[Gooserider]

The rule of thumb that I tend to use for clamp tension when I'm using stainless worm drive clamps is to snug them down until either the hose material just starts to stick through the 'gear slots' in the band, or until the top surface of the band feels about even with the OD of the hose. This is when using pretty thick hose, if it is real thin stuff I'll just go until it 'feels tight'

I also have used 'Tie Wraps' or 'Zip Ties' as hose clamps, they work pretty good, and look neater than the stainless worm clamps. My rule for them is to pull them as tight as I can, definitely enough to make them sink into the hose a bit.

I will also second the earlier comment about not using a hose larger than the barb. However it MAY be OK to use a barb one or two steps larger than the hose, depending on what sort of hose it is (Some types are OK, some tend to split). Even on these connections you should still use a clamp, but you don't need quite as much tension on it.

Gooserider