Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a tubular object includes an elongated band having an outer surface, an inner surface, a free end and an opposite end. An open ended slot is formed at the free end and a tightening ear is formed adjacent the opposite end of the band. A step is formed between the tightening ear and the free end with a first tongue for cooperating with the slot. A second tongue is formed at the opposite end and the clamping apparatus is assembled by overlapping the free end with the opposite end and fixedly attaching the second tongue to the outer surface of the band. The assembled band extends in a continuous ring with the first tongue received in the slot to form the inner surface into a substantially gap-free surface for contacting the tubular object encircled by the clamping apparatus when the tightening ear is deformed to reduce the diameter of the ring.