What Is a Jubilee Clip & How Do You Use One?

Are you working on a project and have been told you need to use a Jubilee clip? Or perhaps you’ve heard the term being floated around and wondered what they are and what they are used for. Look no further, we’ve got you covered…

Here, we answer some common FAQs to get you feeling clued-up on this specific category of hose pipe clip, including:

• What is a Jubilee clip?
• What are Jubilee clips used for?
• What different types of Jubilee clips are there?
• What do I need to consider when buying Jubilee clips?
• Is a Jubilee clip alternative worth it?

What is a Jubilee clip?

A Jubilee clip is a type of band clamp that consists of a metal loop with a worm gear on one end of it. 

This worm gear is a type of rotating gear and tightening mechanism that allows the clip to be constricted or loosened easily with a purpose-built clip driver.

Jubilee clips are used to secure any type of flexible hose or pliable pipe onto a rigid outlet—such as a solid pipe, tap, or solid spigot—with a smaller diameter. 

As a hosepipe loses its elasticity over time and becomes slacker, this is where being able to tighten the clip comes in so handy.

They can be used on any solid fitting that lets out air, fluid, gas, or steam and are also compatible with some low-pressure hydraulic applications—but more on what Jubilee clips are used for further on.

A quick history lesson

Jubilee® is actually a registered brand and the name under which the original and official Jubilee clip was patented back in 1921. However, the invention and the product itself turned out to be so popular that Jubilee became a household name and now a genericised product name—like Hoover, Post-it, and Bubble Wrap.

So, when you see people talking about ‘Jubilee clips’, they might not actually be talking about the Jubilee® clip; the Real McCoy. The product has been imitated many, many times but, in our opinion, still remains unmatched.

Although they might be referred to as Jubilee clips, clips that aren’t under the official Jubilee® brand are otherwise known as hose clips, hose clamps, worm drive hose clamps, and worm gear clips, amongst other similar things. 

So if you see those names popping up while you’re shopping around or doing your research, that’s why. Whatever they’re called, they all perform the same rudimentary function. 

What are Jubilee clips used for?

In a nutshell: a Jubilee clip can be fitted wherever a hosepipe meets with and overlaps an outlet, requiring additional security on a pressurised system. They’re designed to eliminate—or at least reduce—the risk of leakages and hoses coming loose or detached from the outlet.

Once positioned, the clip can then be tightened manually or by using a driver to the adequate level of grip and compression, quickly and easily, thanks to the rotating worm gear mechanism.

There is a whole plethora of uses for Jubilee clips. In fact, people can get quite creative with how they use them, but some common examples of what a Jubilee clip is most typically used for include in:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Other climate control systems
• Plumbing 
• Automotive engine assembly
• Sign fixing
• Exhausts and fume extraction systems

The list above really is just the tip of the iceberg because Jubilee clips are such versatile contraptions that can come in handy in so many different scenarios.

Different types of Jubilee clip

Jubilee clips come in a range of different sizes and diameters, but one of the most important distinctions is the materials they are made from. The two most common choices are zinc-plated (mild steel) clips or stainless steel clips, both of which we stock here at The Hosemaster.

Buy Now - Zinc Plated (Mild Steel) Jubilee Clip

Mild steel is coated with zinc in order to increase its resistance against corrosion, making it suitable for use in a diversity of environments. 

Buy Now - Stainless Steel Jubilee Clip

Stainless steel Jubilee clips, on the other hand, are designed to offer more robust resistance against corrosion (including acid corrosion) and rusting. This makes stainless steel the better choice in areas such as food and drink, marine application, and water-based systems. 

There are also a few different Jubilee clip designs for you to consider:

Quick release Jubilee clips

Also known as Jubilee quick release straps, this type of clip is manufactured with a smart swivel housing design that locks into place once the clip has been fastened. 

Buy Now - Quick Release Jubilee Clip

They’re most commonly used in applications where a closed installation requires the clamp to be opened fully for positioning. However, they’re also a great alternative in situations where Nylon cable ties can’t be used due to fire regulations. Plus, they offer the added benefit of being reusable.

Hi-torque heavy-duty Jubilee clips

Hi-torque heavy-duty Jubilee clips are made with a two-part housing and cut-through band. 

Buy Now - Hi-Torque Heavy Duty Jubilee Clip

This means the metal band is kept straight at the point of engagement, engaging the screw thread completely. The benefit of this is that it provides a significantly stronger tightening torque (the force of rotation), for when you need something ultra-secure.

It’s worth noting here that because of their superior torque, this type of Jubilee clip shouldn’t normally be used on a soft hose as the perforated band might cut through it.

Multiband Jubilee clips

Multiband Jubilee clips work in exactly the same way as any other Jubilee clip, but the difference is that the metal band hasn’t been pre-cut. 

Buy Now - Multiband Jubilee Clip

This means you’re provided with the freedom of 30-metre banding, so you can cut the length of the band precisely, according to your specific requirement or application.

Three important things to consider when buying Jubilee clips

Are you ready to start shopping for Jubilee clips? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are three super important things to consider to ensure you’re getting everything you need:

1. Don’t forget your Jubilee Flexidriver

   In order to adjust your clip quickly, efficiently, safely, and comfortably, you’re going to want to equip yourself with a Jubilee Flexidriver. 

   It has a flexible, ergonomic shaft designed to help you reach even the most awkward of nooks and crannies, so it’s an absolute must-have for your toolkit.

2. Selection boxes aren’t just for Christmas

   Although you can buy Jubilee clips singularly, we would recommend buying a box of 10 or even investing in a Jubilee clip selection box so that you’ve got plenty of essentials on hand when you need them. 

   

   Buy Now - Jubilee Clip Workshop Assorted Clip Packs

   Our wide range also includes a P clip selection box and an O clip selection box.

3. Choose high-quality products from reputable brands

   As we mentioned earlier, the original Jubilee clip has been replicated many times, which means cheaper alternatives are available. However, choosing a cheaper version almost always guarantees a compromise on quality and performance. 

   So, save yourself money and stress in the long run by only investing in the best of the best: genuine Jubilee clips.

This leads us nicely onto… 

Is a Jubilee clip alternative worth it?

Ask us, and we’ll tell you that the official Jubilee clip has never been bettered, despite having been imitated countless times.

In our opinion, none of the variations currently out there match up to the original, which is why we’d always recommend investing in genuine Jubilee clips over any other alternative on the market.

Zip ties and cable ties are often used in place of a Jubilee (or Jubilee-style) hose clip as a cheaper option. However, these are significantly less robust and far more basic in design and performance. 

The same, more often than not, can be said for things like pipe clamps, ear clips, spring clips, V band clamps, and saddle clamps.

Alternatives just don’t pack the same mechanical punch when it comes to securing a hose pipe onto a solid fitting, which only leads to problems further down the line with the fixture and the appliance or system itself.

Find the best Jubilee clips at The Hosemaster

We stock a whole host of different types of Jubilee clips here at The Hosemaster, including heavy-duty Jubilee clips, Jubilee clip selection boxes, and Jubilee Multibands. 

We provide you with a diverse choice of clips made from stainless steel, mild steel, and plated steel, so you can be sure to find something that suits your requirements.

You should be able to find everything you need, but if you’ve got any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Shop genuine Jubilee clips at The Hosemaster today!

For more news, information, and product advice, read The Hosemaster blog…

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