Need source: quality spring clamps for fuel lines

[Zwerski]

I'm getting ready to change out my old crusty frame petcock (97 E) for a brand new one, and also to replace the fuel lines.

I have in my possession 1/4-inch ID 1/2-inch OD black low pressure line AND some 8mm ID 10mm OD Tygon clear line for this project. I'm leaning toward the Tygon for the mere fact that I can see what's happening in there if something should go wrong. The black stuff would be fine too.

The problem is, I cannot find a source for GOOD spring clamps for the connections. I want spring clamps, since good ones will continue to clamp down through heat cycles and the settling in of the hose material where worm gear ones won't, and require tightening. The clamps on the bike are old and I want to do a full on change-out when I do this.

I already hit up AutoZone for a variety pack of clamps, but they are crap. When opened up to fit over the hose, they don't spring back and don't hold any better than without clamps.

WHERE can I *for sure* get good, solid clamps for this project?

[Janx101]

FWIW ... i will need to do this soon also... lot of guys on here... and the ex-racer/machanic guy i get to do stuff i havent got tools and workshop area for.... all seem to say...... good zip ties/cable ties are the go!! ... leave a little bit longer 'tab' when you cut them off .. so if they do happen to loosen you can tug them tight with mini pliers (handy in your emergency toolkit!)

if you Really want clamps (and ive never seen a spring clamp in that size that was real strong) .. i would think possibly a local hydraulic fitter might have some... for a few bucks?

[cbrfxr67]

not sure if you have heard of herbie clamps but I love these clamps and they are cheap

http://www.rotocon.com/shoponline2.html

excellent customer service too,.....

[weedahoe]

Worm gear clamps are on my both the ends of my fuel lines and never an issue. Easy to take on and off.....and cheap.

I have 5/16 tygon clear line on my bike also

[gsJack]

My 97 went the 80k miles I used it and my 02 has gone 98k miles so far both with the original factory fuel hoses and clamps still in good condition all the way.  Never saw a need for new ones but if I do the worm gear type would be my choice.

[sledge]

Look for some Mikalor band clamps. Easy to fit and remove using pliers and because they cannot be over tightened they will not damage the hose.

http://racebikebitz.com/Self-clamping-band-clamps-fuel-air-clips

[bombsquad83]

Everyone using the worm gear metal clamps be careful not to overtighten.  They will cut into the line, or if used on the plastic inlet T on the carbs, they can deform and break the T.  PO had done this to my bike.

I personally use OEM fuel lines with OEM clamps.  OEM lines aren't cheap, but they are the right size and fit.  The OEM fuel clamps are not expensive if ordered through one of the many dealer websites like ronayers.com .

[tmbr_wulf]

Look for some Mikalor band clamps. Easy to fit and remove using pliers and because they cannot be over tightened they will not damage the hose.

http://racebikebitz.com/Self-clamping-band-clamps-fuel-air-clips

I use this style and they are Double-Plus Good!  I got them from my local Ace Hardware store in the hardware section.  I don't remember exactly what size I bought but I was able to bring in a section of hose and size it up.  They're cheap, fit snugly, and are easy to take off and put on with a simple set of pliers.

[cbrfxr67]

[bombsquad83]

Look for some Mikalor band clamps. Easy to fit and remove using pliers and because they cannot be over tightened they will not damage the hose.

http://racebikebitz.com/Self-clamping-band-clamps-fuel-air-clips

I use this style and they are Double-Plus Good!  I got them from my local Ace Hardware store in the hardware section.  I don't remember exactly what size I bought but I was able to bring in a section of hose and size it up.  They're cheap, fit snugly, and are easy to take off and put on with a simple set of pliers.

OEM clamps are this type and work great, and they are easy to deal with.

[ATLRIDER]

The clamps in the post directly above work great and are widely available at your local ACE hardware or places that do lawn equipment repair.  I think I paid 30-50 cents apiece.

[Slack]

I like the worm drive because it means I can take my tank off with only 2 tools (a wrench and a flat head).  If you use factory clamps you'll need a set of pliers as well or fingers of steel. 

[Erika]

I just picked up these. They seem hefty enough.

http://www.bikebandit.com/helix-racing-self-tensioning-wire-hose-clamp-15-pc-assorted-pack

[Zwerski]

Thanks for the responses. I ended up switching out the hoses and fuel switch tonight and used the clamps I got at AutoZone after all. Once I got the old clamps off, I discovered that the ones I bought were a little beefier and just needed a little resizing to make them work. Also, the entire time I've owned the bike, there has been no clamp on the fuel hose running into the carbs(!) with no ill effects. I wanted to make the hoses a little longer to make removing the lines from the tank easier, but there is such a thing as too long and one got kinked from being too long. I will shorten it up tomorrow before I ride.