Clamp assemblies and associated methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a clamp assembly may comprise a shell, a tensioning mechanism, and a retainer. The shell includes a pair of segments sized to be positioned over a joint connection, with the pair of segments being moveable between an open position and a contracted position. The tensioning mechanism is operable to tighten the pair of segments and includes a threaded shaft extending through a segment opening defined in a first segment of the pair of segments. The retainer is coupled with the first segment and includes a first cantilevered flange configured to engage the threaded shaft to retain the threaded shaft in position relative to the first segment.