Clamps on Fittings

[SeanD]

So, I put hose clamps on fittings I cut into my mainline like tees, etc., but I don't put clamps on anything on 5/16" or 3/16". Is that simply because the grip on the smaller lines on the smaller barbs is better than the grip on the bigger lines on the bigger barbs?

I got these new barb fittings for vac gauges and the barbs aren't as deep as a typical plastic fitting for 5/16". I think they are tight. I can feel the barbs through the tubing. Has anyone ever needed to put a hose clamp on a 5/16" fitting for vac? If there was a leak here, I don't think I'd ever find it.

17497

[Haynes Forest Products]

If you have ever caught one of your lateral lines on your ATV rack while driving under it you would be amazed by its strength. It would rip your head off and stretch it beyond recognition and it will never leak. Now that is the semi ridged. The barbs tend to dig in and bite making a great seal.

[Super Sapper]

So, I put hose clamps on fittings I cut into my mainline like tees, etc., but I don't put clamps on anything on 5/16" or 3/16". Is that simply because the grip on the smaller lines on the smaller barbs is better than the grip on the bigger lines on the bigger barbs?

I got these new barb fittings for vac gauges and the barbs aren't as deep as a typical plastic fitting for 5/16". I think they are tight. I can feel the barbs through the tubing. Has anyone ever needed to put a hose clamp on a 5/16" fitting for vac? If there was a leak here, I don't think I'd ever find it.

17497

You can give it a few wraps of quality electrical tape to be sure.

[bstewar]

Good question Sean. I have put a clamp on a 5/16 drop with a gauge. Necessary? Probably not. Was using Leader’s semi flex. I am putting up 3/16 with some gauges and no clamps. Seems real right on the fitting and don’t suspect it will leak.

[Tweegs]

I’ve had to use hose clamps in the past to fix a few minor leaks in the short term.

My 2 cents here is…
If you’re even the least bit concerned, put a clamp on the gauge.
You’ll sleep better at night.

[DrTimPerkins]

Assuming the brass fittings are 5/16" you shouldn't have any leakage. A clamp will sometimes cause a leak in that setting. Semi-rigid is more forgiving than rigid. The rigid can leak if you twist it around on the fitting too much.

[SeanD]

Ok, thanks for all the feedback.