Stepless (Oetiker) Clamps

[breyton]

Anyone using the Oetiker stepless clamps to connect your tubing vs. worm gear clamps? The Oetiker seem a better way to connect tubing, but they come with a higher price and you cant run to the big box store if you are running short of clamps.

Whats the general consensus on which clamp is better or whether there in little difference in which clamp type is used.

[Homegrown Hops]

Well I'll have to say that they look interesting.

http://www.jfoakes.com/OetikerClamps.htm

I am using the run-of-the-mill hose clamps from the local hardware store.

HH

[bubrewer]

I use a spool of galvanized wire I found at the hardware store to make "safety wire" clamps for any tubing that seems to need a clamp.

Two wraps around the tube, then twist with a pair of pliers. Clip the ends and squeeze the twisted end against the tube so it won't poke my fingers. It's small, secure, and smooth.

The screw clamps are always biting my fingers or otherwise getting in the way.

[rich]

Anyone using the Oetiker stepless clamps to connect your tubing vs. worm gear clamps? The Oetiker seem a better way to connect tubing, but they come with a higher price and you cant run to the big box store if you are running short of clamps.

Whats the general consensus on which clamp is better or whether there in little difference in which clamp type is used.

I use the ear clamps for my co2 side. I don't have and ear clamp criming tool, so I use vise grips to crimp them. Not as pretty, but it works

-ear clamp
Pros: They don't bite into the tubing. 360 degree compression, for a more uniform clamp
Cons: must be cut off and can't be reused

-worm gear
Pros: wide range of clamping diameter so one size can be used for
different sized tubing. Removalable, thus reusable
Cons: Cuts into tubing. Less 360 degrees compression.