Screw Type Hose Clamps - How to make?

[Len Woodruff]

How do you make the screw type hose clamps that come on most 60-70's GM Cars?

Edited June 1, 2010 by Len Woodruff

[Len Woodruff]

Thanks Mark. I have some of those but I have never been able to get the circle to be tight enough around the hose. Any suggestions for forming these into a tight circle?

[johnbuzzed]

I don't use these clamps, but I would try forming a clamp around something of a diameter that's smaller that the hose on which it will be used, then add the clamp to that hose before the hose is added to the model.

[my80malibu]

Thanks Mark. I have some of those but I have never been able to get the circle to be tight enough around the hose. Any suggestions for forming these into a tight circle?

Len first try Annealing, The metal clamp then you can polish it some. to get the shine back. I then use an object round and in a smaller Diameter than what the part (hose) you want to use "toothpicks" work pretty good after you get a tight bend from working the metal around the toothpick. you can lightly spread it and it will fit somewhat tightly on the hose. Annealing makes the metal softer, and easier to work with. which is the key to bending this small stuff.

[Len Woodruff]

So do you just heat it with a candle/match?

[Harry P.]

I use a strip of aluminum duct tape for the "clamp" and glue a short bit of aluminum wire onto the "clamp" for the screw barrel. It's true, you don't get the slots in the clamp that way, but in 1/25 scale, does it really matter???

[Len Woodruff]

Cool idea Harry. I can try that tonight when I get home.

[Steve Keck]

Len,

To shape the clamps I use a drill bit smaller than the desired final diameter. Press down hard and roll the bit over the clamp pressing against a surface that will yield to the pressure. I use a hard rubber 3M brand body putty squeegy about 2x3 inches. I roll the drill bit with a strip of hard wood to save my finger tips.

To complete the screw glue a photo etched phillips head on the end of the wire.

Steve

[Len Woodruff]

Thanks Steve. Those tidbits will be very helpful.

[my80malibu]

So do you just heat it with a candle/match?

A candle would work well. Or a small torch. just get the PE red Hot once is all you need to do. Do not hold it the flame for extended time, because it can melt away practice on a scrap piece if your not sure.

[Kodiak Island Modeler]

Mine probably are not as good as others can make, but after I've wrapped the hose with silver tape, I epoxy a small piece of very fine solder on the join. A company called Crartpak (spelling) makes the tape, and the solder can be obtained from a good electronics store or possibly from a hardware store.

[whale392]

I do what Harry does, and it seems to work fine for me. once on the hose, I used a blunted #11 blade and a black ink wash to simulate the 'grooves' in the clamp.

Edit: could this be considered a trick, tip, or tutorial?

Edited June 2, 2010 by whale392

[Harry P.]

I do what Harry does, and it seems to work fine for me. once on the hose, I used a blunted #11 blade and a black ink wash to simulate the 'grooves' in the clamp.

Edit: could this be considered a trick, tip, or tutorial?

Yes, yes and yes!

[whale392]

Dang Harry; after reading your reply, I need a cigarette!