Double Ear Hose Clamps & Single Ear O-Clips
Shop double-ear hose clamps and single-ear O-clips for compact, tamper-resistant hose connections. Installed by crimping the ear with suitable clamp pincers, these screw-free clips are widely used on compatible fuel, air, water, gas and low-pressure fluid lines.
Choose from Boltza® and Jubilee® clips in zinc-plated mild steel or 304 stainless steel, including individual sizes, multipacks and assorted kits. Measure the hose outside diameter after fitting it over the connector and select the corresponding clamping range.
Ear Hose Clamps for Small-Bore Hoses
Ear hose clamps are compact, screw-free clips used to secure flexible hose and tubing onto a fitting or connector. They are installed by compressing one or more formed ears using suitable clamp pincers.
Crimping the ear reduces the clamp diameter and applies pressure around the hose. Once installed, the clamp has no screw that can loosen or be adjusted without visibly damaging the fitting. This makes ear clamps useful where a compact and tamper-resistant connection is required.
Common applications include compatible fuel, air, water, gas and steam lines, pneumatic equipment, automotive systems and selected low-pressure hydraulic connections.
Double-Ear and Single-Ear O-Clips
Double-Ear Hose Clamps
Double-ear clamps, also called 2-ear clips, O-clips or lemon clips, have two crimping ears positioned on opposite sides of the band. Compressing both ears helps distribute the closure movement around the hose.
Jubilee recommends fully closing one ear first and then closing the second. During closure of the second ear, the first ear should open slightly, creating a spring-like action that helps compensate for vibration, temperature movement and hose ageing.
Jubilee® O-clips and Boltza® double-ear clips are available in multiple small-bore adjustment ranges.
Single-Ear Hose Clamps
Single-ear clamps use one crimping point and provide a low-profile, permanent fastening solution. The category includes a selected Boltza® 304 stainless steel single-ear range.
Single-ear and double-ear clips are not automatically interchangeable. Select the design specified for the hose, fitting and installation requirements.
Material Options
Zinc-Plated Mild Steel
Zinc-plated mild steel O-clips provide an economical choice for general automotive, workshop and protected installations. The zinc coating improves corrosion resistance, but these clips are not intended for prolonged exposure to saltwater or highly corrosive environments.
304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel ear clamps provide improved resistance to moisture and general corrosion. They are suitable for many outdoor, automotive and industrial applications but should not automatically be described as 316 marine-grade stainless steel.
Check the individual product page to confirm whether the selected clip is a single-ear or double-ear design and whether the complete clamp is made from 304 stainless steel.
How to Select the Correct O-Clip Size
Ear clamps have a comparatively narrow working range and must be selected carefully. Their size refers to the outside diameter of the assembled hose connection.
- Fit the hose over its intended connector or pipe.
- Measure the outside diameter at the intended clamping position.
- Select an O-clip whose stated range contains that measurement.
- Confirm that the clip can be crimped correctly without crushing the hose.
- Use the appropriate front-closing or side-closing pincer for the available access.
Do not choose the clip using only the hose bore. The outside diameter will increase after the hose is installed over its connector.
Installing Double-Ear Hose Clamps
Position the clip squarely over the hose and connector before crimping. The ears should remain accessible and the band should sit evenly around the complete hose circumference.
Use dedicated ear-clamp pincers. General-purpose pliers may compress the ear unevenly or damage the clamp.
For genuine Jubilee double-ear clips, close one ear fully before compressing the second. Jubilee advises that the first ear should reopen slightly as the second is closed. Follow the product-specific installation guidance where another brand or ear design is used.
Removal and Replacement
Ear clamps are normally treated as single-use components. To remove one, carefully cut through a crimped ear using suitable pincers or an appropriate cutting tool while avoiding damage to the hose and fitting.
Never attempt to reopen and reuse a previously crimped ear clamp. Crimping permanently deforms the ear, and a reused clip may not apply the intended clamping pressure.
Ear Clamps Versus Worm-Drive Hose Clips
Ear clamps produce a compact connection with no projecting screw housing. Once crimped, they cannot be loosened without leaving visible evidence of interference.
A worm-drive hose clip can be adjusted and reused more easily, making it preferable where regular removal is expected. Ear clamps are generally better suited to permanent or semi-permanent connections where compact size and tamper resistance are priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for a double-ear hose clamp?
Double-ear clamps are also called 2-ear clips, O-clips and lemon clips. The last name comes from their characteristic shape before installation.
Do O-clips require special pliers?
Yes. Dedicated ear-clamp pincers provide a more controlled and even crimp. Front-closing and side-closing versions are available for different access conditions.
Can double-ear clips be reused?
No. Crimping permanently deforms the ears. A removed clip should be replaced with a new correctly sized clamp.
Are these clips suitable for fuel hoses?
They are commonly used on compatible small-bore fuel lines. Confirm that the clip, hose and connector are suitable for the fuel type, operating pressure and temperature involved.
How do I remove an ear clamp?
Cut through a crimped ear using suitable pincers or a controlled cutting tool. Take care not to cut or score the hose beneath the clamp.