Cable tie or hose clamp for cooling lines

[michael950]

I recall reading a thread ages ago about someone using cable ties instead of hose clamps and have a problem doing so.


What's the consensus on using cable ties instead of hose clamps.

 

[vomitspot]

clamp

 

[Fathom]

I use quality cable ties, ones that can be tightened enough without breaking. I have yet to have a cooling line pop off. They are a heck of a lot easier to install in tight places.

 

[michael950]

Not trying to get a poll going.

Wondered if anyone recalled the topic?

 

[michael950]

A stock SJ has cable ties here and there, and clamps in other areas.

 

[njfl]

Not sure what the consensus was, but if the tubing wall is soft enough (like Tygon) and there are barbs on the fitting you can get away with zip ties.

Overall, clamps would be better as they can compress even hard-walled tubing.

 

[THRUST]

it is going to be a very expensive zip tie failure if you lose a cooling line use the clamps

 

[dbrutherford]

I have wanted to buy one of those pincher type bands and plier clampers for some time. Hot Products sell them. I think they look better than a hose clamp. A lot of automotive manufactures use them. Downside is the cost and you can only use the clamp once. Plus they would probably be a bit more of a pain to remove.

Anyone have one of these? Anyone ever use one of those zip ty guns? I have been wanting one of those too.

 

[demolition_x]

it depends on the hose your using.

the softer hose you can get away with the zipties, i tried ziptying my cooling lines and i had the biggest zip tie to the point of breaking and it was still leaking.

the hose clamps work fine, just every once and a while you should prob tighten them up.

 

[oxnard111]

I've been running just large zip ties on my cooling lines for one year, and have yet to have a problem.

 

[Mark44]

I use clamps.

Mark44

 

[stanton]

blowing a cooling line sucks.
clamps!

 

[michael950]

I have wanted to buy one of those pincher type bands and plier clampers for some time. Hot Products sell them. I think they look better than a hose clamp. A lot of automotive manufactures use them. Downside is the cost and you can only use the clamp once. Plus they would probably be a bit more of a pain to remove.

Anyone have one of these? Anyone ever use one of those zip ty guns? I have been wanting one of those too.

I believe #0 uses, or has used, them.

I bought the tool, and I think the are perfect for garden hose repair. But for skis, and the restrictive access, I do not want to use them.

 

[Idok]

the zip tie guns work GREAT...

just make sure to use the good ties with the metal tab instead of plastic...


that being said......I use clamps in the pump area and for the main line....but zip ties for virtually everything else...

 

[MRNOSFL]

Same here,clamps on main lines and zips on mostly everything else with barb fittings. No problems.

 

[yamaslut]

I use 2 zip ties... (black)

they work way better than those stupid clamps that come loose...
had trouble w/ clamps in the past... never had issuses w/ zip ties...

(I use tygon hose on everything, so I can use ties) I would not try the zip ties on those horrible colored hoses you get from home depot....

I also like the way you can just cut em off and re-strap it w/ a new one everytine you need to work on something...

 

[Idok]

I use 2 zip ties... (black)

they work way better than those stupid clamps that come loose...
had trouble w/ clamps in the past... never had issuses w/ zip ties...

(I use tygon hose on everything, so I can use ties) I would not try the zip ties on those horrible colored hoses you get from home depot....

I also like the way you can just cut em off and re-strap it w/ a new one everytine you need to work on something...

********! I have been using white.......you think its safe to ride this sunday? :thinking::biggrin:

 

[shepster]

Im sure if you ask JSY701 about cable ties he will disagree. He toasted his motor last weekend because they were used by the past owner.
The main water hose from the pump came off cooked the motor and neary sunk the ski before we could get it back to shore :splatt:
I use the otiker clamps, they dont damage the hose like normal hose clamps and seem to seal up better.

 

[yamaslut]

I know of two people that had serios problems w/ the clamps... One blew his 5mm stroker when one came loose and shot into his carbs... another just had it pop off the head, but not broken motor... Me personally, I have had them come off an several occations... THat's why I stopped using them...

Zip ties do not come loose... they would have to break first...
and they will not melt, unless there was a fire... I'm sure they can go bad, but I re-do my motor every year, so no problems...

 

[njfl]

I have wanted to buy one of those pincher type bands and plier clampers for some time. Hot Products sell them. I think they look better than a hose clamp. A lot of automotive manufactures use them. Downside is the cost and you can only use the clamp once. Plus they would probably be a bit more of a pain to remove.

Anyone have one of these? Anyone ever use one of those zip ty guns? I have been wanting one of those too.

They are called Oetiker clamps. They are used a lot by the beverage industry. I have to thank crammit442 for turning me on to these. They clamp solidly and look great (IMO). If you get them, make sure you get stainless. McMaster carries them. See pic.

Zip ties can harden over time as the plastic changes due to exposure to heat and fuel, so if you use zip ties, do maintain/replace them periodically. They make marine grade zip ties with stainless tangs. I would recommend them if you are insistent on using zip ties. I have to agree with Virgin that that would be an expensive zip tie failure.

The only way I can think of a standard hose clamp failing is if it is old or has been on and off repeated times and the serrations in the band are worn. As with everything, watch the condition of the materials and you will be OK.