clamps? how many?

[sup3rcarrx8]

Hey guys. I"m almost done with getting the parts for my watercooling system. Now the question is how many clamps do you guys think i should get? How do i tell how many i need? Thanks.

[I.M.O.G.]

Hose clamps? How many connections do you have? People who use hose clamps usually use them on every hose connection.

[sup3rcarrx8]

Hose connections as in where i will connect each tube to a joint or something? I'm still a super noob at WC. I'm so sorry guys.

[I.M.O.G.]

If you have a basic traditional watercooling loop, just count how many components you have and then multiply by two. Each component in the loop has an in and an out; if you want to have a hose clamp for every connection then that is how many you need. If you have a waterblock with one inlet and two outlets then you need to add one to your previous total.

[dagamore]

IMOG has it right here is my break donw.
2 clamps on the pump
2 clamps on the HC
2 clamps on the Block
2 clamps on the RES

and two back up clamps in case i want to change something or something breaks. so i would get ten and that should setup you up alright. Zip ties will work in a pinch if you run out of hose clams, for a little while. hope this helps.

[I.M.O.G.]

Just by the way, I assume you know that many people run their loops without any clamps at all and have done so for a long time? Hose clamps are cheap insurance though, and depending on what kind of hose you've got it will grip the barbs differently. Good clamps can be had at the hardware store, I think the metal ones with screws to tighten them are the best.

[sup3rcarrx8]

Wow i can just use zip ties instead? i have like 2 10 packs downsatirs in the basement. Forget hose clamps, zip ties all the way!

[windwind]

It depends on the type of connections you have. If you got Swiftech waterblock with quick connect you probably don't need one. If you are using thinner wall (12mm ID/16mm OD) tube which could fit inside "screw up" connect of pump, then you don't need hose clamp too.

I don't use metal hose clamp on any plastic bards, they aren't strong enough. In fact they fit so well that it's extremely hard to pull the tubes out and seldom leak.