For a leak-free connection of your exhaust system, using the V-band clamp is the way to go. The main objective of a V-band clamp is to hold the flanged connection together and keep the connection strong and steady. You can use these clamps not only in light-duty projects but also to fulfil your heavy-duty purposes. V-band clamps provide easy installation compared to bolted flanges. Only the best V Band clamps will give you the optimal performance to get a reliable system that will do its required task accurately.
Types of V-band Clamps
The modern-day method of holding flanged joints is using a V-band clamp. V-band clamps have different types so that you can fulfil various needs. The differences lie among the styles and components of a V-band clamp. Each type is used for a specific project to get the flexibility of installing and maintaining the clamping.
As these clamps are widely used nowadays, you should clearly know all types of V-band clamps. This knowledge will help you choose the suitable V-band clamp for the project you are working on. That’s why in this section, I am mentioning all the types of V-band clamps that can have.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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EVIL ENERGY 3 Inch V Band Clamp | Stainless Steel Exhaust V Band Clamp Male Female Flange | Check Price |
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Ticon Industries – 2.5″ V-Band Clamp | Stainless Steel V-Band Clamp | Check Price |
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SYKRSS 2.5″ V-Band Clamp | Universal Mild Steel V Band Clamp Flat Flange Kit Assembly | Check Price |
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BLACKHORSE-RACING 4″ Inch V Band Clamp | 2 Male Female Flanges for Turbo Pipe | Check Price |
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AA Ignition 3 Inch V Band Clamp | V Band Clamp with CNC Stainless Steel Flanges | Check Price |
Latch Style
The latch of a V-band clamp is used to place and tighten the clamp in the required position. A latch consists of T-Bolt, nut, trunnion, and trunnion strap. Some latch comes with an extra feature of the quick-release design. Depending on this additional feature, you will find two types of V-band clamps. One is a T-bolt trunnion latch, and another is a T-bolt quick-release latch.
T-bolt Trunnion Style Latch
This latch style is used when you don’t need to remove the clamp frequently. T-bolt and trunnion is the strongest latch in nature and is mainly used in heavy-weight projects. Setting up or removing this latch requires much time compared to the other latch type. Tightening or loosening the latch is done by screwing in or screwing out the nut attached to the T-bolt.
T-Bolt Quick Release Latch
Unlike T-bolt trunnion, T-bolt quick-release simplifies the process of installing or removing the clamp. For this reason, V-band clamps with this type of latch are widely used in racing cars where quick opening and setting of the clamp is necessary. This type of latch can maintain both low and heavy loads.
Retainer Style
The role of the retainer of a V-band clamp is holding flanged joints of ducting, tubing, and other automotive systems. The retainer is V-shaped is the reason these clamps are called V-band clamps. There are two different styles of retainers: V-bands and V-retainers. The fact is, both retainer styles are known as V-band clamps.
V-bands
Also known as V-couplings, V-bands are built to have multiple V-segment retainers. The retainer is spot-welded to a band of sheet metal. The main advantage of V-bands is the clamps have less distortion if the band is hardly tightened. V-bands are the ideal clamp for racing applications as these clamps provide quick installation.
V-retainers
V-retainers have a single retainer segment rather than having the retainer divided into multiple segments. The clamps with these retainer types are fastened with only one bolt. The installing of V-retainers requires more time compared to V-bands. That’s why they are being used in common streetcars or other applications where you barely need to remove the clamps.
V-band Flanges
Flanges are where a V-band clamp sits to hold the joints of an exhaust or intake system. Usually, V-band clamps come with matched flanges. There are two basic types of flanges used for V-band clamps. One is bulge-formed sheet-metal flanges, and the other is machined flanges.
Bulge-formed Flanges
These flanges are made from a bulged metal tube and then collapsed. The collapsed portion forms a flat flange. Bulge-formed flanges are self-energizing, which means they alone can make a good seal without a gasket. They are suitable for low-pressure applications.
Machined Flanges
These flanges are machined from metal stock. They are heavier than bulge-formed flanges and are typically used in high-pressure applications. Machined flanges cannot provide a tight seal without a gasket.
5 Best V Band Clamps You Should Buy
Based on my experience and research, I created a list of the best V-band clamps. I have provided enough information regarding each clamp to ease you with choosing the right clamp.
1. EVIL ENERGY 3 Inch V Band Clamp
For reliable fastening solutions in exhaust pipes, header collectors, intake pipes, turbochargers, and diesel engines, the Evil Energy V-band clamp will be your best choice. The clamp is quality-built to give you continuous support with long life.
The V-band clamp is made of 304 stainless steel. Among all grades of stainless steel, the 304 stainless steel is widely used for industrial applications and kitchen equipment. This grade is a highly heat-resistant grade, which is why the steel is being widely used. The heat-resistance property gives the clamp a high advantage in using the clamp in such a situation where heating is a big issue. Because of the 304 stainless steel body, the clamp also has good resistance from corrosion.
The clamp comes with two stainless steel flanges, one male and one female. The flanges sitting on each other provides a leak-free seal. So, you won’t need any extra tools like a seal or gasket for avoiding leakage. Even on a high load, the clamp does a great job in holding the flanges.
The T-bolt and nut are made of mild steel. The nut has a self-locking system that will prevent the nut from loosening due to the tube vibration. By screwing out the nut, you can install and remove the clamp, when necessary, without an issue.
For making the V-band clamp more effective, you can use anti-seize. Using anti-seize as coating of the inside retainer will give the clamp a long life and an effective clamping ability. You can also use anti-seize on the T-bolt threads for making a quick tightening or loosening of the nut.
You can use the clamp to a tube with an OD of 3-inch as the inside diameter of the clamp is 3 inches. Before installing the clamp, measure the outside diameter of the pipe for tight clamping.
Pros
- Very well-made clamp
- The flanges are heavy and well machined
- Welding doesn’t do any distortion to the flanges
- The nut has a self-locking system for not getting loosened easily
- The clamp is ideal for frequent removal.
Cons
- The bolt isn’t made of stainless steel
2. Ticon Industries – 2.5″ V-Band Clamp
Available at a very low price, the Ticon has manufactured a V-band clamp that is very reliable with its performance. You can use the clamp for low-pressure to high-pressure applications. The clamp will give you up to the mark performance for a more extended period. As the clamp is easy to handle, you can install the clamp and remove it when necessary in no time.
Due to the stainless body, the clamp has high heat resistance. Using the clamp in such applications where high temperature is an issue will not deform the clamp. Heating will not degrade the performance of the clamp. The 300 series stainless steel is used for constructing the clamp. The great advantage of using this steel is its superior corrosion resistance. Also, the clamp’s body doesn’t get scratched that easily from its surroundings or a harsh environment.
Compared to the usual V-band clamp size, the Ticon clamp is a smaller sized clamp. The size of the clamp is 2.5-inch. The clamp doesn’t come with a pair of matching flanges. So, you will need flanges that can fit inside the clamp. For tight clamping, the minimum OD of the flanges you can use is 3-inch, and the maximum OD you can use is 3.25-inch. The full apex width of the flanges when they are joined together should be 1/4-inch. The width beyond this will not fit inside the retainer of the clamp.
The latch style of the clamp is T-bolt and trunnion style latch. In this style, the bolt is slipped through the trunnion. The nut is attached to the end of the bolt. Installing or removing the clamp is easy, requiring only to tighten or loosen the nut. This will make your work more effective by saving time when you have to install or remove more than one clamp.
Pros
- The clamp can bear high heat and pressure
- The bolt is thick and strong
- Pure heavy-duty clamp
- Price is affordable
- Provides nice seal
Cons
- The retainer is a bit narrow
3. SYKRSS 2.5″ V-Band Clamp
To get a satisfactory V-band clamp performance, you should get the SYKRSS V-band clamp. This clamp will make each penny fruitful with its excellent build quality, and with superb build comes great performance. The clamp is built in a way that it gets barely affected by a rough and challenging situation. You can use the clamp not only in low-pressure applications but also in high-pressure applications.
The package contains two pieces of clamps with two flanges for each clamp. As the flanges are built to fit inside the clamp, you can easily fit the clamp over the flanges after welding each flange. The flanges are made of stainless steel and have an interlocking system. This interlocking system of the flanges will help you easily align and provide a better seal.
The clamp has a stainless-steel body which gives the clamp a high resistance to heat. The clamp will not bend or deform from overheating. When you do the clamping in an exhaust system using an ordinary clamp, you will face the clamp getting loose from the vibration of the tube. You will not face this issue from the SYKRSS V-band clamp.
Use the clamp in a tube with an outside diameter of 2.5-inch as the inside diameter of the clamp is 2.5-inch. The OD of the flanges is 3-inch. The latch of the clamp contains only one T-bolt and one nut. The clamp can provide a leak-free joint without any seal or gasket by tightening the nut.
As the clamp is suitable for reinstalling, you can use the clamp in such automotive systems, where disassembling the system may require. Using the clamp in an exhaust pipe, turbo pipe, and other tubes will give you easy removal of these pipe joints.
Pros
- The flanges have a groove for interlocking
- Stainless steel nut doesn’t wear out easily
- Good for high-pressure applications
- Clamping doesn’t get loose due to vibration
- Removing and installing the clamp is easy
Cons
- No instruction included
4. BLACKHORSE-RACING 4″ Inch V Band Clamp
Made with high-quality metal, you will find the BLACKHORSE-RACING V band clamp as the strongest clamp available. This clamp is crafted with an optimal design for better performance. This clamp is long-lasting, and you will be satisfied with its clamping ability. The clamp properties will not get affected by frequent installation and removal of the clamp.
This clamp is suitable for bigger tubes as the clamp size is greater than the average clamp size. The clamp has a 4.7-inch inside diameter. This is suitable for clamping tubes that have an OD of 4-inch. The width of the clamp is 1.3-inch. Holding 4-inch exhaust pipe joints without any leakage is easy for this clamp.
The package contains a single clamp with three pieces of flanges. One flange is male, and the other two are female among three flanges. Using the grooves of the flanges, you can properly align the joining tubes. The flanges are perfect for the clamp for tight exhaust clamping without gaskets. The recessed opening of the flanges will let you slip the exhaust tube inside the flange flawlessly. Welding the flanges will provide you with a seamless surface.
The clamp is made of the highest quality steel, T304 stainless steel. This grade of steel is widely known for its properties at extreme temperatures. This steel is also known as austenitic stainless steel, which means the steel is highly durable and will never rust in any circumstances. Rust resistance in combination with corrosion resistance will make the clamp last longer than other traditional clamps.
Forget the hassle of connecting or disconnecting sections of your exhaust joined in the traditional way where you have to screw or unscrew multiple bolts and nuts. With this clamp with only one bolt and nut, your exhaust clamping will be much easier.
Pros
- Welding the flanges are easy
- Exhaust pipes will easily slip inside the flanges
- An additional female flange is provided
- The clamp is made of the highest quality material
- Will not rust
Cons
- Not good for small applications
5. AA Ignition 3 Inch V Band Clamp
Stop joining your exhaust pipes in the old way where you have to go through using multiple bolts, nuts, washers, and gaskets. Start using the AA Ignition V-band clamp and remove all your trouble in a snap. Cheap in price but not cheap in quality, this V-band clamp will satisfy you with its clamping. Using this clamp for connecting your exhaust pipes will bump your work to a professional level.
The V-band clamping kit contains 3 pieces for effortless clamping. Two flanges with a single clamp come with good packaging. For crafting the flanges, the manufacturer used 304L stainless steel. This is a special grade of steel that makes the flanges easy to set in an exhaust tube. The flanges have heat resistance, and the steel used for crafting has a low percentage of carbon. Due to low carbon steel being used, the flanges tend to sustain their heat resistance for the long run.
The 3-inch stainless steel V-band clamp is durable enough. This durability will help you to use the clamp for turbo and high horsepower vehicles. This clamp will come in handy in racing track as it will provide a smooth and quick mechanical adjustment to a racing car. You can also connect different pipe sections using this clamp.
The clamp has a strong latch that is made with the combination of a T-bolt, trunnion, and nut. Torquing the bolt to the maximum level will leave a strong exhaust connection or other tube connection. Only one nut will give you a convenient way of installing the clamp and even a smooth clamp removal. You can make easy adjustments to your exhaust system or intake system by using the simple latch mechanism.
You can use a TIG welder or MIG welder for welding the flanges as the flanges are suitable for both types of welding. After welding, you don’t have to worry about the flanges getting corrosion around the weld. The flanges steel body lowers this risk.
Pros
- The flanges have a groove and register for easy alignment
- Welding the flanges is easy
- The latch of the clamp is simple to operate
- The clamp is thick and strong
- Aircraft-grade V-band clamp
Cons
- No recess in the flanges
Installing Steps of a V-band Clamp
Most V-band clamps come with flanges so that you don’t have to struggle to find perfectly matched flanges for your clamps. For each clamp, one female and one male, a total of two flanges are needed. The male one has a machined lip that sits on the groove of the female flange.
There are a couple of steps you should go through while installing a V-band clamp. Let’s have a look at what steps are required for installing V-bands.
Fitting the Clamp
Before installing a V-band clamp, there is a thing you have to ensure. That is, the outside diameter of the tube where you want the clamping to be done is equal to the inside diameter of the V-band clamp you purchased. You have to cut the tube to a certain point to do this equaling process. This should be done with accurate measurement because a slightly bigger or smaller tube OD compared to the clamp will leave you imperfect clamping.
Welding the Flanges
After the equaling process is done, you then need to weld the flanges with both joining faces of the tube. It will be easier to weld with a MIG welder as this welder is easy to control and gives smooth welding. You also don’t want your welder to penetrate the tube or damage your flanges which can be done with careless welding.
Placing the Clamp
The last step is placing the clamp correctly. While installing the clamp, both flanges should be aligned perfectly; otherwise, you will have leakage from the joint. Flanges are held from the outside with the V-band clamp.
The V-shaped retainer of the clamp holds the flanges together with the help of a radial force exerted toward the center. You have to create this force by tightening the attached nut with a T-bolt. Before tightening the nut, make sure that the clamp has been placed over flanges equally around the circumference.
As you torque the latch, give some gentle tap with a rubber mallet to the outer circumference for ensuring equal loading on the clamp. Through this, you will get a tight-fitted clamping. You can apply dry-film lubricants on the inside of the retainer for minimizing the friction between the clamp and flanges.
Know More: How to Install V Band Clamp On Different Types of Pipe
Frequently Asked Questions are Answered
1. Are V Band Clamps Good for Exhaust?
V-band clamps are the ideal tools for exhaust system connection. These clamps are known and popular for their leak-free tube connection.
2. Can You Reuse Exhaust Clamps?
The common property of a V-band clamp, also known as exhaust clamps, is reusable. You can easily adjust or service your automotive system by reinstalling the clamp.
3. What is a V Band Flange?
V-band flanges are used in combination with V-band clamps for clamping tubes. The flanges are welded to the tube joining face, and the clamp sits on the flanges for holding the tube joint.
4. Do V-Band Clamps Require Gaskets?
V-band clamps alone can make a tight seal with a single bolt and nut. No gaskets or other seals are necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you have any thoughts, opinions, or questions about the list of best V band clamps I reviewed, mention them below. Be sure that I will respond as quickly as possible.
Until then, stay safe out there.
