I read this little blurb in an old boating magazine that ABYC does not allow the spring-type constant tension hose clamps.

Anybody know why this is the case? Automotive industry has ditched the worm type clamps altogether. The constant tension clamps do a better job of holding once the rubber has compressed and less likely to damage hose from being overtightened.

My idea was that there is so much variation in hose material/wall thickness that it may be harder to universally apply the constant tension clamps.

Any thoughts? Thx, Randy

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Besides, none of the spring/constant tesion clamps that I have seen are stainless steel.

and what i see on cars with them is they brake,,all the time..

....And, a constant spring type clamp cannot impart nearly as much clamping force as a screw type clamp. Take the case of an exhaust hose, that stuff is super-tuff and you really need to crank the clamp down to compress the hose. Fuel fill hoses are very tough too. Lets not forget water pump inlet hoses, very strong stuff.

So, bottom line, screw clamps are more reliable. I think the only reason the automakers use spring clamps is that they can save a few nano-seconds on assembly of every car they make. And they don't have to rely on the assembly guys to tighten them correctly.

Good stuff, Thanks! Randy

This. Automakers use constant-tension clamps because they are cheaper to make and quicker to install. Screw-type clamps are a much better choice. Plus I've never seen a stainless constant-tension clamp...

Because they leak! I replaced 3 on my truck the other day - all 3 were weeping PS fluid.