AWAB?

[Figment]

What distinguishes an AWAB hose clamp from whatever else is on the shelf? What's so special about them?

(just a little something for me to file under "things I never bothered to ask the first time around")

[Tim]

AWAB clamps are 100% 316 stainless steel, including the screw. The cheap Ideal clamps (or similar) feature a low grade screw that rusts quickly and often catastrophically, and the bands are 304 stainless.

In addition, the AWAB clamp features a rolled band with smooth edges; this prevents the common problem seen with cheaper hose clamps where the band cuts into the hose when tightened.

Finally, the AWAB clamp band has little raised ridges on the outside portion of the band (rather than the open thru slots on the regular clamps), on which the screw turns. This means that the inside part of the clamp (the part against the hose) is nice and smooth for better clamping power and less damage to the hose under normal clamping tensions.

It's a no-brainer. I wouldn't use anything but AWAB. Well worth the upgrade, considering that some large portion (I don't know the statistics) of boat sinkings occur because of failed hoses or, more likely, clamps.

Buy them. They're the best.

[catamount]

So what's the best source for the AWAB clamps? I do see them in the West Marine catalog (p.. 541) -- but is there a better place to get them?

Thanks,

Tim

[Tim]

I do see them in the West Marine catalog (p.. 541) -- but is there a better place to get them?

Always!

Hamilton has them also, as do other good marine suppliers. It's best to buy them by the box, as you always need them and the cost goes down significantely if bought in a boxful (10).

They're still not cheap, by any stretch, but boy are they worth it.