source for aba hose clamps or equivalent

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 31 May 2017, 12:25

Are these clamps, or something similar that minimizes the risk of cutting the clamped hose, available at any local retailers? I've found them on Amazon (of course), eBay and online (mostly auto and marine suppliers). But I don't need dozens and dozens and shipping can be prohibitive.

But maybe a first question should be, is aba really better than the clamps from Autozone, HD, etc.?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 31 May 2017, 13:39

They may be slightly higher quality, but as long as you're not pushing the clamps beyond their limits, the Kohler hose clamps from Autozone work just fine. I use them all the time.

Post by **chrafael** » 31 May 2017, 15:05

It sounds like you're looking for what's called a lined clamp. Gates and Ideal make them and any decent parts store should be able to get them for you. But you'll have to ask the senior or commercial salesman to look them up in the paper catalogues for you, or get the part number online for them. Otherwise, Jegs or Summit carries them.

Post by **scot850** » 31 May 2017, 19:00

I found mine at a small parts supplier locally in Calgary. They ordered them from a boat supplier in Vancouver. Apparently this style of clamp is more common in marine applications it would appear. I bought some off Amazon, only to find when they arrived they were China copy parts made to look like the real things right down to the color blue on them.

In fairness, they look reasonably well made but with blurry ads on Amazon, they actually say ADA on them.

As I needed a bunch of them at the rear end re-build on my AWD V70R I bought the real thing (ABA), as even the stuff Volvo now supplies is crap. Otherwise locally the only thing that was available are the cheap band style with all the little slots in them and flat sharp sides that cut into rubber pipes.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 01 Jun 2017, 10:25

I should also add the reason for using the ABA clamps is the rounded sides of the clamp are kinder to old rubber hoses. On the AWD where many of the hoses are specially shaped and now obsolete for the emissions and fuel system, you have no choice but to re-use old hoses ore find good used ones as I did. The clamps with the flat sides are very prone to cutting the old hardened rubber and causing them to split.

Neil.

Post by **mecheng** » 01 Jun 2017, 10:39

I get them from the dealer, if I buy enough stuff they sometimes just throw them into the order.

Post by **scot850** » 01 Jun 2017, 12:45

The point I made earlier, is I bought clamps from the dealer and they are now supplying the cheap flat stuff at high prices. Took them back and told them they should be ashamed!

That was when I went looking for the OEM (ABA). Fortunately with a brother in Sweden, he was able to get me contact info for ABA in NA and they were very helpful helping me find local supplier.

Neil.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 01 Jul 2017, 10:56

Thanks. Found a local place (BelMetric) with comprehensive selection, OK prices and reasonable shipping - cause they're only open m-f 9-5.

Post by **scot850** » 01 Jul 2017, 14:30

Glad you found a good source. It is worth it.

Neil.

Post by **rguzz** » 01 Jul 2017, 19:32

When at my local salvage yard I get clamps from Mercedes, mostly, as many as I feel like grabbing. 6 bucks for a box full or so. I therefore have a great selection of the best quality clamps found anywhere (ABA as well) at a fraction of the new price, and it's a rewarding task as well. I even go home, lubricate and polish them up, which is a bit nuts, I know.