CV Boot Band Clamp and Crimping Tool advice

[Chris Lovell]

All,
I have the drivers axle re-installed with new rubber boots. I am uncomfortable with the tightness of the band clamps. I would like to replace all four with new clamps properly installed with a crimp/clamp tool. Can anyone recommend a source for clamps and the tool? There are many choices of clamps and tools on the web but I have yet to find a description of clamps offering width and diameter data, or the right tool for the clamp.
If anyone has a good combination of clamp and tool in their shop, and a source for getting this stuff, I am grateful.
Many thanks,
Chris

[KTL]

I think there's no right tool because there are many variations of the tool. The tool doesn't need to be special. All you're doing is crimping the ear of the clamp to tighten it up. You could use a dull pair or wire cutters to crimp if you wanted to.

Just watch, you'll get some responses that say to use plastic zip ties instead of the metal clamps. Some say the zips work better. I've seen both used and both work. Although some say using the zip on the big boot location is asking for trouble because the zip tie becomes less effective at clamping uniformly in bigger applications.

I've always had good results with the metal clamps so i'll continue to use them.

[Chris Lovell]

Maybe my lousy clamping job will do. Thanks for the zip tie idea.
CL

[timmy2]

I used stainless steel zip ties. Only on the small end as there were none when I got the car.
Look good, won't rust, won't deteriorate.

[Hodgey]

Go to an auto store like O'Reilly's Auto Zone or the like and spring $20 for the right tool. It has square ends and looks just like a set of normal pliers...well worth it for the piece of mind

Neil

[Chris Lovell]

Sounds good. But there are multiple designs of these crimp clamps and I really want to get the right tool for the right clamp. I'm probably over thinking this....
CL

[herman maire]

Yes, get the correct crimping tool. I tried to get by with just crimping it with some tools I had, clamp ended up flying off along with the CV grease.

The tool I got looks like this

[joefrantz]

Mine is from Napa -- rings also.

[Chris Lovell]

Napa. Now that is a good idea. Just not on my short list of auto parts places for some reason. Thanks Joe.
C

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by KTL

Just watch, you'll get some responses that say to use plastic zip ties instead of the metal clamps. Some say the zips work better. I've seen both used and both work. Although some say using the zip on the big boot location is asking for trouble because the zip tie becomes less effective at clamping uniformly in bigger applications.

I've always had good results with the metal clamps so i'll continue to use them.

I've used zip ties on both ends of CV boots for several decades. Never an issue on anything from old Beetles to 911's. Even on 911's that see some fairly decent straightaway speeds (and therefor some pretty high axel rpm's) on the track.

I would never say they work "better" than the metal bands (they both hold equally well), but they are sure as hell a lot easier to deal with. Especially if you like to clean and repack your CV's often.

[enzo1]

http://208.109.215.220/files/tools.pdf

[KTL]

My racecar has the zips on the small ends and they've not flown off yet..... I think the metal clamps are spec'd simply because they are more durable in terms of longevity like heat resistance and material degradation. AGreed the zips are certainly fine for frequent CV service like on a race car.

I certainly agree the specialized tool works best for the crimp clamps. But using a dull-ish cutting tool is not going to compromise the crimp. Anybody who's cut off a crimp clamp knows that it's very strong material. I've used the Oetiker type clamps several times on hoses and those suckers are a bear to cut off with a good pair of cutters. CV clamps are the same.

BTW I do have the right tool. I got the ones that do front and side crimping to cover my bases

McMaster-Carr (this page is the CV boot-type clamps. see page 262 for the tool)

[DRACO A5OG]

I picked up a pincer/cutter from a local hardware store and it worked fine for me, $12.00. My cv boots are still intact after 3000 miles, so I guess they are staying.


Medium Sized One bigger then this end wire cutter

Just take care not to over pince or the cutter will cut

[Nine9six]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I've used zip ties on both ends of CV boots for several decades. Never an issue on anything from old Beetles to 911's. Even on 911's that see some fairly decent straightaway speeds (and therefor some pretty high axel rpm's) on the track.

I would never say they work "better" than the metal bands (they both hold equally well), but they are sure as hell a lot easier to deal with. Especially if you like to clean and repack your CV's often.

+1 on what Jeff said...Even if you have to clean, repack, or replace a CV boot even once!

[Chris Lovell]

An update: I was unsuccessful finding a proper tool at the local Autozone, so thought I would ask if they have some band clamps I could look at in case I find the right tool or make one as many of you have. The parts guy goes back and give me a package of two narrow band clamps which are designed to be tightened by hand without a crimp tool. I think these will work well as the band passes through a little cantilevered hinge thing, which when bending the strap back, tightens the strap. Pretty clever. I'll try it tomorrow and let you know.
C