Hoses & Reels: Disposable Convenience For Some, Essential Tools for Others
A hose and reel are not necessary for some, while an essential piece of equipment for others. If the latter is true for you, picking up the right hose and reel can be of great importance for your job. Some of the most important features to consider when buying these versatile tools are the size of the working area, or your garden, the length and the type.
Hose Reel
The best way to keep a hose tidily stored and used without having it intertwined is with a hose reel. These tools wind the hose up smoothly, keeping it in its proper shape. Typically, flexible hoses and soaker hoses don’t need a reel, however, they can still be utilised for convenience. Hose reel models come in a few different styles, the most popular being detached and hanging reels. Hanging reels are usually attached to a wall, and they come in basic and more sophisticated models. The basic models are plastic, feature a handle which is used to wind the hose up over the wheel. The more sophisticated models are enclosed, preventing the hose from getting damaged by the weather.
Hose Length
Generally, hoses come in standard lengths. While the longest ones are typically 30 metres and oftentimes offer the best value in metre-per-dollar, they aren’t always the ideal choice. So unless the working area isn’t large, a 30 metre hose isn’t necessary. It’s best you measure how much the hose will have to stretch to decide how much hose you need. Hoses are usually sold based on about 7.6 metres, so if you need about 12 metres of hose, opt for a 15 metre model, so you make sure you don’t come up short.
Hose Types
As aforementioned, flexible and soaker hoses don’t necessarily require a reel, as they shrink when they aren’t in use. However, they aren’t always the best choice, and they’re fit for occasional use. What attracts most people to flexible hoses is the fact that they require little to no space to be stored. Their thin material doesn’t last long and it isn’t durable, so they’re unfit for use in harsh conditions like industrial settings.
Soaker hoses on the other hand are placed directly in the area being watered, so the entire space is being soaked with water at the same time. These hoses have a very limited use, and are popular for garden watering mostly.
Rubber and vinyl hoses are probably the most popular types. Vinyl is affordable and light, but it can crack more easily than rubber. Rubber is more expensive but worthwhile investment if you use it on a frequent basis under high pressure and in extreme conditions. A combination of rubber and vinyl makes the hose more lightweight while also making it resistant to damage.
