In this article we will be looking at the differences and similarities between the Oetiker and Mikalor brand of hose clamps. When it comes to securing hoses in various applications, the choice of hose fastening solutions can significantly impact performance and reliability. Two prominent brand names in this field are Oetiker and Mikalor, both of which offer a range of products designed to meet diverse needs across industries such as automotive, plumbing, and industrial manufacturing. This blog will delve into the specifics of Oetiker hose clips and Mikalor hose clamps, comparing their features, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal use cases.

Oetiker Hose Clips History 

Oetiker Hose Clips have established a longstanding reputation for their reliability and versatility in securing hoses across various industries. As a leading manufacturer in the field, Oetiker has continuously evolved its products to meet the ever-changing demands of modern applications. From the early beginnings of the company to the latest advancements in technology, the history of Oetiker Hose Clips serves as a testament to innovation and quality craftsmanship. 

Founded in 1942 in Horgen, Switzerland by Mr Hans Oetiker, the inventor of the worlds first ear clamp. The family owned Oetiker Group has been a global leader in connecting technologies for 75 years. With a focus on precision, reliability, and innovation, Oetiker has established itself as a trusted name in the industry, providing solutions for a wide range of applications.

From humble beginnings to cutting-edge designs, Oetiker Hose Clips have come a long way in their evolution, revolutionising the way connections are secured in various industries.

Oetiker Products Explained 

The Oetiker company has produced some well known products is primarily known for its innovative and high-quality connecting technology solutions, particularly in the automotive industry. The company specialises in various types of clamps and connectors that are essential for ensuring secure connections in a wide range of applications. Oetiker distributors sell their products worldwide. Below are the key areas where Oetiker has established its reputation:

1. Ear Clamps: Oetiker is renowned as the original inventor of the ear clamp, which is widely used in automotive applications. These clamps provide a reliable and semi-permanent connection, ensuring a uniform 360-degree seal around hoses and tubes. The design minimises the risk of leaks, making them ideal for mission-critical applications such as airbag systems and cooling lines.

2. Hose Clamp Installation Tools: The company also excels in manufacturing of high quality pneumatic and cordless hose clamps fitting tools alongside advanced control boxes which provide high end functionality and control for production line environments making Oetiker the leading Hose Clamp supplier in the automotive industry.

3. Aftermarket Solutions: Oetiker delivers OEM quality products for the aftermarket sector, including hose clamps and quick connects specifically designed for fluid line connection needs across different vehicle types. With billions of connections in service, their products are trusted by numerous vehicle brands. A product to mention is the Expertainer kits which are a mechanic's best friend in the garage.  

4. Industrial Applications: Beyond automotive uses, Oetiker's expertise extends to industrial applications such as medical devices, plumbing, irrigation systems, and more. Their clamps and rings are designed to meet high standards of quality and reliability across various sectors.

5. Commitment to Quality: Oetiker emphasises quality control throughout its manufacturing processes, using materials like stainless steel to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion. This commitment to quality has made Oetiker a preferred choice among OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) globally.

Mikalor Hose Clamps History

Among the leading world manufacturers of hose clamps is Mikalor, a Spanish  company known for its innovative solutions and high-quality products. The Mikalor Company was founded with the vision of providing top-notch hose clamps that are reliable and durable. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Mikalor set out to revolutionise the hose clamp industry.

Since its inception in 1964, Mikalor has established itself as a leader in the industry, providing high-quality solutions for various applications including automotive, industrial, and domestic uses.

Today, Mikalor continues to innovate and produce a wide variety of hose clamps designed for different pressure levels and applications. The company emphasises quality and performance, which has contributed to its strong reputation in the market and Mikalor Distributers sell the products worldwide. (also known as Damesa)

Mikalor Products Explained 

Mikalor is a well-known international manufacturing brand that specialises in producing a variety of hose clamps and clips. The company has established a reputation for high-quality, durable products that are used across various industries. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key product categories Mikalor is recognised for:

1. Heavy Duty Hose Clamps Mikalor’s heavy-duty hose clamps are often referred to as bolt and barrel clamps. These clamps include the brands Supra & Super, they provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, and are designed to withstand high crush strength, making them suitable for demanding applications especially within the agricultural and hydraulic industry.

2. Ear Hose Clamps Mikalor alongside Oetiker are world leaders in the manufacture and supply of ear or pinch hose clamps. Mikalor focus on more industrial solutions including the double, single and single ear with inner ring ear clamps

3. Worm Drive Hose Clamps Mikalor manufacture a wide range of worm drive or gear hose clamps that fall under its ASFA brand. These clamps are available in various widths (7/9/12/16mm), materials (W1 to W50 and colours (silver & black). All clamps are manufactured in Spain according to DIN3017

4. Constant Tension Hose Clamps These clamps are designed to maintain consistent pressure on the hose throughout its operational life, compensating for thermal expansion or contraction of the hose material. Both Mikalor's Worm Drive & Heavy Duty Clamps ranges offer constant tension features alongside Mikalor's standard range of spring band hose clamps

 

Top 3 Hose Clip Types Oetiker Known For

1. Oetiker 167 Series Ear Clamps 
The Oetiker 167 Series Ear Clamps also known as Stepless Clamps are designed for applications requiring a secure and leak-proof connection. These clamps feature a unique ear design that allows for uniform pressure distribution around the hose, ensuring a tight fit without damaging the hose material. They are commonly used in automotive, industrial, and plumbing applications.

2. Oetiker 163 Series Adjustable / Ear Clamps
The Oetiker 163 Series Clamps provide a continuous band without any gaps or steps, which helps to create an even clamping force around the entire circumference of the hose. They also have a larger diameter range than the standard Stepless clamps. This design minimises the risk of damage to the hose and is particularly effective in high-pressure applications. These clamps are widely utilised in various industries, including automotive and manufacturing.

3. Oetiker 180 Series Mini Worm Drive Clamps
The Oetiker 180 Series 5mm wide Mini Worm Drive clamps are known for their simplicity and effectiveness in securing hoses. They are suitable for a range of applications where quick adjustments may be necessary, such as in HVAC systems and general plumbing.

Top 3 Hose Clamps Mikalor Known For

1. Mikalor Supra Heavy-Duty Clamp: This Supra clamp is recognised for its robust construction. Utilising a unique swivel bridge feature which enables a wrap around the hose installation and made entirely from stainless steel either AISI 304 or 316 which are ideal for all heavy duty and marine applications.

2. Mikalor ASFA High Torque Clamp: Pioneered by Mikalor, this 16mm worm drive hose clamp is the only clamp of its kind that has non-perforated or embossed band. Made from either W3 or W4 material it provides high strength along with a high quality solution 

3. Mikalor Double Ear Hose Clips: These traditional hose clamps have 2 ears and are the common solution of many industrial industries including welding & agricultural. They are available in either W1 zinc plated material or W4 304 stainless steel.

Oetiker vs Mikalor Product Comparisons  

For the purposes of this article we are going to compare a product of Oetiker's vs a products of Mikalor's. The purpose of this is to highlight products for both brands so the reader can identify the best selling and most well known products from each manufacturer and quickly and easily compare them so as to understand what item they wish to purchase for their needs 

Comparative Analysis

When deciding on which hose clamp to put your faith in, you can analyse the key differences between Oetiker hose clips and Mikalor hose clamps based on several criteria:

1. Material Quality: Both brands utilise high-quality materials but may differ in corrosion resistance or temperature tolerance.
2. Ease of Installation: The installation process can vary significantly between the two brands; some users may prefer one over the other based on their experience.
3. Application Suitability: Certain environments may favor one type over another due to factors like pressure ratings or chemical exposure.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Pricing structures can influence purchasing decisions; understanding the value offered by each brand is crucial.

Oetiker Stepless Ear Clamp-W:7mm-Dia 9.8-12.3mm 304SS Vs Single Ear Hose Clip - 10-11.5mm - 304SS - Inner Ring

Product Specifications & Data Sheets

Oetiker Stepless Ear Clamp Product Specifications 16700009 - Data Sheet

Diameter Range (A) mm	9.8 - 0.39
Diameter Range (A) inch	12.3 - 0.48
Band Width (B) mm - inch	7.0 - 0.28
Band Thickness (C)mm - inch	0.6 - 0.02
Brand	Oetiker
Material	W4 Stainless Steel AISI 304
Hazardous Goods	No
RoHS Compliant	Yes
Applications	Automotive / Hydraulics / Marine
Price per unit £	0.43
Corrosion resistance according to DIN EN ISO 9227	PG 167 ≥ 1000 h
Closing force Max	1000n

 

 

Mikalor Single Ear Hose Clamp Product Specifications 23012335 - Data Sheet

Diameter Range (A) mm	10.0 - 11.5
Diameter Range (A) inch	0.39 - 0.45
Band Width (B) mm - inch	6.5 - 0.256
Band Thickness (C)mm - inch	0.8 - 0.031
Material	W4 Stainless Steel AISI 304
Manufactured by brand	Mikalor
Hazardous Goods	No
RoHS Compliant	Yes
Applications	Automotive / Plumbing / Industrial
Price Per Unit £	0.78
Corrosion Resistance	72 hours Salt Spray (ASTM B-117)
Material more info	CORROSION RESISTANCE: Stainless Steel W4 AISI 304 1.4301 (EN 10088-2:2005) Stainless steel AISI 301 inner-ring
Part Number	23012335

 

Tools for use with Oetiker & Mikalor Hose Clips 

Oetiker offers a range of tools specifically designed for the installation and removal of their hose clamps. These tools are essential for ensuring that clamps are applied correctly, providing reliable and secure connections in various applications.

Types of Oetiker Tools for Clamping Applications 

Assembly Tools

Oetiker provides specialised assembly tools that facilitate the crimping process of their clamps. These tools are engineered to ensure that the clamps are crimped uniformly and securely in a single stroke, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the connection.

The design of these tools minimises the risk of over-crimping, which can damage the clamp or the hose itself. Proper use ensures optimal clamping force and prevents leaks.

Oetiker Smart Sensor Monitored Ear Clamp Tool 637

The Oetiker Smart Sensor Monitored Ear Clamp Tool 637 is an innovative tool designed for the automotive aftermarket, specifically for the proper closure of adjustable ear clamps. This tool incorporates advanced technology to ensure that the clamps are closed with the correct force, which is critical in applications such as driveshaft connections.

Disassembly Tools

For removing Oetiker clamps, specific disassembly tools are available. These include side cutters and bowl nose cutters, which allow users to cut through the clamp without damaging the underlying hose.

It is important to choose the right tool for disassembly to avoid any potential harm to the components being connected.

Oetiker Clamp Cutter - Part Number 519

The Oetiker Tool (HCC 2000 | 519) is an essential hand clamp cutter designed for safely removing Oetiker Ear Clamps with ease, featuring durable construction, ergonomic design, high cutting capability, user-friendly benefits, and reliable customer support.

Email us at sales@hcl-clamping.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal clamping solution for your application on telephone number: 01761 417714 or via our live help function on the website  

Frequently Asked Hose Clip Questions Section

How tight should a hose clamp be?

When it comes to tightening hose clamps, achieving the right torque is crucial for ensuring a leak-free connection without damaging the hose or clamp. The appropriate tightness can vary depending on the type of clamp and its application.

Torque refers to the rotational force applied to tighten a bolt or screw, which in this case applies to hose clamps. Over-tightening can lead to damage, while under-tightening can result in leaks. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to specific torque values recommended by manufacturers.

while it may be tempting to tighten hose clamps as much as possible, following specific torque values ensures both effectiveness and safety without risking damage or failure.

How do you tighten worm gear clamps?

1. Select the Proper Size Clamp: Ensure that the worm gear clamp matches the diameter of the hose it will secure.

2. Prepare Your Tools: You will need a flat-head screwdriver or a ¼” hex-head nut driver for mini clamps, and a 5/16” hex-head nut driver for standard clamps.

3. Open the Clamp: Turn the head of the worm gear screw counterclockwise until the clamp can be freely slipped over the end of the hose.

4. Position the Clamp: Slide the clamp onto the hose, ensuring that it is positioned over any fitting serrations or barbs, typically about 1/4” from the end of the pipe for fittings up to 1-1/4” and 3/8” from larger fittings.

5. Tighten the Clamp: Turn the head of the worm gear screw clockwise using your tool to tighten. Gradually increase torque evenly around the clamp in a crisscross pattern to ensure uniform pressure distribution.

6. Achieve Proper Tightness: Stop tightening once you feel resistance and observe a small gap of approximately 2 millimeters between the band’s ends. Avoid over-tightening as this can deform hoses or damage fittings.

7. Test for Leaks: After tightening, visually inspect for leaks and perform a pressure test if possible.

8. Regular Inspection: Periodically check that clamps remain tight and replace any that show signs of wear or damage.

How do you measure a hose clamp?

To measure a hose clamp accurately, you need to measure the outer diameter of the hose, the width of the clamp band, and consider any size markings or adjustment ranges provided by the manufacturer.

1. Determine the Diameter of the Hose: Use a calliper or measuring tape to measure the outer diameter of the hose where the clamp will be applied. This measurement is crucial as it ensures that the clamp fits snugly around the hose.

2. Measure the Width of the Clamp Band: Measure the width of the band of the hose clamp itself. This is important for compatibility with your application.

3. Check for Clamp Size Markings: Many hose clamps have size markings on them, which can give you an indication of their size range.

4. Consider Adjustment Range: If you are using an adjustable clamp, note its minimum and maximum diameter range to ensure it will fit your specific hose size.

5. Select Appropriate Clamp Type: Based on your measurements, choose a clamp type (e.g., Worm Gear, Spring, or T-Bolt) that suits your application needs.