Spring or Worm: Which Hose Clamps to Use on Your Motorcycle

By highlighting the differences, we hope to assist riders in determining which type of hose clamp to select when servicing motorcycle hoses. (Above image source: Rachel Claire / @rachel-claire )

There exist numerous views on which clamp is superior, Worm or Spring? A more practical approach might be choosing which type works best for your particular purpose.

How and why you settle on a particular fastener style should consider the following, but first, it is most reliable to stick with a similar clamp as the manufactures OEM if you are doubtful.

What are worm gear hose clamps?

Worm ‘gear’ clamps are the most common type of clamp used to secure a hose while keeping it connected to a fitting. The clamps are constructed of zinc-plated steel or various grades of stainless steel and are employed in automotive, aeronautics, and manufacturing applications.

This Worm Clamp design incorporates a slotted band, a screw housing, and a worm gear screw that meshes with the slots in the band that make up the worm-drive clamp. A flat-head screwdriver and or a 5/16-inch nut driver is all that’s needed to install a worm gear hose clamp in minutes.

What are spring hose clamps?

Spring clamps, or constant tension clamps, are broad spring steel hose clamps that constantly pressure connections. The clamps keep constant tension when hoses expand and contract during temperature fluctuations.

What are wire hose clamps?

Wire and double wire hose clamps made from round wire also provide constant tension. The thin profile clamps are most suitable for low-pressure applications. They’re effective in difficult-to-reach places and commonly used on vacuum lines.

Points to consider!

1- Worm gear hose clamps cannot passively adjust the way a constant-tension (spring or wire) clamp does.

2- Worm clamps do not work as well across a wide range of temperatures. As the hose contracts and expands, it’s common to get cold-flow leakage around them.

3- Worm gear hose clamps leave a flat surface under the screw fitting in lower diameters, resulting in low-pressure zones.

Vibrations can cause worm gear hose clamps to loosen (back off) slightly, whereas the spring-style clamps do not.

One significant advantage of worm clamps fasteners is that you will tighten them further than spring clamps.

Final Note:

Regardless of which fastener you chose, the quality of the clamp is as vital as the style — corrosion and low-quality materials will make the joint less stable.