jubilee clips - use a spanner!

[Burnham Bob]

after ages trying to cure a leak on my lavac i was convinced that the issue was a crack in the base or a leak in the joint between the bowl and the base. i had of course tightened the outlet hose as tight as i could........

so after use we were pumping out the bowl to avoid the seepage - not ideal but usable until the planned dismantling. however, SWMBO said she thought the leak was from the outlet hose although as the whole base was wet (although not much!) it was impossible to tell. but of course i had tightened the jubilee clip right up i told her......however one doesn't want to contradict the expert......

so another try, loosened off the clip with a screwdriver, brute force on the hose to make sure it was really well on the spigot and tighten the clip with a screwdriver. just to make sure though i got a small spanner out and tried the clip again - and got at least another turn with the extra leverage. now seems no leak although the shoulders on the clip nut are now round where the spanner slipped.

i've never had to do that before although i do know the clip has a nut shape as well as a screw groove.

 

[prv]

Don't use a spanner, far too fiddly with no ratchet.

I use a small socket set, and when I have a lot of them to do I use a small electric screwdriver (the T-shaped kind that gives the same leverage as a socket-set handle) with a socket on the end.

Pete

 

[Sandyman]

All very well but how are you going to get it off next time ?

Wrapping some ptfe round the spigot might help.

 

[Burnham Bob]

easy enough to undo with a screwdriver........you aren't pulling against the compression - and agree about the socket but in trying a ring spanner to see what socket to use it seemed silly not to have a go......

 

[penfold]

Don't use a spanner, far too fiddly with no ratchet.

I use a small socket set, and when I have a lot of them to do I use a small electric screwdriver (the T-shaped kind that gives the same leverage as a socket-set handle) with a socket on the end.

Pete

The main reason for not using a spanner(except where necessary due to access etc) is that the mechanism isn't designed to cope with that much force, the worm may be forced away from the band and jump a tooth. This has happened to me when I have used spanners for access and 'OMG we're sinking!' reasons. A screwdriver-style handle from your socket set is all that's necessary, or you could get one of the bendy snake drivers that are sold specifically for tightening hose clips.

 

[l'escargot]

Take the clip off, soften the hose with a hot air gun or boiling water, then tighten down again. You get a far better seal.

 

[Woodlouse]

I would also add a second jubilee clip with the mechanism on the other side of the pipe if possible.

 

[nigelmercier]

I use a small socket set...

Is there any other way

I've even painted the socket that fits the clips with red paint!

 

[macd]

Is there any other way

I've even painted the socket that fits the clips with red paint!

1. None that makes sense.

2. Handy if you're short-sighted. If you can read '7mm' in small letters on the socket, that'll usually do the job.

 

[Corribee Boy]

If you use a spanner or ratchet, it also saves gouging holes in your hand with a mis-placed screwdriver. However it's important that all clips are the same size - mine are an infuriating mix of 7 and 8mm which I've yet to standardise.

 

[Mudisox]

I have found that there are some jubilee clips that are most definitely below standard and disintegrate before fully tightened. It does pay to buy the best.

 

[David2452]

Cheap Chinese made branded "Jubilee" clips are not what they were, JCS high grip are far better and made in Suffolk.

 

[Giblets]

If you use a spanner or ratchet, it also saves gouging holes in your hand with a mis-placed screwdriver.

I use one of these in the day job. http://www.jcshi-torque.co.uk/product_hi-grip-screwdriver.asp

Best thing ever for dealing with Jubilee clips.

 

[alahol2]

Three at a time by the look of it.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

I can't help but think that, if you need to use a spanner to tighten a jubilee clip, there is something wrong and you are just forcing the clip rather than resolving the problem.

 

[rich]

Take the clip off, soften the hose with a hot air gun or boiling water, then tighten down again. You get a far better seal.

+1

 

[Yotdoc]

I usually find that replacing the jubilee clip with a new one usually works in these situations and saves a lot of hassle- I agree over tightening can lead to more problems, damage to the pipe being one of them.
Simon

 

[Graham_Wright]

or you could get one of the bendy snake drivers that are sold specifically for tightening hose clips.

They are great, +1.

 

[Tintin]

I can't help but think that, if you need to use a spanner to tighten a jubilee clip, there is something wrong and you are just forcing the clip rather than resolving the problem.

The problem is often the spiral reinforcing. Only brute force can compress it enough.

I too had a similar problem after changing a seacock this winter. I was on the verge of getting an expensive lift out but a friend suggested brute force and socket set.

 

[Bilgediver]

easy enough to undo with a screwdriver........you aren't pulling against the compression - and agree about the socket but in trying a ring spanner to see what socket to use it seemed silly not to have a go......

You can always get a Jubilee Spanner. Sort of long tube spanner with cross bar. It avoids damaging the not so solid nut.