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Hybrid Clamp Tackles Tough Repairs
“DIYers have long wanted clamps they can get tighter,” says Shane Swanger, a professional engineer, inventor and owner of Viper Clamp. “I myself was sick and tired of worm-driven universal hose clamps because they don’t lock and keep coming loose.”
To tackle this issue, Swanger devised the Viper Clamp, a ratchet
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Hybrid Clamp Tackles Tough Repairs
“DIYers have long wanted clamps they can get tighter,” says Shane Swanger, a professional engineer, inventor and owner of Viper Clamp. “I myself was sick and tired of worm-driven universal hose clamps because they don’t lock and keep coming loose.”
To tackle this issue, Swanger devised the Viper Clamp, a ratcheting zip-tie/universal hose-clamp hybrid. He initially targeted the automotive industry, where rubber-based fluid and air-filled hoses relax when heated, causing traditional hose clamps held in place only by friction to vibrate, loosen and leak.
Swanger began his innovation with a standard zip tie. After redesigning the teeth and developing a unique nylon 66 resin with a resin additive for below-freezing temperatures and sunlight resistance, he produced a zip tie capable of withstanding up to 100 lbs of torque. After adding a small ratcheting locking clip, he increased the force to 130 lbs without breaking or releasing. In December 2025, he sent his first batch of Viper Clamps to retail.
“Even if you over-tighten it with a tool, it’ll fail at the ratchet, but the clamp will stay tight,” he says. “A standard hose clamp or zip tie will fail in the loose position, causing leaks.”
Swanger says the feedback he’s received since the product went live has been insane. His updated Viper Clamp will hold about 250 lbs, and the ratchet is rated at 160 lbs, competitive with the highest-end stainless-steel universal clamps.
Currently, the available stock is 1/2 in. wide and 14 1/2 in. long. Swanger is working to add 1/4-in., 3/16-in., and 3/8-in. options. A metal version is also in the works.
Manufacturing is moving to the U.S. The Viper Clamp is available on the website and in Home Hardware stores in Canada. Swanger is seeking dealers for U.S.-based hardware and automotive stores.
A pack of 10 clamps retails for $19.99 plus S&H. Volume discounts are available.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Viper Clamp, Salt Lake City, Utah (websales@viperclamp.com; www.viperclamp.com).
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