Muffler Clamp Types

• A muffler is used to minimize vehicle exhaust noise. The muffler system includes the long pipes that connect the muffler to the exhaust and the muffler itself. Along the pipes various clamps, when fastened properly, help keep the exhaust noise muffled to a bearable level.

Pipe Clamp

• A pipe clamp is a very basic type of clamp used on mufflers to restrain the muffler and pipes without impending upon the metal. The clamp is a band of metal that comes in various widths and lengths, which is affixed by a nut and screw mechanism. On each side of the band is a hole where the screw slips inside once the clamp is wrapped around the pipe. A nut is placed at the end of the screw and tightened to secure the clamp in place.

Screw Band

• A screw band clamp is similar to the pipe clamp, with the exception of how the screw is affixed to the band. While the screw and nut are used to tighten down the clamp, the band itself has slots throughout that slide beneath the screw. The slots slip into a holding mechanism and the screw tightens the band in place.

U-Bolt

• A U-bolt clamp, also called a universal bolt, is made of a thick U-shaped rod and a female connector. The metal rod is placed over the pipe, while the adjoining connector is screwed over the threaded clamp ends. This clamp is a very sturdy clamp, unlike the band-style, which may deform under pressure. U-bolt clamps are also used in a variety of other applications, including parts of the vehicle outside the muffler system.