Air Line Hoses

[rickas]

Is there a significant quality/durability difference between rubber & vinyl air line? My rubber lines are at least 10 years old and except for some bulging at the connectors, they seem to be in good shape. But I want to replace them before one bursts at the wrong moment. Any suggestions?

 

[PAToyota]

I like the rubber ones because they stay more flexible in lower temperatures. Even in "regular" temperatures the vinyl ones have a lot more "memory" to them which seems to lead to them kinking up.

 

[iiibdsiil]

I would go with some sort of name brand air line. I noticed Harbor Freight typically (at least used to) carry GoodYear hoses. Only problem is they are the black rubber, so they are a pain in a **** to keep clean. But, I have never had any issues whatsoever with that hose. It also doesn't kink easy like the other vinyl ones I own.

 

[eschoendorff]

I like the rubber ones because they stay more flexible in lower temperatures. Even in "regular" temperatures the vinyl ones have a lot more "memory" to them which seems to lead to them kinking up.

Oh yeah... another vote for rubber. And the Goodyear ones at HF are USA made.

Hard to keep clean???? Who actually cleans their air hose? Unless you mean running the hose through your gloved hands as you wind it back up....

 

[972500]

heck ya there made in the USA, about 20 miles from my house. dad used to work there. everythings on its way out. i do bleive they moved the hose production to somwhere other than akron ohio but stull in the US

 

[bmwpower]

Rubber all the way.

 

[JeremyS]

I use a combination of both. I've got a couple of 50' light weight vinyl hoses that I use for seldom-used long runs, like filling the trailer tires in the driveway or using a nailgun around the house. I like being able to drag the hoses around easily but it's not really durable enough for regular garage use. For areas of the garage that I know I'll be using air tools a lot I have GY rubber hoses on reels from HF.

 

[kartracer55]

Rubber... I do have one vinyl hose, but its just a little coil hose for a blowgun. The rubber hoses are a little heavier but Id imagine they are much more durable... Ive never had a problem with mine or heard of anybody who has

Jim

 

[rickas]

Thanx for the input. By chance I got an HF flyer today & they have 1/2" rubber hose on sale. Will stop there tomorrow.

 

[ZRX61]

I just threw out an old vinyl hose yesterday, too many kinks. Costco have rubber ones fairly cheap....

 

[kartracer55]

I wouldnt worry about 1/2... maybe 3/8. if its like 100 ft then yeah 1/2 but I use 50ft 3/8 hoses all the time without any air demand problems. I believe I use one 100 ft 3/8 hose during the day as well. I think for most things the 1/2 hose is just extra weight.

Jim

 

[wilbilt]

The rubber ones seem to be more prone to failure in a commercial environment. From experience, the vinyl last longer, but are a certified bi*ch to deal with in cooler weather.

I have a couple of vinyl ones here at home. One still has "memory" from the tightly-coiled packaging it came in a year ago. This after many days of use running a nailer outside in 100+ degree heat.

My next purchases will be rubber hose.

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

By far the best hose Ive ever had. And I did roofing for years is the Senco rubber hose. Ive drug these hoses around roofs and garages and they are still soft no bulges ect. The best hose ever.