Hose clamp

In a clamp for a hose having inner and outer surfaces, comprising a generally circular spring band having a clamping portion and first and second ends in overlapping relation, each of said ends having radially outwardly extending corresponding first and second tabs;

• the method of clamping said hose comprising the steps of forming a plurality of circumferentially aligned locking members in said clamping portion adjacent said second end, forcing said tabs toward each other by external forces to position said clamping portion loosely around said outer surface said hose to create a radially unstressed condition of said clamp while retaining said tabs in spaced relation, forming an integral stop member on said first tab and engaging said stop member against said second tab to place said tabs in spaced relation in said radially unstressed condition, releasing said external forces to release said tabs from their retaining position to space said tabs further apart to allow said clamping portion to be forced radially inward and contact said outer surface of said hose, creating a radially stressed condition of said clamp to exert radial pressure on said hose to cause said stop member to engage a selected one of said locking members corresponding to the diameter of said clamp upon contact with said outer hose surface to retain said clamp in said radially stressed condition to engage and grip the outer surface of said hose even when said hose is subjected to increased stress forces.