What air hose reels are you using?

[Brian_B_]

Hi all,

I am sick of my air hose laying across the garage or piled up in front of the compressor. I know I could use an old mig wire wheel to just wind it up on (my portable [5 HP briggs engine] has that), but I would like to find something easier for my bigger compressor.


What do you have? Brand? Cost? Any problems with them?

I cannot afford to spend a fortune..but want to do something.

 

[LSU]

I use two harbor freight reels.

Both are wall mounted and have held up very well.

I think they were about twenty bucks.

They're the kind your crank to retrieve the hose.

 

[Steevo]

I have a Lincoln, and a Reelcraft, both self-retracting and both found at estate/yard sales.
I am still looking for a third commercial grade reel.

 

[Brian_B_]

I have a Lincoln, and a Reelcraft, both self-retracting and both found at estate/yard sales.
I am still looking for a third commercial grade reel.

Lucky! I live in a retirement area (the whole county)...they sell off all tools before they move here.

The closest CL is 2 hours away.

 

[WWIIjeep]

They're the kind your crank to retrieve the hose.

My wife would tell you I'm already too cranky, so I got self-retracting enclosed reels. AK Reels brand. They're made in Australia:

http://www.akreels.com.au/

I think mine are the RC2000/10.

I've had them for about 15 years. The only problem I've had with them is that sometimes in cold weather when the hose is probably not as flexible, the reel locking pawl needs more than one tug to engage or release. Never fails to work, just takes an extra tug or two sometimes in cold weather. No leaks. They had gotten pretty good reviews from a couple of trade magazines at the time.

I got a self-retracting open reel on sale from Northern a couple of years ago, but haven't put it in service yet yet to know whether it's any good.

 

[evintho]

I use two harbor freight reels.

Both are wall mounted and have held up very well.

I think they were about twenty bucks.

They're the kind your crank to retrieve the hose.

+1 I've had mine for 6 years. It's wall mounted, was dirt cheap and works great. Keeps everything nice and neat!

 

[csmitty]

Got a good deal on some Reelcrafts from work, just had to go through them and clean them up a bit.

 

[mayday0017]

Harborfreight retractable 50ft and add another 50ft to it if I need to reach end of driveway.... Had it mounted for about 1.5 months now, so far works like a champ!

 

[lametec]

Got a couple of these:

Bought the first at WalMart years ago. Came with 30 ft of crappy PVC hose. Has since been changed to about 47 ft (if memory servers me right) of Goodyear rubber hose.

Just bought another one (20 ft) the other day from Harbor Freight. Changed the hose to Goodyear rubber on that one also.

 

[texasprd]

For my 3/8 hose powering my impacts & air ratchets, I use a Reel-EZ hand-cranked reel that I got years ago - I don't think they are available any more.

For my 1/4 hose (blow gun, air chuck, etc), I have a hand-cranked ReelWorks from Northern Tool. $23 buck, works well, current day equivalent of the Reel-EZ above.

I like the mounting patterns of both of these reels - I have them mounted on strut with hex-head bolts and strut nuts, and the strut is lagged through the sheetrock into the studs.

 

[W-Cummins]

I have 5 Reelcraft 7800 series reels and 2 of their welding gas reels too ( one 7450 and one 5425 series). The 7800 are about $300 or so new each, I picked up the 7450 welding gas reel used but I bet they are over $300 for them too.
All seem to be well made and have nice hoses on them...

William.....

 

[2manytoyz]

I bought a Legacy brand (who?) from Walmart years ago. Came with a 50' hose. Years later, still works great, and doesn't leak noticibly. Self retracting. A lot better quality than expected at a low price.

 

[balane]

I'm using one of the Chinese HF variants also. I don't have a lot of Chinese stuff in my garage but I needed a reel and found this on Craig's List for a few bucks and it was 99% new. Figured I'd keep it until it broke and, by that time, I'd have located a good one and wouldn't be out much. That was over a year ago and it still works great.

I did drill out all the fittings and now use 25' of 1/2" Goodyear air hose which really helped things out with performance over the 3/8" hose it shipped with. I took the time to reinstall all the parts with care and precision so maybe that aided in its longevity so far.

.

 

[Dave.R]

Disclosure I work for this company, but Ive been using this reel for a while and really like it. Built heavy enough for my 2 stall hobby mechanic work, and has USA hose. Import Body, but not thin. I think It competes well in its price class, and I like the double supports. I have a HF too I use for running out to fill tires.

3/8 Goodyear Hose Reel

http://www.mit-tool.com/goodyear/pr...x_50_Retractable_Air_Hose_Reel_(Goodyear).htm

 

[IONH]

Harborfreight retractable 50ft and add another 50ft to it if I need to reach end of driveway.... Had it mounted for about 1.5 months now, so far works like a champ!

I use the same one. Been installed and used somewhat regularly in my garage for about 4 years now. No issues at all.

 

[aka Larry]

I'm using one of the Chinese HF variants also. I don't have a lot of Chinese stuff in my garage but I needed a reel and found this on Craig's List for a few bucks and it was 99% new. Figured I'd keep it until it broke and, by that time, I'd have located a good one and wouldn't be out much. That was over a year ago and it still works great.

I did drill out all the fittings and now use 25' of 1/2" Goodyear air hose which really helped things out with performance over the 3/8" hose it shipped with. I took the time to reinstall all the parts with care and precision so maybe that aided in its longevity so far.

.

What is that white line entering from the right side of the pic?

 

[alan camby]

What is that white line entering from the right side of the pic?

Looks like the devil to me. PVC

 

[balane]

Yeah, PVC and it's totally safe.

You guys just look for **** to stir up, you know that? It's like a hobby for many of you.

It's PEX and it's amazing.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Got a couple of these:

Bought the first at WalMart years ago. Came with 30 ft of crappy PVC hose. Has since been changed to about 47 ft (if memory servers me right) of Goodyear rubber hose.

Just bought another one (20 ft) the other day from Harbor Freight. Changed the hose to Goodyear rubber on that one also.

got one of these hf specials. if the stiff hose didnt **** it would probably be fine. i have been thinking about changing it

 

[2_lude]

Disclosure I work for this company, but Ive been using this reel for a while and really like it. Built heavy enough for my 2 stall hobby mechanic work, and has USA hose. Import Body, but not thin. I think It competes well in its price class, and I like the double supports. I have a HF too I use for running out to fill tires.

3/8 Goodyear Hose Reel

http://www.mit-tool.com/goodyear/pr...x_50_Retractable_Air_Hose_Reel_(Goodyear).htm

I have the Goodyear Hose Reel as well and I have to say it is a solid reel considering it sells for $130. I would have like to get a Reelcraft, but I couldn't justify spending $300. I didn't want a plastic body either, so the Goodyear fit the bill just nicely for me.