I called several ford dealers , auto zone, orliley, napa and nobody around here stocks spring clamps. Every one has those worm drive clamps.
Why is that?
Why is that?
Problem finding spring clamps
- Thread starter Rust_Belt_Pete
- Start date
Most likely because no one buys them. From the dealer standpoint a new hose from Ford generally comes with the clamp installed and locked in the open position for installation. As far as parts stores go I have never seen a parts store stock a spring clamp, only ever worm gear clamps and to be honest all I stock is worm gear clamps.
Everybody hates the spring clamps as they don't have the right tools to easily use them.
because the worm clamps are easier to use 
Only in California....
I prefer spring clamps on a new vehicle.. there are various issues on older cars such as
1, if you have to squeeze/disturb/move the clamp sometimes they lose clamping force later in their lives.
2, requires exact size spring clamp to hose (worm gear type work over a size range)
3, hard to find.
I prefer spring clamps on a new vehicle.. there are various issues on older cars such as
1, if you have to squeeze/disturb/move the clamp sometimes they lose clamping force later in their lives.
2, requires exact size spring clamp to hose (worm gear type work over a size range)
3, hard to find.
We carried them at NAPA. Don't know if they still do. You might ask'em. Dealer techs like to use them.
There are some listed, but for the clamps in certain applications they come already glued to a hose with a pin to pull. While other say to improvise locally.
Snip from the parts catalog from the vehicle I am looking up a part for right now:
Snip from the parts catalog from the vehicle I am looking up a part for right now:
From my Mustang in the catalog:
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2024
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McMaster-Carr usually has everything I need and plenty of stuff I don't:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hose-clamps/clamp-type~spring-1/
Misumi is also another distributor of good stuff, Grainger might have some, Tractor Supply definitely:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/spring-action hose clamp?isIntSrch=written
FCPEuro has the BMW ones, not sure how close they are to the Ford type ones:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/Parts/?keywords=hose clamp
Mubea has some (also sold on FCPEuro):
https://www.mubea-shop.com/web/mubea/en/666666/fbs/Spring band clamps/index.xhtml
And chances are, if Tractor Supply has them, HD and Lowes would have them too. They'd be hard to find between thousands of references, but the SKUs can be found on Hillman's site:
https://shop.hillmangroup.com/ccrz_... clamp&cclcl=en_US&store=&_br_uid_2=undefined
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hose-clamps/clamp-type~spring-1/
Misumi is also another distributor of good stuff, Grainger might have some, Tractor Supply definitely:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/spring-action hose clamp?isIntSrch=written
FCPEuro has the BMW ones, not sure how close they are to the Ford type ones:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/Parts/?keywords=hose clamp
Mubea has some (also sold on FCPEuro):
https://www.mubea-shop.com/web/mubea/en/666666/fbs/Spring band clamps/index.xhtml
And chances are, if Tractor Supply has them, HD and Lowes would have them too. They'd be hard to find between thousands of references, but the SKUs can be found on Hillman's site:
https://shop.hillmangroup.com/ccrz_... clamp&cclcl=en_US&store=&_br_uid_2=undefined
Amazon has big kits.. kits that would last a lifetime. If you have pick n pull you can always build up a stash that way. I used a spring clamp from the Festiva on the Dakota last week.
Fuses, too. Many of today's fuses are getting disturbingly expensive, esp when you need it NOW and the auto parts stores know it.
I mean in stock now folks. Car was pissing coolant.
So the spring clamp broke in half but still had tension...
The jagged piece dug into the hose so it was still pissing coolant.
After my 3rd coolant bath I cut the damaged end off slid the hose on again and tightened the stainless steel worm clamp because thats all that is available.
Coolant systems seems to hold 12psi for a couple of minutes so I guess the leak is gone.
While I was there I installed an ez drain for oil pan and changed the downstream oxygen sensor.
So the spring clamp broke in half but still had tension...
The jagged piece dug into the hose so it was still pissing coolant.
After my 3rd coolant bath I cut the damaged end off slid the hose on again and tightened the stainless steel worm clamp because thats all that is available.
Coolant systems seems to hold 12psi for a couple of minutes so I guess the leak is gone.
While I was there I installed an ez drain for oil pan and changed the downstream oxygen sensor.
We already established they're difficult to find. I think the point is start hoarding now so next time you're ready.
I prefer the spring clamps whenever possible, esp on plastic radiator necks. But it is true they can weaken with age, and if putting back on an old hose it's best to seat it back in the old imprint or they may leak.
Thank you folks. I will now order a set to keep some on hand.
You could also get a clamp-tite tool.
I keep one in my box, never know when it'll come in handy.
I keep one in my box, never know when it'll come in handy.
I have found the OE spring clamps many times will not aftermarket hoses very well if at all, sometimes you can put the clamp on eg the radiator neck before the hose and work it on as you push the hose on. OE hoses and OE clamps are nice to work with.
