Pinch Clamps - Ear Hose Clamps

A pinch clamp (or ear hose clamp) is a type of hose clamp that is secured by crimping a protruding "ear" or "ears" on the band. Unlike traditional worm gear clamps that use a screw to tighten, pinch clamps provide a permanent, tamper-resistant, and 360-degree seal.

Here's how they work:

• Placement: The clamp is a simple metal band with one or two "ears." It's slid over the end of a hose before the hose is pushed onto a fitting (like a pipe or barb).
• Crimping: Once the hose is in place, a specialized pincer tool is used to squeeze the "ear" closed.
• Sealing: This action deforms the ear, pulling the band tighter around the hose and creating a secure, leak-proof connection.

Pinch clamps are known for providing uniform pressure around the entire circumference of the hose. They are commonly used in demanding applications in the automotive, industrial, and plumbing industries, especially with materials like thin-walled hoses, plastics, and various rubbers.

It's important to note that because the crimping process permanently deforms the clamp, they are considered a single-use product and cannot be reused. To remove them, you typically have to cut or pry them off.