I'm getting sick and tired of finding hose clamps with rusted or just rusty-looking bolts and threads, especially those in damp areas like the bilge and the engine wet exhaust line. Sadly, some of these clamps are made by Tridon Australia and labelled "all-stainless" (could be 302/4, definitely not 316). Also don't like the perforated bands on Tridon clamps. We're talking worm-drive rather than T-bolt style clamps here.

So, searching some web forums it seems that many boat owners swear by all-stainless clamps made in Sweden by AWAB. Bit confusing, but it appears possible that the related brand ABA is equally good. The problem with most clamps is they rust where the water accumulates inside the thread housing, but it seems that the Swedes' clamps survive better than others.

Now that's all hunky dory, if I could just get some of them in Australia. I know I can order them from the UK and probably the USA, but who wants to wait two weeks for a dozen hose clamps with shipping often costing quite a bit, especially if they use Fedex or DHL as some US stores prefer to do.

Anyone come across these AWAB/ABA clamps in Aus (size 25mm and up)?

Or know about equivalent quality, all 316, non-perforated band, hose clamps in Aus?

Alternatively, anyone know what the prof fishermen use, or have good long term experience with another brand of ss316 clamp in the bilge or in contact with seawater?

Wot he said. There is no substitute for correct fitting and regular maintenance.

We would all like to set and forget but the marine environment don't let you do that.

Hi Karstan,
Titanium hose clamps are the go... but good luck on your search!
Wurth have good quality 316 hose clamps, a lot better then Trident and they don't cut into your hoses.

The problem with titanium is limited supply and industries eat up the stock before it reaches the shelves. I also like the idea of uranium as ballast but try and find that stuff haha...

Titanium would be good; for me it would work out cheaper in the long run because I would not have to replace clamps in the bilge every few years. However, if you go to the Titanium web site you will note that they are "out of stock", and I have been told that this has been the case for well over six months.

Thanks Garyk for the tip about Hurth 316 clamps. My initial quick web search found some Hurth clamps from auto shops in Aus, but galv version only. Will keep looking.

Ramona said...
The titanium ones look nice but are perforated. I would want to hear from someone who has had some in service for awhile to see how they last. At that low a price and a perforated design I'm not confident.

I too thought that when I saw them but then thought why would you make something out of a very expensive strategic metal only to have it fail in a short time. But as you say, lets hear from someone that has used them.

garyk said...
The problem with titanium is limited supply and industries eat up the stock before it reaches the shelves. I also like the idea of uranium as ballast but try and find that stuff haha...

books.google.com.au/books?id=aOIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32&lpg=PA32&dq=club+med+sailing+ship+Uranium+keel&source=bl&ots=NyRPG61yZ7&sig=9OyZzvZekNpiH8q-Fxw5YFmdvxc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9H3uUMXfJMGUiAK-q4DYDw

17 tons of the stuff to hold boat upright. Wonder where it is now.