I’m in the process of mocking up the engine coolant piping on my speedster build and want hose clamps that look period correct (kinda), and settled on double-wire clamps. However, after doing some more digging, I came across this vid. This got me thinking. I have a tool similar to that which I purchased years and years ago, but never really used much. More digging got me this vid. So, now I’m curious if anyone has actually used this tool/method to make clamps on any hoses on their build/ride. A quick search on here only gave me a reference post from @Ned Ludd of the ClampTite tool.
Look nice but what do you do when you have to change a hose on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere?
I guess if you commit to those clamps you also commit to carrying side cutters, more wire & the tool?
I guess you go find some farm fence and hope Bubba hasn’t taken it all. Lol! Seriously though, I was wondering the same thing. I’ve ordered more of the double wire clamps yesterday after the store only had three in stk. The double wire clamps looks the part, but I think I will give it a try though since I already have the tool just to see how it looks.
I'm thinking that you could carry a regular screw type clamp for get you home emergency use. It looks like anthony myrick types faster than I do.
Not trying to be a smart ass but in my 77 years I can’t think of one time when I’ve had to change a hose and/or clamp on the side of the road. I carry a small tool box with very basic tools and if I had a car with point’s ignition might carry a couple parts but if you have to plan for every type break down on an old car you would have to pull a trailer full of parts and tools. Your mileage may vary!
What type of wire do you use. If it's special wire from the company get a bunch if they go under in the future or a spool for having to take it apart over the years for maintenance. Biggest problem I see is if you don't get it tight enough you can't re tighten, looks like it might be a fine line between no leaking and possibly cutting the hose....practice makes perfect. This is just my take if it's a daily driver or real close to one.
I made my own wire clamp tool. I use SS safety wire; either 0.041 or 0.050 (the 0.050 is very stiff) It's kindofa pain to get the wire to do what you want, but makes a nice tight "clamp" Useful when you don't want protruding bolts or ears of conventional clamps, especially on small hoses. Some users recommend doubling the wrap of wire, but I have used only one wrap and it looks/works OK.
I have that same tool and used it for something I made a few years ago. Can't remember right now what I needed that particular clamp for , but to the best of my memory it worked just fine.
I watched a couple of their vids, and they have a wide range of tools that are capable of using wire dia. up to 0.125”! They say most common wire size for home/auto use is 0.041” SS 304 wire, but I feel for a 2” OD coolant hose, such a small dia. wire just wouldn’t look right even though the 0.042” would probably work just fine. I think then you would be looking at a 0.062” type wire size, which for me means a new tool, and that just isn’t going to happen even though I really like the look of the their double loop wire clamp without the bolt. Of course, during all this I had to dig up the thread on the “Lost art of cable lacing”. Lol! That is something I’m surely going to give a try when the time comes. No zip ties in my build because - you know - traditional. Right?
More hose clamp drama... This is the type I prefer. Cheap, simple and "period correct"-as far as I am concerned.
I think the Wirlly jig or what it was called when it first came out has it’s place. I purchased one at a woodworking show 20 years ago . Having it so long I only have used it a few times a year now. It no doubt seals the hose and almost too much pressure on the hose and rubber. I use it more on our machines then automotive uses. It comes in handy but use regular hose clamps for the most part. I use a combination of wire depending on how I use it . I use safety wire , copper winding wire off a generator and NiChrome 70/30. The NiChrome has a high nickel content and used as resistance wire so it’s soft and strong.
I haven't used it yet but keep the tool and wire in the onboard tool kit. One size fits all. takes up hardly any space and may be useful one day.
My concern was what happens if I need to replace a hose or the clamp away from home? Do I cut them off and buy regular clamps as a temp fix, then redo them at home? I went with the wire clamps that have a screw tensioner and simply put the screws underneath to sort of conceal them. I found them in bags of 10 clamps online pretty reasonable and switched all my vehicles to them. They seal really well, and use my 1/4" drive socket set to tighten them.
I googled "traditional hose fastener" and I got this. Now I have to explain to my wife in case she checks my browser.
I had to cut and connect a couple bends for my rad hoses. I made a wire clamp tool for the connections, looks better than a screw clamp out in the middle of the hose. I used T bolt clamps on the ends though.
A friend purchased one at the Nat's in Louisville and we both had a problem using it. Anyway, what makes them "period correct"? Restoration Specialties has several "period correct" hose clamps. Why re-invent the wheel?
Where do you order them from? Our local parts houses only have Ideal or cheap import versions and don't want to bother...
Hahaa, I got caught up in their sales presentation and bought one of those kits several years back at the Nat’s in Louisville. It makes a neat looking clamp, but I have never used it. Not even once. As many have said, it’s easier to just carry a few extra clamps and a screwdriver. Lol.
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