Stainless Steel Oetiker Style Clamps AKA Stepless Ear Clamps
Stepless ear clamps are the best clamp for attaching hoses. The entire inner circumference of the clamp is completely free of any steps, gaps or bridges for no-leak seals. It requires the use of a special tool (Oetiker Clamp Tool).
Need to know what size you should use for standard draft beverage lines?
13.3 is typically used for attaching 3/16" beer line when the barbed fitting is 1/4".
14.5 is typically used for attaching 1/4" lines
15.7 is typically used for attaching 5/16" gas lines when the barbed fitting is 5/16".
17.0 is typically used for attaching 5/16" gas lines when the barbed fitting is 3/8".
In many cases, regulators and air distributors come with a 3/8" barb on the shutoff. In this case, a 17.0 would need to be used.
Click the "OPTIONS" tab above to order the sizes you need.
Approximate Oetiker Stepless Ear Clamp Part Numbers
| Oetiker Part Number |
Our Part Number |
Approx. Size Range (mm) |
| 16700001 |
CP070 |
5.8mm - 7.0mm |
| 16700002 |
CP080 |
6.8mm - 8.0mm |
| 16700003 |
CP087 |
7.0mm - 8.7mm |
| 16702491 |
CP095 |
7.8mm - 9.5mm |
| 16700006 |
CP105 |
8.8mm - 10.5mm |
| 16700008 |
CP118 |
10.1mm - 11.8mm |
| 16700009 |
CP123 |
9.8mm - 12.3mm |
| 16702493 |
CP128 |
10.3mm - 12.8mm |
| 16700010 |
CP133 |
10.8mm - 13.3mm |
| 16700011 |
CP138 |
11.3mm - 13.8mm |
| 16700012 |
CP140 |
11.5mm - 14.0mm |
| 16700014 |
CP145 |
12.0mm - 14.5mm |
| 16700015 |
CP153 |
12.8mm - 15.3mm |
| 16700016 |
CP157 |
13.2mm - 15.7mm |
| 16702494 |
CP162 |
13.7mm - 16.2mm |
| 16700017 |
CP170 |
14.5mm - 17.0mm |
| 16700020 |
CP185 |
15.3mm - 18.5mm |
| 16702498 |
CP198 |
16.6mm - 19.8mm |
| 16700024 |
CP210 |
17.8mm - 21.0mm |
| 16700026 |
CP226 |
19.4mm - 22.6mm |
| 16700035 |
CP286 |
25.4mm - 28.6mm |
| 16700056 |
CP455 |
42.3mm - 45.5mm |
Below is a helpful Oetiker Clamp Sizing Chart to help determine the right size stepless clamp that you might need.
Simply measure the outside diameter of the hose installed on fitting. Then select a hose clamp so that the outside diameter of the hose is approximately in the middle of the clamping range of the clamp.
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How are the stepless clamps sized?
The size listed for each clamp is the maximum inner diameter in mm (millimeters) before being crimped. Refer to the chart above to find the approximate size of the clamp after being fully crimped.
This item is for the Oetiker Clamps. Photos showing Oetiker Tool, disconnect and hose are for illustration only.
How to use a clamp tool and stepless ear clamps or Oetiker clamps for your draft beverage and gas lines:
What size hose clamp do I need for my beverage and gas lines?
Stepless Ear Clamps VS Worm Clamps:
What is an Oetiker Style Clamp?
An Oetiker style stepless clamp, often referred to as an Oetiker clamp, is a specialized hose fastening device that boasts a sleek, continuous band design devoid of traditional clamp features like slots and screws. This unique construction makes it a preferred choice in various industries and applications where a seamless and snag-resistant connection is paramount.
Key Characteristics of Oetiker Style Stepless Clamps:
Seamless Design: Unlike conventional worm gear clamps, Oetiker clamps feature a smooth, uninterrupted band, devoid of any protruding components. This design is particularly advantageous in settings where aesthetics and the risk of snagging must be minimized.
Constant Tension: Oetiker clamps employ a spring-like mechanism that ensures consistent tension around the hose or tubing they secure. This consistent pressure distributes force evenly across the entire circumference of the hose, significantly reducing the likelihood of leaks or damage.
Single-Use Nature: Oetiker clamps are typically designed for single-use applications, making them permanent fixtures once crimped or clamped onto hoses or tubing.
Relevance to Brewing and Draft Beer Applications:
Home Brewing: Enthusiastic homebrewers frequently rely on Oetiker clamps to secure hoses and tubing in their brewing setups. The seamless, snag-free design ensures that hoses and lines remain securely fastened while minimizing the risk of contamination or damage, a crucial consideration when crafting quality brews.
Commercial Brewing: In commercial breweries, Oetiker clamps find application in various critical areas. They are used to secure hoses for fluid transfer, connecting components in the brewing process, such as pumps, heat exchangers, and fermenters. Their constant tension mechanism helps maintain airtight connections, ensuring that ingredients and flavors are preserved throughout the brewing stages.
Draft Beer Systems: The world of draft beer relies heavily on Oetiker clamps to maintain the integrity of beer delivery systems. These clamps secure hoses and tubing in kegerators, draft towers, and tap lines. By consistently applying pressure around the connections, Oetiker clamps help prevent air from infiltrating the system, thereby safeguarding the quality and freshness of the beer as it travels from keg to glass.
Other uses of Oetiker Style Stepless Clamps:
Automotive: They are used in automotive applications to secure coolant hoses, fuel lines, and other fluid-carrying systems. The stepless design helps prevent leaks and ensures a secure connection, even in high-vibration environments.
Industrial: Oetiker clamps are used in industrial settings to connect hoses for pneumatic, hydraulic, and fluid transfer systems. They provide a reliable seal and are often used in factories and manufacturing facilities.
Agriculture: In agricultural machinery and equipment, Oetiker clamps are used to secure hoses for irrigation systems, hydraulic lines, and other fluid-handling components.
Marine: Oetiker clamps are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for marine applications. They are used to secure hoses and tubing on boats and ships.
Plumbing: While less common in household plumbing, Oetiker clamps may be used in situations where a secure, low-profile hose connection is needed, such as in tight spaces or where aesthetics are a concern.
Medical and Pharmaceutical: Oetiker clamps are used in medical and pharmaceutical equipment to secure hoses and tubing for fluid transfer, ensuring sanitary and leak-free connections.
Oetiker style stepless clamps play an indispensable role in the brewing and draft beer industry as well as many other industries, contributing to both the functionality and aesthetics of the brewing process. Here are some specific applications within this context