Air Hose Reels – To Use or Not to Use
A reel is a device that consists of a cylinder, spool, or frame that can be turned on its axis to wind and store an elongated flexible material such as a rope, film, tape, or hose. The spool can be open exposing the wound material, or closed with only a small opening for the protected object to enter or go out of the reel. Some reels are fitted with a crank to rotate the spool, while others are equipped with spring mechanisms for an automatic winding. These can either be portable or mounted on the wall or ceiling.
Using reels to store your air hose can greatly help keeping them clean. This is because reels make it easier to store the hose after each use and keep it from unnecessary exposure to dust, dirt, grime, and grease. If it is left lying on the floor, it may also be stepped on or driven over by wheeled vehicles.
In addition to dirt, the air hose also risks getting cut or damaged by tools or equipment accidentally dropped on it. Apart from the air hose, the air chuck nozzle attached to it can also be damaged.
From another perspective, a hose on the floor can trip workers walking around the work area and potentially cause bodily harm. This can result to losses in man-hours and an interruption of work.
Thus, by simply returning the hose into a protective reel after using it, you not only keep it clean and prevent possible damage to it, but also keep the work area uncluttered avoiding potential accidents.
If you use an air hose to attach a paint sprayer to an air compressor for painting an automobile, it is advisable not to draw out more hose than you need to reach it. The reason is the extra air hose can get tangled with that part already painted resulting to expensive and time-consuming repairs. A reel with an automatic winding mechanism would be very useful in this instance.
Purchasing and installing an air hose reels may cost you some money, but it is a wise investment. Your air hose and its air chuck will definitely last longer. Your work area will also look more professional as it is neater without unnecessary clutter on its floor.