Abstract: The present invention provides a band clamp with an improved lock between the band and the buckle of the band clamp. The improved lock is of the type of lock where the band is passed through the buckle and then shaped to form a locking surface that engages the exterior of the buckle to prevent the band from being pulled back through the buckle. Characteristic of the improved lock is that the lateral cross-section of the locking surface is, in one embodiment substantially V-shaped. In other embodiments, the lateral cross-section is substantially U-shaped and substantially .OMEGA.-shaped. In a further embodiment, a banding tool is disclosed for use with a band and a buckle separate from the band, wherein the banding tool forms both a band lock on one band end and a retaining member on the opposite band end such that the retaining member inhibits the non-attached buckle from separating from the band during lock formation.

Abstract: A banding material is disclosed for use as the band in a band clamp. The banding material is provided from a roll of banding material from which a length of the banding material corresponding to the length of the desired band is cut. The length of the band for the band clamp is determined by counting markings on the band which are related to the diameter of an object about which the band clamp is to be fitted. In a preferred embodiment, the markings are .pi. units, or fraction of .pi. units, apart where the diameter of the object is measured in the same units.