The clamp is the best tool for holding pipe loops. It does not involve interference in the design of the pipe itself, but at the same time ensures its reliable grip. There are different versions of this device, differing both in geometric parameters and in functional purpose. But first, you should familiarize yourself with the general design of the clamp for fastening pipes, as well as with its main operational properties.
Mounting Clamp Design
This type of holder is part of an extensive group of plumbing fixtures along with trims, brackets and brackets. A distinctive feature of the clamp is an annular shape with gripping elements, which provide reliable mounting. Staple-shaped devices that perform the function of clamping or holding the pipe are also common. Moreover, the direction of the contour can be either vertical or horizontal. Only in rare cases are special versions mounted in one direction.
As for the technical parameters, the diameter of the captured area can vary from 15 to 540 mm on average, and the weight of the clamp for fastening pipes is 50-300 g. The mass will largely depend on the material of manufacture of the fasteners. The key functional element of any clamp is the element of direct fixation-clamp. It can have different designs - in the form of a pin, nut, dowel, etc. Special linings may be provided between the collar ring and the pipe to protect the latter from abrasion.
Metal clamps
Traditionally, sanitary fittings are made of galvanized steel, which remains the main consumable in the manufacture of clamps. Metal structures are designed for heavy loads, which is reflected in the standard sizes. So, metal pipe clamps are mainly oriented on gripping diameters from 200 to 540 mm. The main problem of the operation of such plumbing products is called the stiffness and inconvenience of serial reconstructions, when it is necessary to change the configuration of the pipe arrangement, dismantling the entire line. Therefore, in order to improve ergonomics, a design of steel galvanized strips was developed, supplemented by a rubber seal. This clamp retains optimal elasticity, but is easier to physically manipulate during installation. The screed mechanism in metal products is implemented mainly in the form of bolt fasteners.
Plastic clamps
Widespread and plastic models of clamps. They are highly regarded for their ease, handling and reliability. The combination of these operational properties determined the versatility of the use of such products. They are used in the installation of drainage, heating, sewer and ventilation pipelines, regardless of the material of manufacture. However, there are limitations. For example, it is not recommended to use plastic clamps for fastening large-diameter pipes, which are made of thick-walled steel or cast iron. A critical limiter is a high mass load. The optimal range is the range of pipe sizes from 16 to 63 mm. The strengths of plastic holders include the wide possibilities for implementing a variety of installation configurations with networking in complex areas.
Structural Classification
The design of the ring or clamp of the clamp may be different. The following designs are most common:
- Spiral. It is distinguished by the presence of a special turn clockwise or against it. Used to reduce the reinforced parts of water lines.
- Reinforced. The castle collar connected to a tape. Install it in the systems of fastening hoses with reinforcement, which are operated under high pressure.
- Wire. Represents one or several parallel thin rings with a mechanism for their screed. Most often used to install hoses and stationary pipes that experience vibration.
- Power. Tape clamp for fastening pipes with a clamping component. The principal difference of such a holder is the ability to connect pipelines with rigid and flexible hoses of different sections. The fastening itself suggests the possibility of weakening the screed with a damping effect, which increases the reliability of operation of systems operating under high loads.
- Worm gear. The design provides for a steel strip with teeth and a screw for tightening. Such a clamp is intended for rigid fastening of pipes in areas with vibration - both in water supply systems and in heating systems.
Classification of clamps by the principle of capture
It has already been said that fastening can be stiff and weakening. As a rule, metal clamps provide the first type of fixation, and plastic - the second. At the same time, the fastening mechanism plays a significant role in ensuring one or another screed principle. For example, a U-shaped hairpin for a pipe clamp for fastening threaded pipes provides rigid stationary fixation. The advantages of this type of screed include stability of the position of the structure. However, with strong pressure fluctuations in the circuit, it is precisely the rigid clamp that can contribute to pipe rupture. Therefore, in systems with unstable pressure indicators, the mechanisms of the so-called floating fixation are used, which gives a small range of pipe travel with periodic expansion and contraction of the gripping elements. As a rule, these are pipelines for heating and hot water supply.
Mounting clamps
These products are designed specifically for power holding pipes and related equipment. They are distinguished by thick metal rods in the form of brackets that can withstand third-party impact effects. Structurally, such pipe clamps are made of two parts, bolted together. The presence of an anti-corrosion coating on the material of manufacture is also mandatory (steel is usually used).
Repair clamps
A special category of pipe clamps, which are widely used in plumbing repair and installation operations. Such models are used in cases of accidents, the formation of cracks, fractures, fistulas, cracks and various pipeline defects. In fact, this is the same clamp for fastening pipes with a rubber gasket, which allows it to provide sealing of the damaged area. If ordinary fixing holders perform exclusively the function of supporting the line, then in this case the holder interacts with the area where it can leak. For the same reason, the area of fastening with a pipe increases several times in comparison with the width of ordinary collar rings. At the same time, a special lining is used for temporarily clamping the leak - with a corrugated mesh surface.
Mortise clamps
There is also a special version of the tube holder that combines the functions of fastening and fitting. The design of such a clamp provides for the presence of a small pipe through which another circuit can be connected perpendicularly to the pipe. At the same time, the mortise type clamp also performs its main retention task. As the load on the element increases, manufacturers are increasing the size of the case. Structurally, this is a steel pipe clamp for securing pipes, provided with a thick casing, rubberized linings, and, in some modifications, with a valve. As for the clamping mechanism, it is implemented in the classical way - through nuts and bolts. Such clamps can be used in metal and asbestos-cement pipelines, however, they are not suitable for polypropylene networks due to different indicators of stiffness of contact materials.
Mounting clamp
First of all, the site on which the holder is planned to be installed is examined. The step with which the clamps will be mounted is determined. That is, the indent between the fixation points, which will be sufficient for reliable retention of the structure. For example, in cold water supply systems, a 2-cm collar for attaching the pipe to the wall is attached with a distance of 80 cm. For heating systems, this distance increases by about 15-20%. Direct installation will consist of two stages:
- Mount the holder to the wall. To do this, a special hole can be drilled into which a self-tapping screw, dowel or clamp anchor is installed.
- Tighten the ring or staple. A pipe is inserted into the fixed clamp, after which, with the help of the connecting-clamping mechanism, the structure is screed, immobilizing the line.
How to make a do-it-yourself clamp?
A strip of galvanized metal can be used as the basis for the tube holder. For plumbing, steel grades M6, M8 and M10 are suitable. Scissors for metal or grinder will help to trim from a single piece. The width of the strip can be 4-6 cm, and the length is selected individually according to the diameter of the target pipe. At the same time, do not forget about the ears for fixation, which will take 3-4 cm. From the edges, bends are made to the side of about 2 cm. Holes are drilled in the center of these ears for the future bolted connection. You can use such a clamp for fastening pipes, and for temporarily stopping the leak, if you complement the design with a rubber lining. It is also cut to the size of the metal strip and when installing the pipe is placed under the clamp. The main thing is to calculate in advance a few millimeters in diameter for the thickness of the rubber.
Conclusion
There are many different devices that facilitate technical measures related to the laying and fastening of pipelines. The clamp is one of the simplest means of this type. It is inexpensive and at the same time reliably performs its task. Nevertheless, the correct choice of its design is very important - especially when it comes to critical lines operating under high loads. A universal in terms of reliability solution will be a metal pipe clamp. Steel models with anti-corrosion coating are the most durable and durable. But they have a drawback, which is expressed in a complex installation technique. A more ergonomic solution is a plastic clamp. Its compactness, combined with a small mass, simplifies repair and installation operations, allowing plumbers to perform dozens of clamping operations per shift.