Post by vance on Dec 15, 2020 9:57:25 GMT -8
I've been asked about making clamps by several people lately, and thought I'd post a How-To on the subject. Step by step follows in a post below.
It's quite simple, and doesn't take much to make some nice custom clamps for whatever you need. The hardest part can be drilling the ends for the screws.
I've been making clamps for DivAir diaphragms, Scuba exhaust diaphragms, hose loops, etc. I've found that hoses are fairly inconsistent in thickness, so they aren't really a one size fits all kina deal. If you have a vise, metal shears, a centerpunch and hammer, and a drill, you can make your own!
I make mine out of different stainless steel materials. I have some crimp type clamps I got on some hoses that make a nice sturdy screw on type when flattened out and re-bent. I also use Constant Velocity Joint boot clamps (an automotive part), which are just thin strips of stainless steel, much like a zip-tie. The CV Joint clamp material is easier to work with. I bought a package of 36" long ones on eBay, and they are available at most auto supply stores. You also need some stainless screws and nuts. I use 5-40s, 4-40s, and 2-56s depending on the width of the clamp.
Clamps will look like this:
The short bit fits under the opposite end to keep the clamp from pinching whatever you're clamping and gives it a finished look.
It's quite simple, and doesn't take much to make some nice custom clamps for whatever you need. The hardest part can be drilling the ends for the screws.
I've been making clamps for DivAir diaphragms, Scuba exhaust diaphragms, hose loops, etc. I've found that hoses are fairly inconsistent in thickness, so they aren't really a one size fits all kina deal. If you have a vise, metal shears, a centerpunch and hammer, and a drill, you can make your own!
I make mine out of different stainless steel materials. I have some crimp type clamps I got on some hoses that make a nice sturdy screw on type when flattened out and re-bent. I also use Constant Velocity Joint boot clamps (an automotive part), which are just thin strips of stainless steel, much like a zip-tie. The CV Joint clamp material is easier to work with. I bought a package of 36" long ones on eBay, and they are available at most auto supply stores. You also need some stainless screws and nuts. I use 5-40s, 4-40s, and 2-56s depending on the width of the clamp.
Clamps will look like this:
The short bit fits under the opposite end to keep the clamp from pinching whatever you're clamping and gives it a finished look.
So, yer sayin' that ya make them HW-clamps outta CV-boot clamps? I've got a bunch'a regs that need them, for the exhaust-tees and mouthpieces: I really don't like the way zip-ties look when they weren't originally used...
