Hose reel hose replacement question

[Marty_Escarcega]

I have a nice Dayton Speedaire 2CUA9 hose reel I aquired, with a bad 1/2" hose. 1/2" is too large for the type of work I would be doing. It currently has 50' of 1/2" hose. I would like to swap it for 3/8" hose. I would imagine with an adapter at the swivel, I could adjust the tension of the reel to take up the 3/8" hose. BUT my longshot question is, could a longer hose be put on the reel and the spring still have enough adjustment to take it up? (Somehow I think this is doubtful but I thought I would ask)

Thanks for your thoughts in advance!
Marty
Mesa, AZ

 

[sberry]

Maybe is the answer I have but you bring up something crucial to good design. Moving from 1/2 to 3/8 is matching the right tool to the job and while there are cases a longer hose would work I try to design around standard sections and aint scared to move some plumbing if it isn't working out. A move with air can save a lot of additional equipment and less is often better. Doesn't mean you shouldn't get what you need, just the opposite and so much easier if a guy hasn't invested in 6 hydrants and regulators in a 2 car garage where 1 would have done with a reel and a drop whip and in many case a reel alone may be adequate..
50 ft lets a guy get around, if he needs more than that regularly its may be worth some additional plummin.

 

[Marty_Escarcega]

Maybe is the answer I have but you bring up something crucial to good design. Moving from 1/2 to 3/8 is matching the right tool to the job and while there are cases a longer hose would work I try to design around standard sections and aint scared to move some plumbing if it isn't working out. A move with air can save a lot of additional equipment and less is often better. Doesn't mean you shouldn't get what you need, just the opposite and so much easier if a guy hasn't invested in 6 hydrants and regulators in a 2 car garage where 1 would have done with a reel and a drop whip and in many case a reel alone may be adequate..
50 ft lets a guy get around, if he needs more than that regularly its may be worth some additional plummin.

Thanks for the response! My garage is 32' deep. I actually have a manual crank hose reel with 50' of 3/8" hose that would suffice, and reaches most areas in the garage. This Speedaire reel came after the fact. Its a nice reel, just that 1/2" hose is too bulky for my use. I've thought of selling it, but even then, think that 3/8" is more common and convenient than 1/2" unless you are in a heavy shop or a road service truck.

 

[rlitman]

The rewind on these reels depends upon a clock spring. They will only be able to retract so much. Perhaps you could add a few feet, but do not expect a lot. I would figure on one rotation at most.

However, these reels are designed to retract the hose fully. If you are hanging the reel from the ceiling, you may want to use the stop to leave several feet hanging, so if it does not retract all the way, that could still be ok.

 

[sberry]

3/8 is what we use and only break out a 1/2 on such a rare occasion its not on a reel. I actually like manual just fine and for the most part its what I use with 50's. I would certainly consider doing what you want, nothing wrong with it and some additional pieces probably wont starve the baby or take away from things you need worse.

 

[sberry]

Newer pic, no drip leg, goes to the filter. Fed from 100 ft of 1/2 pipe.

 

[Marty_Escarcega]

Thanks Gents. Unless I hear otherwise, I'll take the conservative approach and just rewind with 50' of 3/8" hose. I have one, so trying it out, no harm no foul. The old 1/2" hose is shot.

Marty