[1966geeto]

Getting ready to re install exh system looking at Walker band clamps what do you guys think of them looks like the clamp bolts may interfere with other components not a fan of the u clamps but they make taking the system apart impossible .Do the band clamps seal just looking at options for future exh removal.Thanks

[Brad Pringle]

I love mine that a 2.5" wide and cover the whole seam. Will not use anything else now!

[oldblueponcho]

I haven't used anything but band clamps for years. They seal perfectly, and make disassembly a breeze.

[ta man]

When I swapped cars..I pulled my old exhaust off in about ten minutes....Band Clamps

[quicksilver97ta]

Does an exhaust come apart easier with band clamps vs regular clamps?

[David Jones]

Many times a regular "U" clamp will crush the pipe enough to make separation of the pipes a chore.

[1966geeto]

Does the clamp compensate for diff in od sizes ? when you slip the pipe in the wider side how does the clamp seal the difference in the pipe overlap, and if you do not have a slip joint can you use them to fit 2 pipes of the same sixe butted up to each other ?

[MrWrestlingII]

Originally Posted by 1966geeto

Does the clamp compensate for diff in od sizes ? when you slip the pipe in the wider side how does the clamp seal the difference in the pipe overlap, and if you do not have a slip joint can you use them to fit 2 pipes of the same sixe butted up to each other ?

To seal the type of joint you're speaking of you'd use a stepped band clamp. The stepped clamp conforms to both the large/small OD of the joint.

If you were sealing a butt style joint you'd use a straight band clamp which is the same diameter for the length of the clamp.

[HJones1313]

I'm done with "U" clamps, and will only use band clamps, since they make it so you can pull the system apart if you need to. The U clamps make a crush seal, and make it difficult to take them apart.

[nytrainer]

Good topic. Was wondering if you put anything on the pipes before the band clamps go on.(Neverseize or ?)

[Robert Williams]

I use band clamps and i use antiseize on the slip fit joints...

[1966geeto]

Originally Posted by Robert Williams

I use band clamps and i use antiseize on the slip fit joints...

Will never use a u clam again expensive but well worth it.

[Jack Gifford]

All band clamps on the 2.5" exhaust of the '59 GMC I'm doing. Only used anti-seize on the clamp bolts/nuts. I also put a small stainless self-tapping screw into every pipe-end/band-end, mainly to guard against rotation of mufflers or pipes.

I did initially have a problem with the clamps (of unknown origin)- I bumped the old 2009 'Band clamps' thread up for reference (see my post#8 to that thread).

[oldblueponcho]

Originally Posted by nytrainer

Good topic. Was wondering if you put anything on the pipes before the band clamps go on.(Neverseize or ?)

I see that a couple of other guys use anti seize. I put a bead of clear silicone on the pipe that goes inside the flange. Some of it burns off, but some of it stays and helps s to seal. When you want to take the system apart, you only need to twist the joint a bit and it comes right apart.Don't use red, blue or black silicone as it will cement the joint together and make it difficult to disassemble.

[ta man]

Originally Posted by ta man

When I swapped cars..I pulled my old exhaust off in about ten minutes....Band Clamps

Best thing for us guys that wind up changing everything every couple years.

[TSMartin]

I use the "generic" 3" lap clamps from Summit on my system. I've had it apart to swap out the mufflers and it went back together with no problem. I'll be taking it apart again to reroute my piping this winter. Use anti seize on the bolts and tighten the p*** out on them. They are easy to orient so the clamp bolts won't interfer with anything.
TS

[Skip Fix]

I have tried them on two cars and could get neither to squeeze enough to seal. If there is any difference in diameter they just wouldn't do it.

[HWYSTR455]

Regular street use I weld them. If I need to replace them in a 5-7+ years, so be it, it's the cost of regular street use IMO. Same with stainless, I say use aluminized and replace as needed.

You bottom out or catch a lip in a transition, like going into a parking lot or something, it will rip it apart, and forget putting it back together with band clamps. Might not be a concern for some, but I drive my stuff hard, and stuff happens.

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