Tornado Two-Ear Hose Clamp PX52

The Tornado Two-Ear Hose Clamp PX52 is the genuine OEM crimp clamp used on the hose joints of the PS Series professional spotters. The machine uses four. The two ears are the specification: it is crimped closed at two points rather than one, which is what lets a single clamp pull a joint evenly from both sides. It also fits the Tornado PS8226 Spotter 98226, the 230-volt build of the deluxe PS Series spotter.

Compatible Models for the Two-Ear Hose Clamp

• Tornado PS Spotter 98220 — PS Series professional spotter, 115V
• Tornado PS8221 Spotter 98221 — the 230-volt build of the same spotter
• Tornado PS8225 Spotter 98225 — deluxe PS Series spotter
• Tornado PS8226 Spotter 98226 — the 230-volt build of the deluxe PS Series spotter, Series D & E

Tornado’s factory cross-reference returns twelve machines for this clamp, across Series C through G of the 98220, Series F and G of the 98221, and the 98225. We publish only the models we can confirm against Tornado’s current catalog — call us at 763-535-0770 with your model and serial number if yours is not listed.

Why a crimp clamp and not a screw clip

An ear clamp is a continuous band with one or two raised ears pressed into it. Closing an ear with pincers shortens the band’s circumference and pulls it tight around the hose, and because the band is continuous it applies that grip evenly all the way round. There is no screw, no worm drive and no gap.

That matters on a machine like this for three reasons. A worm-drive clip grips unevenly — hardest under the screw housing and least opposite it — which on a soft hose leaves a low-pressure arc where solution can track out. A screw clip also has a protruding housing and a cut band end, both of which can chafe a neighbouring hose inside a tight enclosure. And a screw clip can be worked loose by vibration, while a crimped ear cannot undo itself.

The two-ear version applies that closing force at two opposed points instead of one, so a larger joint is pulled down squarely rather than being drawn over to one side. Where the factory specifies two ears, a one-ear clamp of the same nominal size is not a substitute — and nor is the reverse.

When to replace it

An ear clamp is a single-use fastener. Once an ear has been crimped the band has been permanently shortened, and once it has been cut off to remove a hose it cannot be refitted. There is no way to re-crimp a used ear reliably, and a clamp that has been closed and reopened will not hold its original grip.

So the rule is simple: whenever a hose comes off, the clamp is replaced. Not inspected, not reused — replaced. Keep a few on hand before starting any job on the solution circuit, because a missing clamp will stop a reassembly dead.

Replace one in situ, having cut it off, if it is corroded, if an ear is cracked or has split from being over-crimped, if the band has been distorted or cut, or if the joint beneath it weeps. A weeping joint under a sound-looking clamp usually means the hose end has failed rather than the clamp — check both.

Fitting notes

Use proper ear-clamp pincers. Pliers or side cutters will close an ear after a fashion and will also nick or part the band, and a clamp closed with the wrong tool is the commonest cause of a joint that weeps a week later.

Position the clamp over the barb’s grip area — not past the end of the barb, where it clamps only hose, and not hard against the shoulder. Push the hose fully home past the shoulder first; a clamp cannot rescue a hose that is not properly seated. Close both ears, one then the other, and check the band is tight all the way round afterwards rather than judging it by the ears alone. Then run the pump and check the joint under pressure before the housing closes.

Twin City Vacuum has been selling and servicing Tornado equipment since 1956.

You can browse every assembly for this machine on our Tornado PS Spotter 98220 parts page, and the manufacturer’s specifications are published at tornadovac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse the Two-Ear Hose Clamp?

No. It is a single-use fastener: crimping an ear permanently shortens the band, and a clamp cut off to remove a hose cannot be refitted. There is no reliable way to re-crimp a used ear. Whenever a hose comes off, the clamp is replaced.

Why not just use a screw-type hose clip instead?

Because a worm-drive clip grips unevenly — hardest under the screw housing, least opposite it — which leaves a low-pressure arc on a soft hose where solution can track out. It also has a protruding housing and a cut band end that can chafe neighbouring hoses in a tight enclosure, and it can be worked loose by vibration. A crimped ear cannot undo itself.

What is the difference between a one-ear and a Two-Ear Hose Clamp?

The two-ear version applies its closing force at two opposed points rather than one, so a larger joint is pulled down squarely instead of being drawn to one side. Where the factory specifies two ears, a one-ear clamp of the same nominal size is not a substitute.

How do I order the Two-Ear Hose Clamp (part# PX52) or get help?

Call us at 763-535-0770 to order the Two-Ear Hose Clamp (part# PX52) — this is a factory-order part and we will confirm current pricing and the right size for your joint when you call. Our staff at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428 has been servicing Tornado equipment since 1956.

Questions? Call us at 763-535-0770 or visit us at 5415 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428.