If you are searching for “SAE hose clamp size 28 165 332,” the first thing to understand is that these numbers may not all describe the same hose clamp specification. SAE #28 is a recognized hose-clamp size, while 165 and 332 can appear in other product-number or dimensional contexts. SAE International’s J1508 standard covers common hose clamps used on coolant, fuel, oil, vacuum and emission systems.
For a common #28 worm-drive hose clamps, current manufacturer charts place the usable diameter range around 33–57 mm to 35–57 mm, depending on the particular construction and manufacturer. Gates lists its SAE J1508 size 28 clamp at 33.3 to 57.1 mm, while AFT Fasteners gives a general #28 range of 35 to 57 mm.
Quick Information SAE #28 Hose Clamp
| Quick Detail | Information |
| Product Type | Hose clamp |
| SAE Size | #28 |
| Common Clamp Style | Worm-drive |
| SAE Standard | SAE J1508 |
| Typical Range | 33–57 mm or about 1-5/16–2-1/4 inches, depending on manufacturer/style |
| Common Full-Size Reference | 35–57 mm |
| Gates Reference | 33.3–57.1 mm |
| Maximum Diameter | About 57 mm / 2-1/4 inches |
| Band Width | Commonly 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch depending on design |
| Typical Materials | Stainless steel or plated steel combinations |
| Typical Uses | Automotive, coolant, air, oil, fuel and general hose connections |
| Important Note | “165” and “332” are not established as the SAE #28 size itself |
What Is an SAE #28 Hose Clamp?
An SAE #28 hose clamp is a commonly available worm-drive clamp designed to secure a hose around a fitting, tube, pipe or connection. The “#28” designation identifies the clamp size within the SAE-style sizing system; it does not mean that the clamp has a 28 mm diameter.
This distinction is important because a person who sees “28” on a product listing might assume it means 28 mm. That is not how the SAE worm-drive size designation works. A #28 clamp is substantially larger than 28 mm and is generally used around hose assemblies measuring roughly 33 to 57 mm across the clamping area, depending on the product.
What Does SAE J1508 Mean?
SAE J1508 is the technical standard associated with many common hose-clamp designs. SAE International says its J1508_202301 standard covers 32 types of clamps commonly used on OEM coolant, fuel, oil, vacuum and emission systems. The current listed revision was issued on January 13, 2023.
The standard is useful because it gives manufacturers and users a common reference for clamp construction and dimensions. However, a specific commercial clamp can still have product-specific features, such as different band widths, materials, screw designs or diameter ranges.
What Is the Size of an SAE #28 Clamp?
For a common full-size worm-drive clamp, SAE #28 is generally around 35–57 mm, or approximately 1-5/16 to 2-1/4 inches, according to AFT Fasteners’ current size chart.
Gates provides a slightly different reference for its SAE J1508 hose-clamp range, listing size 28 at 33.3–57.1 mm, equivalent to about 1-5/16 to 2-1/4 inches. This small difference demonstrates why buyers should check the manufacturer’s individual specifications instead of assuming that every #28 clamp has precisely the same minimum diameter.
SAE #28 Size in Inches
The commonly published upper size for a #28 clamp is approximately 2-1/4 inches. The lower end is generally around 1-5/16 inches, although some manufacturer specifications show a minimum of approximately 33 mm rather than 35 mm.
That makes #28 a useful size for medium-to-large hose connections. Before purchasing, however, measure the actual outside diameter of the assembled hose and fitting, because the clamp must fit the complete connection rather than simply the hose’s nominal internal diameter.
SAE #28 Size in Millimeters
In metric terms, an SAE #28 clamp is commonly associated with a range of roughly 33–57 mm. Gates lists 33.3–57.1 mm for one SAE J1508 #28 clamp, while AFT’s general chart lists 35–57 mm.
This range is more useful when selecting a clamp because most real-world hose installations are checked by measuring the outside diameter. If your assembled connection measures around 40, 45 or 50 mm, for example, a #28 clamp may fall within the appropriate adjustment range.
Why Do #28 Dimensions Vary?
Not every SAE #28 clamp is physically identical. Manufacturers can produce different versions with different band widths, materials, screw configurations and intended applications.
For example, AFT currently lists a #28 Type F worm-drive product with a 1/2-inch band, 304 stainless-steel construction and a stated 1-1/4 to 2-1/4-inch diameter range. Another #28 version uses 316 stainless steel.
This is why the SAE size should be treated as a starting point, followed by checking the exact manufacturer’s specifications.
What Does “28 165 332” Mean?
The phrase “28 165 332” does not appear to be a complete standardized SAE hose-clamp designation based on the current sources reviewed. SAE J1508 establishes hose-clamp size terminology, but the available references do not identify “165” and “332” as additional parts of the #28 hose-clamp size.
There is an important reason for being careful here. A search for “28 165” also produces products that have nothing to do with hose-clamp sizing. For example, one industrial pipe-clamp reference lists 28 mm with a 165 mm dimension, demonstrating that the numbers can belong to a completely different product category.
Is 165 the Diameter of an SAE #28 Hose Clamp?
No, not according to the hose-clamp specifications verified here. A 165 mm diameter would be far outside the normal published range of an SAE #28 worm-drive hose clamp.
For comparison, AFT’s hose-clamp chart lists SAE #96 at a range reaching 165 mm, while #28 stops at approximately 57 mm.
Therefore, if you see “165” beside “28” in a product listing, it may represent another dimension, a product code, a pipe size or an unrelated specification. It should not automatically be converted into a #28 hose-clamp diameter.
Is 332 an SAE #28 Size?
There is no reliable evidence in the reviewed SAE and manufacturer sources that 332 is part of the SAE #28 hose-clamp size designation.
The number 332 can occur in product codes, catalog references or unrelated hose and clamp products. For example, industrial hose catalogs use numbers such as “FC332” as product-series designations. That does not make 332 an SAE hose-clamp size.
If “332” is printed directly on your clamp, package or invoice, the manufacturer and the surrounding markings would be needed to identify its exact meaning.
SAE #28 vs SAE #24
SAE #24 is smaller than #28. AFT’s current general chart lists #24 at 25–51 mm, while #28 is listed at 35–57 mm.
If the hose assembly is near the upper end of the #24 range, moving to #28 can provide additional adjustment capacity. The correct choice should still be based on the actual measured outside diameter rather than selecting a larger clamp simply because it is easier to find.
SAE #28 vs SAE #32
SAE #32 is the next commonly encountered size after #28. AFT lists #32 at 40–63 mm, compared with 35–57 mm for #28. Gates lists its #32 clamping range as approximately 39.7–63.5 mm.
The overlap between these sizes is useful. If your measured assembly is around 50 mm, both sizes may appear possible, so the exact manufacturer’s minimum and maximum range should be checked before purchasing.
SAE #28 Size Chart
| SAE Size | Approximate Range | Approx. Metric Range |
| #20 | 13/16–1-3/4 in | 21–44 mm |
| #24 | 1–2 in | 25–51 mm |
| #28 | 1-5/16–2-1/4 in | 35–57 mm |
| #32 | 1-9/16–2-1/2 in | 40–63 mm |
| #36 | 1-13/16–2-3/4 in | 46–70 mm |
| #40 | 2–3 in | 51–76 mm |
| #44 | 2-5/16–3-1/4 in | 59–82 mm |
These values are general reference ranges, not a guarantee that every manufacturer’s clamp will have identical dimensions. AFT specifically notes that clamp ranges can vary between manufacturers.
What Materials Are Available?
SAE #28 clamps are available in several material combinations. 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel are common choices, while some products use stainless-steel bands with different screw or housing materials.
AFT currently lists a #28 Type F product made with 304 stainless steel for the band, housing and screw, as well as another #28 product made with 316 stainless steel.
The right material depends on the environment. Stainless steel is often selected when corrosion resistance is important, while a standard plated configuration may be sufficient for less demanding applications.
What Is a Worm-Drive Hose Clamp?
A worm-drive clamp uses a screw mechanism to tighten a perforated or slotted band around the hose. Turning the screw changes the effective diameter of the band, allowing the clamp to grip the hose and fitting.
These clamps are popular because they are relatively simple to install, adjustable and reusable. AFT describes its #28 worm-drive clamps as economical and reusable and notes that the band can detach from the housing on the listed design, allowing installation or removal without disconnecting the hose or tube.
Where Are SAE #28 Clamps Used?
SAE #28 clamps can be found in automotive, industrial, plumbing and general hose applications, depending on their material and construction.
SAE’s J1508 standard specifically covers clamp types commonly used on coolant, fuel, oil, vacuum and emission systems. Manufacturer catalogs also list worm-drive clamps for air, coolant, low-pressure fuel and oil applications. Gates, for example, identifies its relevant worm-drive clamp family for silicone and other soft rubber coolant, air-intake, low-pressure fuel and oil hoses.
How Do You Measure for a #28 Clamp?
The best way to select the clamp is to measure the outside diameter of the hose after it has been installed on the fitting. This gives you the actual diameter that the clamp must cover.
Do not rely only on the nominal hose ID. A hose with a particular internal diameter can have different wall thicknesses depending on its construction. The clamp sees the outside diameter of the complete connection, so that is the measurement that matters for sizing.
What Happens If the Clamp Is Too Large?
A clamp that is too large may still fit around the hose, but it may not tighten correctly if the assembly is below the clamp’s effective minimum diameter.
This can create a poor seal or leave insufficient adjustment for secure installation. The clamp should have enough range to tighten around the connection without reaching the end of its adjustment mechanism.
What Happens If the Clamp Is Too Small?
A clamp that is too small may not pass over the hose and fitting at all. If it can be forced into place, excessive tightening can damage the band, screw mechanism or hose.
Choosing a clamp based on the actual measured diameter helps prevent this problem. If the measurement is close to the edge of a clamp’s range, checking the manufacturer’s specifications is especially important.
Is SAE #28 Suitable for Silicone Hose?
This depends on the specific clamp design and the hose. Some standard worm-drive clamps are not recommended for soft silicone hose, while specially designed silicone clamps are available.
For example, AFT’s listed standard #28 Type F worm-drive product specifically says it is not recommended for silicone or soft hose/tube. Gates separately lists a silicone clamp product family using SAE J1508 sizes, including size 28.
Therefore, buyers should never assume that every #28 clamp is suitable for silicone simply because the size matches.
What Band Width Does a #28 Clamp Have?
Band width depends on the product design. One current AFT #28 Type F product uses a 1/2-inch-wide band, while other worm-drive designs can use wider bands.
Gates lists a silicone-oriented clamp with a 14.3 mm, or 9/16-inch, band and includes SAE J1508 size 28 within that product family.
This difference shows why size number alone does not describe every physical feature of a clamp.
How Tight Should a Hose Clamp Be?
The correct tightening level depends on the clamp design, hose material and application. Over-tightening is not automatically better. Excessive force can damage a soft hose, deform the connection or compromise the clamp.
For one current AFT product family, the manufacturer lists durability torque values by material configuration and recommends installation at 50–70% of rated durability torque. Those values apply to that particular clamp construction and should not be treated as universal torque specifications for every SAE #28 clamp.
Should You Buy SAE #28 Based on the Number Alone?
No. The SAE #28 designation should be combined with the manufacturer’s diameter range, clamp type, material and intended application.
Two clamps can both carry a #28 designation while differing in band width, stainless-steel grade, screw material or exact minimum diameter. Checking the complete product specification provides a much safer and more accurate match.
Why Is SAE J1508 Important?
SAE J1508 gives the industry a common framework for hose-clamp specifications. The current SAE listing identifies J1508_202301 as a revised standard covering 32 clamp types used across several common vehicle fluid and air systems.
For buyers and technicians, referencing the standard helps reduce confusion between completely different clamp types. However, the manufacturer’s product data still matters because commercial versions can have different construction details.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a #28 Clamp
One common mistake is confusing SAE size with millimeter diameter. SAE #28 does not mean 28 mm. Another is assuming that every #28 clamp has exactly the same adjustment range.
A third mistake is interpreting numbers such as 165 or 332 as additional SAE sizing information without checking their source. Those numbers can appear in unrelated catalogs and product codes. The safest approach is to identify the manufacturer, product family and exact marking before assigning a technical meaning to an unfamiliar number.
How to Identify an Unknown Hose Clamp
If a clamp is already installed and its size is unclear, look for stamped numbers, brand names, product codes or packaging information. Then compare those markings with the manufacturer’s catalog.
Measuring the clamp’s usable diameter is another helpful step. If the marking includes a sequence such as “28 165 332,” photograph the complete marking and the clamp itself. The surrounding information can reveal whether the numbers represent an SAE size, product code, material designation or another measurement.
Final Verdict
SAE hose clamp size #28 is a common medium-size worm-drive hose-clamp designation, generally covering an outside diameter around 33–57 mm or approximately 1-5/16–2-1/4 inches, depending on the specific manufacturer’s design. Current references from Gates and AFT show slightly different lower limits while agreeing on an upper diameter around 57 mm.
The relevant industry standard is SAE J1508, which covers common hose-clamp types used in applications including coolant, fuel, oil, vacuum and emission systems. For the specific search phrase “SAE hose clamp size 28 165 332,” the evidence does not support treating all three numbers as one standardized SAE size. “165” can appear as a dimension in unrelated pipe-clamp references, while “332” also appears in unrelated product numbering.
The practical solution is simple: measure the outside diameter of the assembled hose connection, check the exact manufacturer’s #28 range, and confirm the clamp material and application before buying. If the numbers 165 or 332 are printed on an actual clamp, the manufacturer marking or a clear product photo is needed to determine exactly what those numbers represent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an SAE #28 hose clamp?
An SAE #28 clamp is commonly around 33–57 mm, with some general charts listing 35–57 mm. Exact dimensions vary by manufacturer and clamp design.
Is SAE #28 equal to 28 mm?
No. The #28 is an SAE size designation, not a 28 mm diameter measurement. A typical #28 clamp reaches roughly 57 mm at its maximum diameter.
What is SAE J1508?
SAE J1508 is a hose-clamp specification standard covering common clamp types used for applications such as coolant, fuel, oil, vacuum and emission systems.
What does 165 mean in “28 165”?
It cannot be reliably identified as an SAE #28 hose-clamp dimension from the available evidence. The number 165 appears in other industrial clamp sizing systems, so the complete product marking is needed.
What does 332 mean on a hose clamp?
There is no verified evidence that 332 is part of the SAE #28 size designation. It may be a product or manufacturer code in a particular catalog, so the brand and complete marking should be checked before interpreting it.
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