Mishimoto Ear Clamp Tool

Q. What type of clamp should I use for my application?

A. Some clamps are best suited for specific applications, while others can be used for a wide range of purposes. When choosing a clamp, you should consider the type of part being clamped, the size of the part to be clamped, how much holding power is needed, and the cost of the clamps.

Q. How do I know what clamp size I need?

A. Our clamps are listed by either a clamping range or their nominal size. Clamps listed by nominal size are intended for use on that size hose or pipe. Clamps witha nominal size will match a product with the same nominal size. When clamping a hose or induction pipe, you may use a clamp with a clamping range. To determine which size clamp you need, assemble your parts as close to how they will be fitted in the vehicle. Then, measure the outer diameter (OD) of all pieces. If you cannot assemble the parts, you can measure the OD of the hose or pipe and add the thickness of any external couplers. For applications where the clamped hose or pipe slips over a barb, the OD is the only measurement you need to know. You should find a clamp whose clamping range covers this size. Ideally, you should choose a clamp where the size you need falls somewhere in the middle of the clamping range, as a clamp's holding force is lower closer to its minimum or maximum diameter.

Q. What is the difference between a worm gear clamp and t-bolt clamp?

A. Worm gear clamps are for coolant hoses, low-pressure soft lines, catch cans, and stock induction piping. They are inexpensive, versatile, and available in a wide range of sizes. T-bolt clamps can be used for the same applications but are especially well suited for applications where higher clamping force is needed. This includes aftermarket forced induction couplers where higher boost pressures will be seen.

Q. When do I need a constant tension worm gear/T-bolt clamp?

A. Constant tension T-bolt and constant tension worm gear clamps are available for the same applications as their standard counterparts but have the added ability to provide constant clamping force over a wide range of temperature and pressure. The spring on constant tension clamps allow the part being held to expand and contract with temperature changes. Constant tension clamps are especially useful in heavily modified applications that generate a lot of heat or when standard clamps have failed.

Q. What are the benefits of ear clamps and spring clamps?

A. Ear clamps are best suited for vacuum hoses, catch can hoses, or other low-pressure applications where a permanent clamp is required. Manufacturers use this type when a part does not need regular service but needs to be very secure. Spring clamps are the easiest clamp to remove and install with a simple pair of pliers or your fingers. They are useful for vacuum hoses and low-pressure soft hoses that will be installed/removed often and where a large amount of clamping force is not needed.

Q. Where should the clamp be placed on my hose/pipe/coupler?

A. For hoses that slip over a barb, the clamp should be placed behind the largest with some space between the edge of the clamp and the barb so that the hose is not cut by the barb. For clamps on couplers, you should place the clamp ¼” from the end of the coupler and behind the bead-roll of the pipe being clamped. If no bead roll is present, place the clamp ¼” from the end of the coupler.