What is a "300 SS Marine Grade" clamp

[allanpeda]

I am installing a second (smaller) bilge pump. I understand that all stainless band clamps are not equivalent, and that I want clamps that are 316 stainless all around (gear, gear housing and band). and that Home Depot clamps should be avoided.

West Marine wants over $4.00 per clamp, so I check Grainger, and I find Ideal Hose Clamps, Marine, SS. This looks good: I can get ten clamps at under two bucks each. Free shipping if I pick up at the local Grainger store (I love that place). McMaster is a great source too, BTW.

But, what is "300 SS"? I see no such alloy listed on a supplier page or Wikipedia, though the Wikipedia site states that "Marine Stainless" is the common name for 316 alloy.

I'm not crossing the Atlantic, and it's easy to check these clamps for corrosion, so I'm not really worried here, but I am curious.

[skipmac]

I have seen SS referred to loosely as 300 series grade, encompassing 304, 316 and any other variety in the format of 3XX.

I think 304 would probably be OK (if I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me) as I believe 304 is a bit stronger and less brittle than 316 but not quiet as rust resistant. The tricky thing is to make sure the whole clamp, screw and all are stainless, not just the band.

You might check to see if they list AWAB brand clamps. They are top notch and all stainless. I think Ideals are also all stainless but the AWAB has a smooth, non perforated band and is stronger and easier on the hose.

[donradcliffe]

The most common 300 series steels are 304 and 316. The 304 is a little stronger, but corrodes faster, so 316 is commonly referred to as 'Marine Grade'. *I wouldn't trust any Chinese made clamps, no matter what their claims are.

[skipmac]

By the way, you don't have to be crossing the Atlantic to have a hose clamp fail and sink your boat. I've seen a number of boats sunk at the dock and hose or clamp failure is one of the most common causes. The clamps aren't that much and not an area where I would scrimp.

[allanpeda]

Originally Posted by skipmac

By the way, you don't have to be crossing the Atlantic to have a hose clamp fail and sink your boat. I've seen a number of boats sunk at the dock and hose or clamp failure is one of the most common causes. The clamps aren't that much and not an area where I would scrimp.

I am not scrimping, the entire clamp (screw, housing, band) is listed as made from "Marine Grade" stainless, and Ideal is a trusted brand.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Just take a strong magnt with you and see if the clamps sticks to the magnet.If it does at all it's not all stainless, but probable a cadium screw that will rust out in a salt environment. Clamp breaks, hose comes off thru hull, water comes in sitting at the dock...

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by allanpeda

I am not scrimping, the entire clamp (screw, housing, band) is listed as made from "Marine Grade" stainless, and Ideal is a trusted brand.

Sorry, did not mean to critisize. However, in your original post you did mentioned a price of $4.00 as a concern and further that you weren't crossing the Atlantic and were not worried. Perhaps you can see why I assumed you might be focused a bit too much on price rather than safety.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by allanpeda

I am not scrimping ... and Ideal is a trusted brand.

By whom?
IMHO, they are a "budget" brand.

“Ideal” hose clamps use several differing (inferior) grades of S/S, dependinmg upon the series.
See the specs ➥ Worm Gear and General Purpose

I'd second the recommendation for "AWAB" clamps.

[allanpeda]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

Just take a strong magnt with you and see if the clamps sticks to the magnet.If it does at all it's not all stainless, but probable a cadium screw that will rust out in a salt environment. Clamp breaks, hose comes off thru hull, water comes in sitting at the dock...

That's typically what I have done in the past, though I forgot about that. Good simple advice.

Thanks

[perchance]

When shopping for hose clamps bring your magnet.