housing - it tends to seize up. I don't like the look of a hose clamp where the screw housing bleeds rust; how can you know what's going on inside there? And if you don't know, do you just hope it's not too bad?
If the clamp screw housing never corrodes (like titanium), I'll live with perforated bands even though I don't like them.
