Worm or Snap tubing clamps...any difference?

[Dr_Strangelove]

So I have a dilemma. I cannot find worm clamps thin enough to fit around the DD Maze4 coolers. I have some snap fittings but have never used them before.

How realiable are these?

I am a bit worried about using plastic on something like that as it does not exactly make me feel very safe. Anyone have any input on A vs B?

So far I have been to Home Depot and Menards looking for 1/2" Worm Clamps and could only find ones that are thick. Does anyone know where I can purchase some thinner ones?

[Brians256]

If you are talking about the racheting clamps used by DangerDen, I've used those in a system 2 years old. Works well. Didn't work well when I didn't clamp, but I can't blame the clamps. That was my most expensive watercooling mistake. Don't forget to clamp when you have a high pressure pump!

[stev]

I've used both types, with success, found here:

All Stainless-Steel construction.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pro...duct%5Fid=8212

Plastic Snap-Clamp
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pro...duct%5Fid=8236

The plastic type has many little teeth to ensure strong closure.

Stev

[BGP Spook]

Originally Posted by Dr_Strangelove

So I have a dilemma. I cannot find worm clamps thin enough to fit around the DD Maze4 coolers. I have some snap fittings but have never used them before.

How realiable are these?

I am a bit worried about using plastic on something like that as it does not exactly make me feel very safe. Anyone have any input on A vs B?

So far I have been to Home Depot and Menards looking for 1/2" Worm Clamps and could only find ones that are thick. Does anyone know where I can purchase some thinner ones?

Barring ordering online, have you tried Automotive stores?

[Brians256]

I've found the steel worm clamps at automotive stores but not the plastic snap clamps.

[Aronj66]

I've never seen the plastic clamps locally. I have used both, personally I prefer the plastic clamps. I really like the double grip ones, but be aware they are very hard to get off once you snap them in place.

[TerraMex]

you could try pet shops, i've seen in a few,
or marine shops.

[Senater_Cache]

I like worm drive clamps better because I feel that I have better control over the tighness of the grip. Plus they seem much more robust.
I found quite the variety in my local Lowe's actually, the ones I have are no thicker than ~ 1/2mm

good luck

[Dr_Strangelove]

OK guys I guess the place to go is an industrial plumping supply shop. They had worm clamps that were perfect for what we are trying to do. Not so thick and not too skinny.

[GlassMan]

Something to watch out for with worm clamps, the threads of the screw will cut the hose if tightened enough for the hose to bulge through the slots. Marine clamps for silcone hoses are made with stainless steal and have indents insead of slots for the screw threads, so can be tightened with no risk. (the cut doesn't go through but can grow over time)
I like the plastic clamps, much easier to install, and use a screw driver to lift the inner grip and fingernail to release the outer clamp, easy.

[Dr_Strangelove]

Originally Posted by GlassMan

Something to watch out for with worm clamps, the threads of the screw will cut the hose if tightened enough for the hose to bulge through the slots. Marine clamps for silcone hoses are made with stainless steal and have indents insead of slots for the screw threads, so can be tightened with no risk. (the cut doesn't go through but can grow over time)
I like the plastic clamps, much easier to install, and use a screw driver to lift the inner grip and fingernail to release the outer clamp, easy.

This is true with anything. That is why I usually check and rechek all connections to make sure it is not overtightened. It is just something you have to live with I guess.