Frequently Asked Questions
Hose Clamp & Bareco Parts FAQs
Technical Questions
What is the difference between W1, W2, W3, W4 and W5 hose clamps?
Hose clamp grades refer to the materials used in the screw/band and housing:
- W1 — mild steel band and housing, zinc-plated for basic corrosion resistance. Suitable for dry indoor applications only.
- W2 — stainless steel band with a zinc-plated screw and mild steel housing. The most common all-purpose grade for automotive, plumbing and general workshop use.
- W3 — stainless steel band-housing and screw no mild steel components. Suitable for damp, outdoor and light marine environments.
- W4 — fully austenitic stainless steel (304 grade) band and housing and including the screw. The standard for marine, food-grade and high-corrosion environments.
- W5 — fully stainless, manufactured from 316-grade marine stainless steel. Maximum corrosion resistance for saltwater immersion and harsh chemical exposure.
For most automotive and household jobs, W2 is sufficient. For marine or outdoor use, choose W4 or W5.
How do I measure what size hose clamp I need?
Hose clamps are sized by the outside diameter of the hose — not the inside diameter.
- Fit the hose onto its fitting so it sits in its final position.
- Measure the outside diameter of the hose at the point where the clamp will sit (in millimetres).
- Choose a clamp whose minimum diameter is slightly less than your measurement and whose maximum diameter is slightly more. This gives you adjustment room.
As a guide: always measure the hose with the fitting inserted, as rubber hose expands slightly when installed. If you're between sizes, go larger — a clamp that's too small cannot be forced and will damage the thread.
Still unsure? Call us on 1300 027 886 and we'll help you find the right fit.
What hose clamp material is best for marine and saltwater use?
For any application involving saltwater, constant moisture or marine environments, you need at minimum a W4 fully stainless clamp — this means the band, housing and screw are all 304 stainless steel with no mild steel components.
For harsh offshore or saltwater immersion applications, step up to W5 (316 marine grade stainless). The 316 alloy contains molybdenum, which significantly increases resistance to chloride corrosion — the main cause of clamp failure in saltwater.
Avoid W1 and W2 grades in any marine setting — the zinc-plated mild steel housing corrodes quickly and can fail without warning.
Uniclamp stocks both W4 and W5 grades in our Marine & Stainless Hose Clamps collection.
What is the difference between a worm drive and a spring hose clamp?
Worm drive clamps (also called Jubilee clips or screw clamps) use a threaded screw mechanism to tighten a steel band around the hose. You adjust them with a screwdriver or nut driver. They're suitable for most applications where you need a secure, adjustable fit — automotive hoses, plumbing, irrigation and industrial use.
Spring clamps (also called constant tension clamps) use spring steel to apply continuous, self-adjusting pressure. They're common in factory-fitted automotive applications because they automatically compensate for hose expansion and contraction with temperature. They require special pliers to install and are not easily adjustable after fitting.
For DIY and aftermarket work, worm drive clamps are the practical choice. For OEM-style replacements where a spring clamp was factory-fitted, match like-for-like. For a full breakdown of all clamp types, see our Types of Hose Clamps guide.
What is a Herbie clip?
A Herbie clip (also called a plastic hose clamp or nylon clip) is a lightweight, corrosion-proof hose clamp made from nylon or composite polymer. The name comes from the clip's distinctive ribbed appearance. Uniclamp is the Australian distributor for Herbie clips.
They're designed for low-pressure applications — typically 5 psi or less — and are commonly used in automotive cooling and heating systems, domestic appliances, caravan plumbing and garden irrigation where metal corrosion is a concern.
Herbie clips are not suitable for high-pressure or high-temperature applications. They offer no real clamping torque, so they're best used where a simple, secure clip is needed rather than a pressure-tight seal.
Browse our Herbie Nylon Hose Clamps collection for available sizes.
What is an ear clamp or crimp clamp?
Ear clamps (also called crimp clamps or single-use clamps) have one or two raised "ears" that are crimped with a special pair of pliers. They're a common OEM fitment on automotive fuel lines, coolant hoses and heater circuits. Once crimped, they cannot be removed without cutting.
Ear clamps deliver a clean, low-profile connection with consistent clamping force — the preferred specification for factory installations where adjustability isn't needed and a neat finish matters. They require an ear clamp swaging tool (pincer pliers) to install.
Browse our Ear Clamps & Crimp Clamps collection for available sizes and kits.
Ordering & Delivery
Can I buy hose clamps in bulk or at wholesale pricing?
Yes. We supply trade quantities and offer pricing for bulk orders. Our Hose Clamp Kits range includes workshop assortments of 200–500 pieces in mixed sizes — ideal for mechanics, plumbers and maintenance trades.
For large-volume orders or ongoing supply arrangements, contact us directly:
📞 1300 027 886
✉ sales@uniclamp.com.au
We can discuss volume pricing, part-stainless or full-stainless assortments, and regular supply terms.
Do you offer trade pricing for businesses?
We supply many trade customers including mechanics, farmers, plumbers and fleet operators. Contact us on 1300 027 886 or at sales@uniclamp.com.au to discuss trade pricing.
Do you dispatch orders the same day?
Yes — for in-stock items ordered before our daily dispatch cut-off of 11am, we aim to dispatch the same business day. Delivery times then depend on your location and the carrier.
For urgent Bareco orders, call us on 1300 027 886 before ordering and we'll confirm availability and dispatch time frames.
Do you sell Bareco tractor parts online?
Yes. Uniclamp stocks and supplies Bareco tractor parts, available to order online with delivery anywhere in Australia.
We carry a wide range of Bareco parts including tractor canopies and mounting kits, slasher gearboxes, PTO shafts, pins, linkages and agricultural fasteners. Browse the full range in our Bareco Tractor Parts collection.
Can I order Bareco parts for delivery to regional or rural Australia?
Yes — we ship Australia-wide, including to rural and remote areas. Many of our customers are farmers and agricultural operators in regional Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
Delivery times to remote postcodes will vary depending on the carrier. For time-sensitive orders, call us on 1300 027 886 and we'll choose the fastest dispatch option available for your location.
What brands do you stock?
Uniclamp carries products from a range of quality suppliers:
- Uniclamp — our own branded hose clamps in W2, W3 and W4 grades
- Bareco — Australian agricultural parts: tractor canopies, slasher gearboxes, PTO shafts, pins and linkages
- Delphi — fuel filter parts, glass bowl filters and water separators
- HCL-SMARTBAND — Nylon industrial banding
We continuously review our range. If you're looking for a specific product or brand we don't currently list, contact us — we may be able to source it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — all orders over $200 shipped to addresses within Australia qualify for free delivery. Orders under $200 incur a flat rate shipping charge of $20.
What is your returns policy?
Goods can be returned for credit within 14 days of purchase, provided you contact us before returning any item. Products must be in saleable condition and suitably packed. Return freight is the responsibility of the customer unless the error was ours. Please have your original invoice number ready when you get in touch — this allows us to process your credit promptly.
To arrange a return, contact us on 1300 027 886 or email sales@uniclamp.com.au.
Do you export products internationally?
Yes — email us your requirements at sales@uniclamp.com.au and we'll provide export pricing. In some cases, orders can be shipped directly from our manufacturing partners in South East Asia.
Are your prices GST inclusive?
No — all prices listed on the website are GST exclusive. GST is added to the invoice total for orders within Australia.