How to Choose the Right Exhaust Clamp

Exhaust clamps provide a simple and effective way of securing sections of exhaust tubing, flexible hose and associated components. However, choosing the correct clamp involves more than simply finding one that looks approximately the right size.

The diameter being clamped, type of tubing, operating environment and required clamping force can all influence which exhaust clamp is most appropriate.

Whitehouse Flexible Tubing supplies a range of exhaust clamps, band clamps and hose clips for industrial and exhaust applications. This guide explains some of the main points to consider when choosing an exhaust clamp.

What Is an Exhaust Clamp?

An exhaust clamp is a mechanical fixing used to secure tubing, pipework or flexible hose at a connection point.

Depending on the application, a clamp can be used to secure overlapping sections of exhaust tubing, connect flexible tubing to another component or help maintain a secure connection within an exhaust or extraction system.

Clamps are available in different constructions and materials, so it is important to select one that suits both the tubing and the conditions in which it will operate.

What Are the Different Types of Exhaust Clamp?

There are several styles of clamp that may be suitable for exhaust and industrial tubing applications.

U-Bolt Exhaust Clamps

U-bolt clamps are one of the most familiar forms of exhaust clamp.

The U-shaped bolt passes around the outside of the tubing and is tightened against a saddle using nuts on each side.

Whitehouse supplies mild-steel U-bolt clamps particularly suited to exhaust applications, with sizes available to suit a wide range of flexible tubing diameters.

They provide a straightforward and cost-effective solution for many general exhaust installations.

Band Clamps

Band clamps use a wider metal strip that wraps around the outside of the tube.

The wider contact area can make a band clamp useful where the clamping force needs to be distributed over a larger section of the tubing.

Whitehouse supplies band clamps manufactured from galvanised mild steel or stainless steel, allowing the material to be selected according to the application and operating environment.

Heavy-Duty Exhaust Clamps

More demanding installations may require a stronger clamping solution.

Whitehouse Stainless Steel Super Heavy Duty Exhaust Clamps use a full-band construction tightened by a bolt and are designed to provide extremely high band tension.

They are particularly suitable for demanding suction and pressure-line applications involving plastic or steel reinforced hose.

What Size Exhaust Clamp Do I Need?

Correct sizing is one of the most important considerations when selecting an exhaust clamp.

The clamp needs to suit the outside diameter of the tube or connection being clamped, rather than simply matching the nominal description of the hose.

For example, a flexible tube may be described by its internal diameter while the clamp needs to fit around its external diameter.

Whitehouse provides reference tables showing the appropriate clamp size for its flexible tubing products.

Before ordering, check:

• The outside diameter of the tubing
• The diameter of the component it is connecting to
• Whether the joint involves overlapping tube
• The available clamping range
• The width and construction of the clamp
• Whether a standard or heavy-duty clamp is required

If you are unsure, provide Whitehouse with the tubing dimensions and application details so the appropriate clamp can be identified.

Stainless Steel or Galvanised Exhaust Clamps?

Material selection depends largely on the operating environment.

Galvanised steel clamps provide a cost-effective solution for many general industrial applications.

Stainless steel clamps may be preferable where greater corrosion resistance is required or where the operating environment is more demanding.

Factors worth considering include:

• Exposure to moisture
• Outdoor use
• Corrosive environments
• Operating temperature
• Frequency of maintenance
• Required service life
• Material of the adjoining components

The most expensive clamp is not automatically the correct one. The material should be selected according to the requirements of the complete installation.

When Should I Use a Heavy-Duty Exhaust Clamp?

A standard clamp is suitable for many applications, but some installations place significantly greater loads on the connection.

A heavy-duty clamp may be worth considering where there is:

• Greater pressure or suction
• Reinforced flexible hose
• Significant vibration
• A demanding industrial environment
• A requirement for increased clamping force
• Larger or heavier tubing
• A connection that will be subjected to regular movement

The hose, tube and clamp should always be considered as a complete connection rather than selecting each component independently.

Can Exhaust Clamps Be Used with Flexible Metal Hose?

Yes, suitable clamps can be used with flexible metal hose and tubing, although the exact clamp will depend on the construction and outside diameter of the hose.

Whitehouse manufactures and supplies a wide range of flexible metallic tubing for exhaust, extraction, ducting and industrial applications, together with clamps and fittings for suitable installations.

When connecting flexible metal hose, it is important to consider the hose construction, outside diameter and the component to which it is being attached.

Exhaust Clamps vs Permanent Connections

A mechanical clamp can provide several advantages compared with a permanently fabricated connection.

These include:

• Easier installation
• Simple replacement of flexible tubing
• Easier maintenance access
• No welding required at the connection
• Ability to dismantle equipment
• Straightforward replacement of worn components

There are also applications where a fabricated or welded connection will be more appropriate.

The choice should therefore be based on the mechanical, sealing and maintenance requirements of the installation.

Choosing an Exhaust Clamp for Industrial Applications

Industrial exhaust and extraction systems can experience vibration, temperature changes and movement during operation.

Before selecting a clamp, consider:

• Tube outside diameter
• Clamp material
• Required clamping range
• Temperature
• Vibration
• Pressure or suction
• Exposure to moisture or corrosive conditions
• Whether the connection needs to be removable
• Required clamping force

For more demanding applications, a wider or heavier-duty band clamp may provide a more appropriate solution than a conventional U-bolt clamp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exhaust Clamps

What size exhaust clamp do I need?

Measure or confirm the outside diameter of the tubing at the point where the clamp will be fitted. The clamp must suit this outside diameter and provide the required clamping range. Do not assume that the nominal inside diameter of the hose is the correct clamp size.

Are stainless steel exhaust clamps better than mild steel clamps?

Not necessarily. Stainless steel provides greater corrosion resistance and can be beneficial in demanding environments, while mild or galvanised steel can provide a cost-effective solution for many general applications. The correct material depends on the installation.

What is a band clamp?

A band clamp uses a metal strip wrapped around the tubing and tightened to create the required clamping force. Its wider contact area distributes the load across a larger section of the tube than some other clamp designs.

When should I use a heavy-duty exhaust clamp?

Heavy-duty clamps should be considered where greater clamping force is required, such as demanding industrial installations, reinforced hose, higher suction or pressure applications, or connections exposed to significant mechanical loads.

Can exhaust clamps be reused?

This depends on the clamp, its condition and the application. Any clamp that is damaged, distorted, heavily corroded or no longer provides the required clamping force should be replaced.

Can Whitehouse help me select the correct exhaust clamp?

Yes. If you provide the tubing dimensions and details of the application, Whitehouse Flexible Tubing can help identify a suitable clamp from its range.

Find the Right Exhaust Clamp

Whitehouse Flexible Tubing supplies U-bolt exhaust clamps, band clamps, heavy-duty stainless steel clamps and other fastening solutions for flexible tubing and industrial applications.

Explore our range of exhaust clamps and band clamps, or contact the Whitehouse team with the outside diameter of your tubing and application requirements for help selecting the appropriate solution.