Exhaust Clamps - U-Bolt, Band & V-Band

U-bolt clamps

A U-bolt (saddle) clamp wraps around a slip joint where one pipe sits inside another. Tightening the nuts squeezes the joint to seal and hold it. They're low cost and simple to fit, and best for joints that won't come apart often, because they crimp the pipe slightly.

Band clamps

A band clamp wraps a wide strap right around the joint. It seals the full circumference without crushing the pipe, so it suits stainless and thin-wall pipe and joints you may undo later. The heavy-duty Accuseal 3" (76mm) band clamp is in the range.

V-band clamps

A stainless V-band joint uses two matching flanges, one on each pipe end, held together by a single band clamp. It seals well and comes apart cleanly with one nut, which makes it the go-to for turbo outlets, dump pipes and any section you'll remove again.

Getting the size right

Match the clamp to the pipe's outside diameter: a 3" pipe takes a 3" (76mm) clamp. On a slip joint, size the clamp to the outer pipe.

Finishing a system? See Exhaust Hangers & Mounts and Exhaust Tips.

FAQ

What size clamp do I need for a 3" exhaust? A 3" (76mm) clamp. On a slip joint where one pipe sits over another, size the clamp to the outer pipe.

U-bolt or V-band clamp? Use a U-bolt clamp for a low-cost, semi-permanent slip joint. Use a V-band clamp where you need a strong seal and want to remove the section again without damaging the pipe.

Can a V-band clamp be reused? Yes. As long as the band and both flanges are undamaged, a V-band clamp can be undone and refitted many times.

Do I need a clamp if I weld the joint? No. A welded joint doesn't need a clamp. Clamps are for joints you want to fit without welding or remove later.