Radiator Hose Spring Clamp Question

I am having a very difficult time installing the OEM style radiator hose spring clamps on my 340. The water pump by-pass hose was a major pain, and the upper and lower hoses are giving me fits. The clamps I purchased require that they be opened all the way during my attempts to install them, which leaves them not round any more. They seem to not be made of the correct "spring" material? I am using a Sears Craftsman special tool, made to install these type of clamps. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Dan

I spray a little silicone on the hose which helps the clamp slide on the hose.Thats allways works for me.

My problem is that most of the hoses are made with a thinner wall thickness and the clamps don't tighten-up around the hose as firmly as an original thicker wall hose. Sometimes the clamps are clamping so lightly you can spin them around the hose with your fingers. You almost need an undersize clamp with some of these new hoses.

I think your problem is better in that it sounds like it may clamp the hose properly. If it is way, way too tight it sounds like the wrong clamp size to me. What year 340 - the by-pass and 1 heater hose changed from 69 to 70.

I use 3M weather-strip adhesive with all my spring clamp applications....never had a leak yet...

That's some mighty strong stuff there.

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My problem is that most of the hoses are made with a thinner wall thickness and the clamps don't tighten-up around the hose as firmly as an original thicker wall hose. Sometimes the clamps are clamping so lightly you can spin them around the hose with your fingers. You almost need an undersize clamp with some of these new hoses.

I think your problem is better in that it sounds like it may clamp the hose properly. If it is way, way too tight it sounds like the wrong clamp size to me. What year 340 - the by-pass and 1 heater hose changed from 69 to 70.

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My engine is a 1970. I have 2 sets of clamps that came from different sources, both ordered for the correct year. Once again, I am concerned not only for how hard they are to put on, but the fact that they become out-of-round.