What 2-SSC series gear clamp should I select?

What series of gear clamp should I select?

There are 3 clamp series: the 2-SSC87 series, the 2-SSC67 series, and the 2-SSC77 series. In this article we will go over each type.

“87” Series – ALL 300 Grade Stainless Steel

The 87 series are our most corrosion resistant clamps. All components are 300 grade stainless steel. The high chromium content of the 300 grade stainless steel makes for the best corrosion resistance out of any clamp.

Because of the high corrosion resistance, these clamps are marine grade; meaning that they can be used in any application but absolutely should be used in water wells or buried applications where they may be exposed to corrosive elements with no shielding.

“67” Series – ALL Stainless Steel

The 2-SSC67 series are made entirely of 201 grade stainless steel. This has less nickel than the 87 series and so there is slightly less corrosion resistance.

Once installed, these clamps should be easily accessible. This means that they should not be used in buried or well applications, but they will serve well in most other plumbing applications.

“77” Series – Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel

The 77 series clamps use 200 grade stainless steel for the band and the housing, and the screw is made from a yellow dichromate plated carbon steel. The color of the screw makes it easy to identify that it is a 77 series clamp.

They are the cheapest option and can be used in standard applications where corrosion will not be an issue such as dryer and duct work.

Stainless Steel Information

In stainless steel, chromium oxidizes on the surface to form a self repairing chromium oxide layer. This layer is electrochemically passive which means that it is resistant to oxidation and corrosion. In order for the layer to form, there must be a minimum of 10.5% chromium in the overall composition.

The more chromium that is added to the composition, the more corrosion resistant it will become. 300 grade stainless steels have over 18% chromium or more. The exception is 316 stainless steel which has 16-18% chromium but has added molybdenum. This makes it even more corrosion resistant and suitable for use in severe environments.

Nickel also increases the corrosion resistance in stainless steels. Most importantly though, it is responsible for forming austenite, which is why stainless steels containing nickel are called austenitic. This creates high strength at high and low temperatures. 300 grade stainless steels typically have a minimum of 8% nickel.

Additional Resources

https://support.boshart.com/what-is-the-difference-between-2-sscxxxx-and-sscxxxx-worm-gear-hose-clamps

https://support.boshart.com/what-series-of-gear-clamp-should-i-select

https://support.boshart.com/why-a-clamps-with-a-1/2-wide-band-preform-/-seal-better-than-clamps-with-a-9/16-wide-band

https://support.boshart.com/how-to-make-a-secure-connection-between-a-barbed-insert-fitting-into-poly-pipe-using-gear-clamps

https://support.boshart.com/do-you-offer-narrow-band-mini-gear-clamps