best air hose size

[dejar59]

What is the best size air hose for normal shop air tools? 3/8" or 1/2"? If using a retractsble reel is there a difference?

 

[CARS]

99.5% of people use 3/8". Us painters use 1/2" for the paint booth with larger couplers.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you are using a long hose, 1/2" will reduce pressure/volume losses, but you will want a 3/8 whip at the end so you are not fighting the stiffer 1/2 hose.

 

[dejar59]

Thanks

 

[Kent Skinner]

The more important thing is to spend a few extra dollars and get one made from rubber. The PVC hoses never want to unroll completely, or roll up completely. They are a big PITA.

Rubber hoses are so much nicer to deal with. This is a good example.:

$20, 50 feet, US made:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225E0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sberry]

For most asking this question 3/8 is fine. 5 reels in service, 3/8 on them all.