It is absolutely crucial to pair an excellent, top quality hose with an air compressor, for optimal results. We can help you achieve this with our guide, which will help you find, and choose, the best air compressor hose possible. What the hose does is to direct the compressed air that is coming out of the compressor in order to fill the rubber tubing of your tires and make sure the spokes are clean and dust-free.
Therefore, to get the most out of your compressor, make sure to check out our guide to choose the best hose for it.
Why is the Air Compressor Hose Worth it?
Safety
An air compressor can get you out of tough situations, such as a flat tire. With the compressor, all you need to do is connect it to a top-quality hose and refill your tire. It is a great tool to have in your trunk at all times for your safety and security.
Saving Time & Money
To save you time and money, the replacement of the air compressor hose is essential. It will help you avoid needless and expensive trips to the gas station.
A Variety of Uses
From rust removal to inflating tires, and from general house maintenance to spraying pesticides onto the lawn, an air compressor hose is a great addition to any household in a variety of ways. The air compressor can even blow leaves off your roof and clean out your pipes. No matter if you own a trailer or a Rolls Royce, this product is indispensable.
The Different Kinds of Hoses
RUBBER
The most accessible, and most popular, material used for the air compressor hose is rubber. Although it is heavier than other materials, it is resistant to harsh weather, can maintain its flexibility for long periods of time, even when exposed to 150 degrees to -20 Fahrenheit, although in some cases of high temperature, bubbles will appear beneath its layers.
HYBRID
Although after long periods of usage they may get worn out, the air compressors hoses made up of polyurethane, PVC, and rubber, are the most long lasting and most flexible of the hoses. We call these the hybrid kind, and they are not only high-quality but are also light. They can support different temperatures well.
PVC
These air hoses are the cheapest, but they still function well and last a long time. Although they do not stand cold temperatures well as they can coil and disfunction in the cold, in warmer temperatures they work well, though they are not as flexible as the other kinds. These, however, are most adapted to reaching difficult and small places.
POLURETHANE
Light in weight, highly resistant to cold weather, and exhibiting great recoiling, polyurethane air hoses are the most expensive of the air compressor hoses out there. Although they are the lightest of the materials, they also have a tendency to kink more than other types.
Air Hose Diameter and Length
Looking at what diameter and length will be needed for your air compressor is the next step in the process, after choose the material.
The most common hose diameter is 3/8”, they’re ideal for a variety of tools, especially those which demand lots of air. The ¼” ones are useful for less powerful, cheaper compressors. They are otherwise used for airbrushing, blowguns, and brad nailers. The ½” hoses demand a very powerful compressor and a great amount of air, as it is the largest of the diameters.
It is easy to find out what length you need: in most cases, 25 or 50 ft in length is what will be needed. If you are working outside, or have a large garage, this may differ.
Don’t forget that you’ll be needing a more powerful compressor for longer hoses. There is more airflow restriction inside longer hoses.
FAQ
Q: What is the standard length and diameter for an air hose?
A: There are different standards for sizes. The 50 ft length and 1/4 inch diameter hoses are the most common, this is due to their lightness compared to the large ones. That said, there are times when a longer length must be used. Less power is lost because of friction with wider air line hoses.
Q: What does “hybrid” mean for an air hoses?
A: It simply means that it is composed of several different kinds of materials, which can make the hose can serve a wide array of functions. It has less kinks than PVC, and is flexible due to the rubber in it which is a large part of the attraction customers have to the product. The fact that it has less kinks and coils less than PVC makes it a safe and trustworthy choice, it is less likely to hurt some walking by.
It is very light as well, in fact, 40% lighter than rubber. But this does not diminish its flexibility, even when faced with harsh temperatures, unlike a PVC hose. PVC hoses do not stand below freezing temperatures, while the hybrid can go down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Rubber, in cold conditions, will begin to weaken at -20 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the hybrid a multifunctional choice.
Q: For my air compressor, do I need a regulator?
A: Air regulators can be extremely beneficial as it can lower and maintain a lower air pressure, which will help preserve the hose and the tool.
With an air regulator you can decide yourself the amount of pressure your compressor exerts. It is a good idea to keep a low pressure at all times, to ensure the quality and usability of the materials.
Not only this, but it will also save you money, because lower pressure means lower amount of energy spent. Although it is your personal choice, it is best to first understand why these regulators are often used in the first place.
