I'm looking to replace my radiator and it has these Visa E "constant tension" clamps on the hoses:



From reading other threads I gather they are single use.

Does anyone have any specific recommendations for replacements?

Are stainless steel jubilee clips the go-to solution?

How important is the "constant tension" feature of the originals? I've found some clamps that incorporate this, e.g. Mikalor - ASFA - CT. Does anyone have any experience with these or similar ones?

Pickwick said:

I'm looking to replace my radiator and it has these Visa E "constant tension" clamps on the hoses:

View attachment 194675

From reading other threads I gather they are single use.

Does anyone have any specific recommendations for replacements?

Are stainless steel jubilee clips the go-to solution?

How important is the "constant tension" feature of the originals? I've found some clamps that incorporate this, e.g. Mikalor - ASFA - CT. Does anyone have any experience with these or similar ones?

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Hi. I pinged the one off my 04 panda when its factory fill paraflu was due.

A DECENT terry:jubilee had been in place without issue for the next 8 years..

Charlie

Getting these clips off requires a little care. The best method I have found over the years is to use a solid bradawl / pointed screw driver and insert the tip into the opening between the two clamping jaws and gently twist and prise them apart. Don't be tempted to go for cutting the band as you may damage the hose.

As for replacement hose clips then any good quality Jubilee type clips will do.

I've tended to use stainless as they are generally of thinner construction than some of the more heavy duty hose clips. Being thinner in thickness and often width allows them to more easily seal and settle over the hose.

I first tighten the hose hand tight with a screw driver drive with the correct size socket. Then run the car from cold looking for any leaks. Then allow the engine to fully warm up and then stop it. Then *gently* hand tighten again.

Also, when/if the hose is off the union then check for pitting, corrosion salt build-up etc. Clean up as best as you can.

Around about 5 years ago I picked up an assorted pack of worm drive clips from Lidl. When I renewed Becky's metal water pump pipe I replaced all the single use original clips with these on the bottom radiator hose and heater hose also put one on the oil breather pipe from the cam cover. Several clips have also been used on other family vehicles without any problems to report.

"Jubilee" was always the name connected with this type of clip in days gone by, just as Hoover is to vacuum, but nowadays I rarely see them anywhere!

Pugglt Auld Jock said:

"Jubilee" was always the name connected with this type of clip in days gone by, just as Hoover is to vacuum, but nowadays I rarely see them anywhere!

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Ive got a chart from 'Terry . Clips'
Stating all of the preferred sizes.

TBH. Nowadays.. I just want one with a Hex.. to wind it easily..
You could also torque it accurately also..

But I still do enough to have 'the feel'

I recall my early Fiat cars had a sprung collar.. not like the modern flst steel ones.. these were essentially @2 or3mm wire

AND WORKED PERFECTLY..!!

I suspect they couldnt be used in modern engine bays..as access is often so poor.

Progress eh..

I was rummaging around for some emery cloth yesterday whilst working on my Daughter-in-law's Jazz and opened this drawer as I knew there was some in there somewhere.



It also contains my hoard of new and used clips and clamps and as I looked at them it occurred to me how many different types there have been over the years. I remembered this thread. So, sad I know, but I fished out a selection of different designs and arranged them on an old dust sheet for your delectation. The really big one is from the radiator duct on a Hillman Imp.



Here is a selection of the 3 main worm drive types.



The original "Jubilee" type and it's many emulators which have the track machined into the band - on top - and the Lidl design - on bottom - seem to work quite well.



But I find the design where the track is embossed tends to strip out more easily.



I agree with you about the usefulness of a hex drive, which was a great step forward compared to the old slotted screw designs, although I've never felt it necessary to torque one.
One of the things you had be careful with was to not overtighten them as they could be easily stripped. My new Lidl clips (which proudly proclaim themselves to be "plated" for corrosion protection!) have a particularly robust worm drive which actually perforates the ring so you can "lean" on them quite hard.
As you can see from my "collection" I never throw a good clip/clamp away. many Sunday afternoon disaster has been saved with a visit to this workshop drawer!
And Yes Veresecrazy at least one is a Terry!

In the end I went for a pair of JCS Hi-Grip 304 stainless (A2) hose clips.



At 13mm the band is a bit wider than the original. £3 for the pair on eBay. Here they are fitted -



After running the engine up to temperature I found a small leak on the top hose which disappeared with a little additional tightening.

If anyone is looking for something with a narrower band I came across these after I bought the JCS ones:

https://www.advantage-motorsport.co.uk/wurth-zebra-hose-clamp.html

Zinc coated rather than stainless. £1.75 each.

Ty pickwick,very useful info.just bought a box of lidls jubilee clips,assorted,26 pieces,today.for 2.99!plus 10% off .sometimes,right place,right time..