ClampTite Tool for Gasoline Fuel Hose Fittings

[msteinkampf]

Q1: Can a ClampTite tool be used with gasoline fuel hose fittings?

https://clamptitetools.com/

[msteinkampf]

I was researching construction of a circulating livewell for my 1990 Montauk 17 when I ran across mention of a making hose clamps using a Clamptite tool (https://clamptitetools.com/). This is a device that exerts tension on loops of wire to form a clamp that gives uniform tension around a hose. The Clamptite company seems to market their tools to the automotive industry, although they do sell a marine version made of stainless steel and brass. I didn’t find any info on boat use on this or other marine forums that I belong to, but I thought I would give it a try. I was very happy with the results, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Wire hose clamps for livewell plumbing.

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These wire clamps are corrosion resistant (I used 304 stainless steel safety wire, but 316 stainless steel wire and even Monel are available), are very secure, can be made in different sizes with the same tool and wire, and are inexpensive, as a one pound can of 0.041-inch 304 stainless wire costs about $20 and is enough to make over 100 clamps. They have a very low profile unlike worm gear hose clamps, which have metal tails that can snag or scratch boat occupants. In a small vessel like mine, this is an important consideration, so after using these wire clamps for a season on my livewell, I decided to convert all the connections on my above-deck fuel tanks from plastic zip ties to wire clamps. Here is how this turned out.

Figure 2. Fuel line hose connections using wire clamps.

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I was a bit concerned that the cut ends of the wire might snag something, but as long as the ends are firmly pressed into the hose, this doesn’t seem to be a problem. However, I did cover two of the clamps with adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing. I think this is potentially advantageous, as the tubing makes a waterproof cover over the wire. Time will tell how durable this cover is.

Figure 3. Adhesive-lined heat shrink cover installed over wire clamp.

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I must admit that I did not use a Clamptite tool to construct any of these clamps. There are dozens of YouTube videos describing how to make tools for wire clamps, and I made mine out of an inexpensive caulking gun like the one shown on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIVWYepZqe4&ab_channel=Francoisvanderwalt
This might be the definitive video on wire clamp tool construction, with over 12 million views since 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRc7ZDRcgrQ&t=2s&ab_channel=AdvokoMAKES
I made another tool out of a small bolt like the one shown on this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U03bJyd5dgA&ab_channel=Jola76)for use in the field or on the water. With this tool, 12 feet of wire, and a few zip ties, I can replace any clamp on my boat or truck. Perhaps one day I’ll treat myself to a genuine Clamptite tool.

This style of hose clamp is nothing new. Here is a video demonstrating how to make this style of wire clamp using a tool that was invented in 1954. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hDdVB57L0A&ab_channel=mrpete222)

There are some disadvantages to wire clamps like this, though. I suppose there is some risk that the wire may cut through the hose, but I have not found this to be a problem (and of course even worm drive band clamps have been known to cut through hose). Large hoses may require larger wires, but I have found that 0.041-inch wire is suitable for all the hoses in my boat, and it also serves as wire leader when fishing for toothy predators. There is a learning curve to constructing the clamps, so it’s worthwhile practicing on some hoses. In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage of Clamptite wire clamps is the need to rotate the tool 180 degrees to lock the wire. This makes it difficult to use on some hose connections under the cowl of my outboard motor, hence the need for a few zip ties in my repair kit.

In my opinion, it is legal to use wire clamps on fuel lines, with one exception – if hose clamps are to be used for fuel tank fill hoses, it is required by federal law (CFR 183.564) that they be doubled band clamps having a nominal band width of one-half inch – not a problem for my boat.