Simple "wire clamp" tool.

[Rorschach]

Made this simple wire clamp tool today. Similar principle to the Klamptite etc, it creates a very tight wire clamp for hoses etc.

Although the open end of this 10mm ratchet is gone, the ratchet end could still be used and aside from 2 small holes in the hex/allen key it is essentially undamaged and fully functional. Works very well and only took about 15 minutes to make. I do need to source some more suitable wire though, all mine is too thick or too thin, recommendations appreciated. Total cost to make was 20p, the hex key was free with some tools I was given, the ratchet was 20p at a car boot sale. Only downside I can see vs the commercial tool is that my version requires probably an extra 6" of wire, that might be a problem if you are making dozens of wire clamps but this is a tool I expect to use just a handful of times per year and wire is cheap.

[rgsparber]

Can you show it in action?

[CharlesWaugh]

VERY nice idea!
And, it's a flat-pack as well.
: - )

A couple thoughts I had:

By lightly welding a little nose (maybe 25mm long) on the outside end of the ratchet, and making that the wire-holding point (with the little 'saddle' for the wire), you could shorten the amount of wire needed.

And, by using a t-handle hex, you could get more leverage when twisting.


The wire one wants is high tensile but bendy. I've been trying to find some of the right stuff myself.
I wonder about fishing leader wire, bu that's rather small diameter and will slice the hose ratherr than clamping it, I fear.

[Dry Creek Smithing]

Guys, Search on Amazon where else... lol! Safety Tie Wire. Stainless Steel and in a variety of dia. Perfect for each job.

And show that toll idea on this site. Good job guys!

Doug. D.C. Smithing

[Rorschach]

Can you show it in action?

Works the same as any other wire tie tool you will see on youtube.

[Rorschach]

VERY nice idea!
And, it's a flat-pack as well.
: - )

A couple thoughts I had:

By lightly welding a little nose (maybe 25mm long) on the outside end of the ratchet, and making that the wire-holding point (with the little 'saddle' for the wire), you could shorten the amount of wire needed.

And, by using a t-handle hex, you could get more leverage when twisting.


The wire one wants is high tensile but bendy. I've been trying to find some of the right stuff myself.
I wonder about fishing leader wire, bu that's rather small diameter and will slice the hose ratherr than clamping it, I fear.

Oh yes I see your idea. I don't unfortunately have access to a welder so I wouldn't be able to do that but it's a good idea if you have the facility to do so. I could of course just cut my ratchet down shorter (and if I use the tool a lot I may do that) but I figured I was happy to waste a few extra inches of wire for now and keep the ratchet longer, this way if it turns out I don't use the tool or make a better one I can do something else with the ratchet maybe.

I do have a T-handle hex key I could have used but it is a huge and rather unwieldy. I created enough force to easily snap my test wire with the current key so I am not sure if I need a t-handle type for general use, easy to pop a couple of holes in it and use if required later on of course. I also have a commercial handle that turns any hex key into a t-handle, I could try that as well.

[DIYer]

Thanks Rorschach! We've added your Wire Clamp Tool to our Fastening category,
as well as to your builder page: Rorschach's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Wire Clamp Tool by Rorschach

tags: clamp

[Fluffle-Valve]

I've no idea on how this works?

[tonyfoale]

I've no idea on how this works?

rgsparber asked the same question but the poster seems unwilling to tell us.

[Fluffle-Valve]

rgsparber asked the same question but the poster seems unwilling to tell us.

Allan Key and a spanner?