Is it hard to know what your Band-It band clamp is tight. The method described below will help you to indicate when
a band clamp has reached its maximum holding force. The point of maximum holding force may be too
tight for some objects and not tight enough for others. BAND-IT® cannot provide a method to tell if a clamp
has been applied too tight or too loose. BAND-IT® always recommends testing as the only measure to
determine if tightness is appropriate for the application.
When steel band is tensioned up to its “yield strength” it has maximum holding force. Additional tensioning
beyond the yield strength will stretch the band but not apply additional holding force. If tensioning and
stretching continues the band will, ultimately, break.

The key is to get consistently close to the band’s “yield strength” without significantly stretching
the band.

How to determine if a band has reached its “yield strength”:
1. Insert the clamp tail into the tensioning tool. Tension until the clamp is snug.
2. Using a felt tip marker, place 3 or 4 lines across the band clamp, about ¼” in front of the buckle.
3. Resume tensioning and watch for movement of the lines in relation to the buckle.
The clamp has reached its yield strength when the lines stop moving. STOP! It will not achieve additional
holding force and if tensioning and stretching continues, the band will weaken. Further tensioning of the
clamp may result in band failure. Galvanized carbon steel band has less strength than stainless steel.

This information is provided by Band-It Idex Company Denver Colorado.

One response to “When is My Band Clamp Tight?”

1. AssetGlobe says:

   March 17, 2012 at 1:11 pm

   That’s really good information…