Worm drive clips are the general-purpose choice for coolant, water and low-pressure air. T-bolt clamps are for boost, intercooler and turbo pipework, and anything with vibration - they apply even force all the way round and hold tension far better through heat cycles. Mini fuel clips are for small-bore fuel, oil, air and water lines. P-clips are not hose clamps at all - they mount and support a hose or pipe to a panel.

W1 is zinc-plated steel - cheaper, fine for dry indoor and general workshop use. W4 is stainless steel throughout, which is what you want for anything exposed to weather, coolant, road salt or a marine environment. The extra cost of W4 is small compared with the cost of a corroded clip seizing or failing somewhere awkward. For engine bays and outdoor use, buy stainless.

Size to the outside diameter of the hose once it is fitted over the pipe, not to the hose bore. Our clips are listed by their adjustment range - for example 9mm to 12mm - and you want your fitted diameter to sit in the middle of that range, not at either extreme. A clip at the very end of its travel either will not close enough or has almost no thread left engaged.

Three reasons. A worm drive clip concentrates its force near the screw housing and the band is perforated, which can bite into soft silicone; a T-bolt applies even pressure right round the joint and has a smooth inner band. T-bolts also hold their tension through heat cycling far better. On any pressurised charge air joint, a T-bolt is the correct part and a worm drive is a compromise.

Firm, not crushed. Silicone and rubber only need nipping up until the hose is compressed evenly against the pipe - over-tightening cuts into the hose and causes the leak you were trying to prevent. Re-check the tension after the first few heat cycles, because a new joint beds in and a clip that felt tight when cold often needs a small nip afterwards.

They mount a hose, pipe or cable to a panel or bracket so it cannot chafe or vibrate against anything. The rubber lining cushions the hose and stops the metal band cutting into it. They are essential on braided hose, fuel lines and long unsupported runs. Ours come in 5mm to 35mm sizes with a 12mm band, in packs from 1 to 100.