Compressor & Air Hose Question

[lostcreekranch]

Compressor & Air Hose Question

I've got two of the Harbor Freight 50' air hose reels. They go on sale for $60 all the time.

5 Ft. Retractable Hose Reel with 3/8" Air Hose

I had a hose failure on one of them and replaced the hose with the Flexzilla hybrid 3/8" hose.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Flexzil...ith-1-4-in-MNPT-Fittings-HFZ3850YW2/203133022

It's much more flexible and doesn't take a shape like conventional hose does.

If you plan on using air tools, go with 3/8" hose over 1/4". It's not that much more money and you'll be glad to spent it.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My nicest hoses are always the ones that get wrecked somehow.

Also, get couplings that you can attach with one hand.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Like this? Only a few days left on this coupon.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Like this? Only a few days left on this coupon. View attachment 593377

Yep, we have two of them.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I was fortunate to come across a hose reel similar to the HF one at TSC. it was on sale for $45. It has 100' of 1/2" hose on it. I mounted it right by the garage door, use it for everything. I don't know why I never bought one before. I made up a whip to go from the compressor to the reel.

 

[Diggin It]

Yeah, I'd have jumped all over that one. I've found some decent deals there.

But I don't feel $60-70 for 50' of 3/8 is reasonable.

 

[AllDodge]

I have the same HF reel, has been working fine for 20 years or so. Had to replace the hose end once so far

 

[Gary Fowler]

I bought the 50 Foot retractable hose reel from HF a couple years ago and have not had any problem with it (so far). I also recently installed a 25 foot electrical cord reel which has been really helpful. I got 2 of them from my neighbor and so far have only installed one at the fab table location. I think today I will install the second one in my boat shed where I need to use my leaf blower occasionally (thanks to TBN member for reminding me that the rear of the shop would be a good location.)

 

[ovrszd]

The value of a reel isn't the product it carries. It's how it manages that product. It pays for itself thru repeated use.

Rolling up a 50ft hose by hand is such a waste of time....

 

[lostcreekranch]

The value of a reel isn't the product it carries. It's how it manages that product. It pays for itself thru repeated use.

Rolling up a 50ft hose by hand is such a waste of time....

BINGO!

 

[astrohip]

(thanks to TBN member for reminding me that the rear of the shop would be a good location.)

I put a cord reel at the front of my barn about a year ago. Used it so much, found it so handy, I bought a second one for the rear just last month. Already used it several times.

They are amazingly useful. Which is why I asked about the air hose reel. Seems like it would get almost as much use.

 

[not2old]

I'm cheap too, but bought an empty reel with a hand crank from Princess Auto for about $35.00. Been working great for about 30 years.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm cheap too, but bought an empty reel with a hand crank from Princess Auto for about $35.00. Been working great for about 30 years.

Hand crank beats the crap outta nothing


You paid a premium price!!

 

[AllDodge]

Them hang cranks make short work of 50 footer, buddy has one has never had a problems with it

 

[rangerfredbob]

I got one of the HFT reels on open box a while ago for $35 I think, I had to take it apart and tweak the end of the spring (it wouldn't stay in its tab) but was otherwise new. I mounted it on the outside of the garage and it can reach most of my driveway, I use it all the dang time! After almost a year the hose is getting pretty cracked up but I have a replacement when that time comes...

If you just have a little pancake compressor, put a quick connect link and a ball valve on the inlet end so you can leave the air hose compressed and have to pump it up every time, any pre compressed volume and you are ahead of the game...

 

[astrohip]

If you just have a little pancake compressor, put a quick connect link and a ball valve on the inlet end so you can leave the air hose compressed and have to pump it up every time, any pre compressed volume and you are ahead of the game...

Great idea!

PS: I assume you meant *not* have to pump it up.

 

[rangerfredbob]

yeah, don't mind me, I don't always put the words out in the way that makes the most sense . Sometimes being able to type fast lets me get ahead of myself...

 

[astrohip]

yeah, don't mind me, I don't always put the words out in the way that makes the most sense . Sometimes being able to type fast lets me get ahead of myself...

I got your gist, and I like the idea! Plus, I've never used air connectors before. I ordered a multi-pack of (I think they're called) plugs & couplers, and this will be another way to learn how to use them.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Compressor & Air Hose Question

If you only need 25' of hose ...... HF has the 25' reel on sale for $40 now. Here's the coupon.



Barcode cut off;

 

[astrohip]

Re: Compressor & Air Hose Question

I think I have a defective reel, but want to run it by the brain trust here first. I bought a Flexzilla retractable reel. I can't get it to hold air. When I turn the regulator to send air to the reel, it just pumps & pumps, and never get above 20-30psi. At first I thought it was filling the hose, but after 10 minutes, it ain't filling the hose.

I checked all the connections, no problems (water tested with soap). When I put my hand over the opening in the reel, where the hose comes out, I can feel air coming out of it. Quite a bit, actually. Am I correct to assume there must be a bad connection inside the reel?

I got it from Amazon, no problems exchanging it. But I wanted to make sure there wasn't something obvious I'm missing before I return it.

Thanks.