Just saw this on Cool Tools (http://kk.org/cooltools/). It looks like a great tool for emergency repairs on the road. Anyone here know anything about it or use one? What do you guys think? It is a little pricy for what you get but if it works probably worth it. $40 for the aluminum/stainless & $70 for the stainless/stainless.
Clamptite Tool - Clamp Making Demonstration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAKaBVl_9o0#ws)
see ya
ken
These are pretty handy. $28.50 at http://www.leevalley.com/us/home/Search.aspx?action=n (http://www.leevalley.com/us/home/Search.aspx?action=n) , a great place for woodworkers and gardeners and, well, just about anybody. Check them out.
Thanks for the link Roger. $28 is more in my ballpark. May have to order one.
see ya
ken
I have had one of these for several years, In fact I have two as a friend made a gift of his when he had to give up MH'ing. They do work but it requires practice to get it right. I have used it not only for a temp repair but for other uses also. The type of wire is important, to stiff and it will not draw down properly and two fine the wire will stretch and possibly break.
Gary B
FTFY: Clamptite™ Tool (http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=59452&cat=1,43456)
Ken,
I've used Clamptite products for years (at least 10). I've thought about it but have not posted about them because of the sneers that some of our members offer-up associated with "cobbled up" contraptions.
I have two Clamptites (both are the SS component and Brass knob/nut designs), in the STANDARD and the MEDIUM sizes. There are also COMPACT and LARGE sizes that essentially work better with finer and larger gauge clamping wire stock. I've not run into any situations where the two sizes that I have weren't adequate.
I have never used anything other than 304SS clamping wire and I have used it in dozens of different and difficult clamping situations (many of which a regular hose clamp, "T" clamp or spring clamp would never have worked. From my experience, the tools and wire supplies occupy little storage space and excellent versatility for unforeseen difficult or emergency clamping situations. Like Gary says, the wire gauge and tensile strength are very important. I have stuck with Clamptite wire supplies for that reason and also because (if you time it correctly) you can buy supplies from them for even less than HD or Lowes..
I bought mine at FMCA conventions or Regional Rallies, the STANDARD size first and then the MEDIUM size. Each time the vendor for Clamptite had "Show incentives" going on that beat online pricing for the tools and 304SS wire supplies, with or without shipping costs.
My experience has been 100% favorable. The long-term clamps that I have made are all still in use (and easily) are far superior in comparison to the original clamps that they replaced. I have used them on high thermal expansion/contraction -- hose to metallic pipe applications, on PEX tubing to fittings applications (in tight quarters where my PEX crimper was too big to use), on slippery chrome to gorilla tape applications, on woodworking temporary clamping applications (re-gluing chair legs to spindles for instance), on multiple angle, unparallel geometry applications where even wood clamps won't work. The uses and possibilities go on and on.
Anyway, I really make a lot of use of them and find them to be very useful.
Now let the sneers begin,
Neal
Looks like a good tool with many usages. I have used a lot of tie wrap tool in the past for safety wires and reinforcing rod I don't think I would use it long term on engine hoses. It looks to me like over long term it may cut into the hose. I have done a bit off offshore boating when you use two hose clamps on everything. Gam