hose clamps

[5ktq]

Today I was replacing the shitty crank breather tube that always clogs and breaks, the tee, pcv valve, jet pump, etc.

I have a smaller selection of some of the 1-ear single use clamps than I thought I had, so I need to get some in the proper size. Being too lazy to measure them all (which I'll probably have to end up doing, but...), I looked them up in etka instead.

So the oetiker clamps come in a size range, eg 9-11mm (11mm being the un-squished size, 9 being maximum squish, i guess).

ETKA lists single number, eg. 19.8x7, for 19.8 dia, 7mm wide band. But is that 19.8mm the maximum opening, minimum squish, something nominal inbetween.. I don't know. Maybe some genius does.

I'm guessing its the maximum size, as for example the clamp used on the 3.5mm ID 2mm wall hose is listed as 11.9mm. So even if the barb that goes on is 4 or 4.5mm, + 2x 2mm wall, that'd be 8 or 8.5mm total dia... I guess one with maximum 11.9mm diameter could squish that small, barely, so max size is my guess but...

[5ktq]

Well for what it's worth, I went through the oetiker catalgoue and their max sizes seem to line up with the VW sizes (eg. 11.9mm), so that's likely the case, if someone needs cheaper pinch clamps.

Now I just need to find somewhere local that has good selection of them...

[PreciseD]

Go to Amazon and type in Pinch Clamps... There should be a drop down menu on Oetiker that will tell you what size hose they are for... Nevermind... here you go

https://www.amazon.com/Oetiker-16702...ds=pinch+clamp

[john_gonzo]

Try here, eh?: http://www.oetiker.com/en/Products

Or, if you want the whole 6-MB shebang: Oetiker_Product_Catalog_Mar_2016.pdf

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Why do you want to use Oetiker clamps as replacements? I never considered using anything other than conventional hose clamps as replacements. I'm partial to the ABA clamps used on Saabs and Volvos...
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/5650...0-mm-7970031G/

[MetalMan]

Why do you want to use Oetiker clamps as replacements? I never considered using anything other than conventional hose clamps as replacements. I'm partial to the ABA clamps used on Saabs and Volvos...
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/5650...0-mm-7970031G/

If you are going to replace things with hose clamps, definitely get clamps similar to ABA or Oetiker hose clamps; rolled edges and a smooth inner surface are a must, otherwise the clamp will likely eat into the hose.

Recently I did a bunch of work to my B6. Previous owner replaced most clamps in the engine bay with the "wrong" kind of hose clamp, so now I have about 30 various sizes of that type.
I replaced many hose clamps with the proper size "stepless ear" or "pinch" clamp (like the Oetikers listed above).

Stepless ear clamps are superior in their function compared to hose clamps because:
-they apply consistent pressure across the entire circumference of a hose. Only really good hose clamps can do this (such as the ones Audi uses to attach intercooler pipes)
-they apply a spring pressure to the hose, which is good for maintaining better sealing as the hose ages. Only really good hose clamps can do this (as above).

The obvious cons of stepless ear clamps:
-more difficult to remove
-require a specialized tool to install "correctly". However a cheap version of that tool is only $10...
-one-time-use means potentially more money spent on clamps, but in bulk they aren't expensive

So on my B6, I used stepless ear clamps in as many locations as possible. Hose clamps only reside in locations where individual vacuum systems can be removed as modules, or where something needs to be more readily removable.

[5ktq]

Yeah, this is why I am looking for the stepless type, they're superior.

The norma style gear clamps audi uses in some locations is ok too, but stepless pinch is just nicer in areas where you don't need to service often.

I found some one-ear style today locally, but they are not stepless (there is a hole under the ear, it's not as good).



one on left is stepped style, like I found. other three in the picture are best kind, stepless.



This is norma kind:


note rolled edge, and the gear rack isn't holes but indents, so hose can't squish through. Audi uses this one often.

This is ABA style:


Also ok but the higher profile makes it a pain in some locations.


now compare those to US style 'tridon':


Sharp edges are hard on hose. Open holes for gear rack squish hose though, etc. inferior and not really any cheaper.

[tHatOne guY]

Can't go wrong...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/80-Piece-Oet...kAAOSwPhdVTW2-

... that same seller has a bunch of different sizes for all the other Audi bits as well.