While searching for an alternate to the faux-AN type clamps (worm gear with an anodized AN-looking slide-on cover)......I came across these: http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=927&location_id=546 Pretty slick, eh? The downside is that they're a one-time deal (and that obnoxious name stamp). If you remove it, you have to cut it off. The up side is that it only takes a heat gun to "attach" them! For tight spots where knuckle-busting is guaranteed, this seems like a great option. Also, I like how it retains that 'hex' shape once fitted. Very nice! Since these are pretty new, your local store might not have them in yet. I ordered (8) of them for about $2/ea. and they should be here next week. Pics and testing results will be posted soon.
They do look nice. You get this type of clamp with a KillerGlass Pipe. Although the glass pipe has "hose barb" design on each end you also get this type of clamp with it. You slide this band on and use a hair dryer to make it tighten up initially, then the more you drive it the tighter it gets. Looks a lot nicer than hose clamps.
GATES POWERGRIP CLAMPS = FAIL (at least in appearance) After special-ordering the proper size clamps for my hose project (and a few backups), I went down the Gates dealer to pick them up. NOT EVEN CLOSE. The clamps are plain ol' round (no hex shape), and they have a GIGANTIC, OBNOXIOUS goblin green printing at the 0 deg. and 180 deg. marks. Because they were a special order item, there's no returning. $22 lesson (they only come in packs of 10). That night I shot Gates Rubber Company a note: "Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 12:35 AM To: [GATES REPRESENATIVE] Subject: Powergrip Clamps While searching for an alternative to worm-gear clamps, I came across your product: Powergrip Thermoplastic Clamps. http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=927&location_id=546 After ordering the clamps (min. 10) from your local distributor and getting them home, I found them to be nothing like the product in the picture aside from the black color. The logo/product name is gigantic, covering almost half the clamp surface, and printed in an obnoxiously green color. The most disappointing part is that the clamps do not have the "hex" shape as shown in the picture on your site. I now have 10 clamps that I can not return (special order) and have zero use for. An explanation would be appreciated. Thank you." The response from Gates: "Kevan; I'm sorry for your disappointment with the product itself. An artist's rendering of a product is just that, an artist's rendering. The product is produced to "shrink to fit" on the application and of course the product is not going to maintain a "hex" shape as shown in the illustration. Best wishes." ARTIST RENDERING!?!?!?!?!??!!??!?! Would have been nice to know that ahead of f-ing time. How about a TEENY TINY MINIATURE note saying "This is what we were dreaming of..." SOMETHING!!! Maybe I've just been huffing the grass too much. Does anyone else see ANY sort of "Artists Rendering" mention on their webpage? I couldn't find it. I will use the clamps I have, but will be ACTIVELY searching for an alternative to replace them as quickly as possible.
Now they MUST be replaced. After attempting to install the CORRECT SIZE Gates Powergrip Clamps (sized for 5/8" heater hose), they NEED to be replaced. They do not provide ANY clamping of the hose. At all. Truck is down ANOTHER day.
