Anyone using Gates Thermoplastic hose clamps?

[Fabulous50s]

I've read quite a bit about these and they seem to have been on the market for 30 years, aimed originally at the heavy duty equipment and OTR truck market.

I really like the clean look, and would like to try them on my tractor and classic car.

Not being able to be reused is a drawback for sure. I've had good luck with spring hose clamps, but they are hard to find in the right size.

 

[Rand]

@The Critic had a post about them here recently.. let me find it

Use Gates PowerGrip Hose Clamps instead of OE Spring Clamps?

My sister's 05 Corolla could use some new radiator hoses (due to age) and the previous owner had already tossed the OE spring clamps. Are these PowerGrip clamps a true long-term alternative to the OE style clamps? Toyota wants $50 for the 4 OE clamps so I am looking for a lower-priced...

bobistheoilguy.com

 

[FishFry]

I switched to aviation spec clamps - you basically make them your self, just with wire and a special tool.
As long as you have wire, you have any size of clamp you ever need. I keep some wire and the tool in the car, just in case..

 

[Fabulous50s]

I switched to aviation spec clamps - you basically make them your self, just with wire and a special tool.
As long as you have wire, you have any size of clamp you ever need. I keep some wire and the tool in the car, just in case..


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I've seen this done before. It is very interesting.

 

[FishFry]

I've seen this done before. It is very interesting.

Yeah, and it looks really cool on a classic car.
But don't buy that $80 tool, you can make it really cheap.

 

[George7941]

I have had 100% success with shrink clamps, have not had one leak so far. I use them whenever I can.

 

[Fabulous50s]

Just looking at them on RA.com and it looks like I need to buy 10. That's lame. I need 2, and was going to buy 4 of several sizes.

Buy I'd end up buying like 40 for almost $100 total. That's a lot for hose clamps.

I may just go on ebay and buy spring clamps.