The air compressor is now a multi-purpose, must-have tool in the home. They can be used for power-cleaning, blowing up inflatables and tires, working on cars, and many other tasks. However, when it comes to determining the best of the best, there are factors that you have to consider.
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In this case, choosing the best air hose for your home has got a lot to do with your intended use as well as the frequency of use. Thus, in this article, I will be guiding you on how to choose the best air hose that’s right for you.
Type of Air Hoses
The type of air hose you need will depend on your intended use for it; for example; when you're going to use it for a garage heater. Selecting the right type is vital if you want your hose to perform optimally and last for a really long time—and essentially be worth what you paid for!
Before going out and buying a hose right away, we need to tackle on the different materials that air hoses are made of, namely: rubber air hoses, polyurethane air hoses, and PVC air hoses.
Rubber air hoses
Rubber air hoses are great when you intend to use it for a lot of heavy work. Its durable material allows it to withstand great pressure and extremes of temperature, as well as resist breakage and weathering.
Moreover, rubber air hoses are easy to store due to flexibility, so you can easily roll it up in your garage or basement, though they can be a bit heavy.
Polyurethane air hoses
Polyurethane air hoses are best for outdoor work since they are lightweight and thus, easy to carry around. This type of hose can withstand extremes of weather, has high maximum PSI, and is also durable. However, they are not as flexible as rubber hoses can be, but choosing the right type of polyurethane air hose can give you its maximum flexibility.
PVC air hoses
PVC air hoses are the cheapest among all three types, but its material makes it have zero flexibility and low performance in cold weather. Consequently, it is difficult to store and use. On the other hand, it has high maximum PSI and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Now that we know the differences between the types of air hoses, my tip is to select the hose that’s appropriate for the type of work you’ll be doing.
For example, if you’ll be doing a lot of work that entails high pressure, choose the most durable type of the three, which are rubber air hoses. On the other hand, polyurethane air hoses can be the best option for a lot of outdoor work.
I generally don’t recommend PVC air hoses since they are difficult to use especially in the cold, but if it’s a one-time project, why not choose the cheapest of the three?
Top 5 Best Air Hose
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Good Year boasts this rubber air hose to be weather, oil, and solvent resistant. I can attest to that (I have the exact same hose in my garage) and say that this hose works great in all types of weather.
Furthermore, these types of hoses are resistant to weathering and can do a lot of work. Its length is just enough to move comfortably in a 2-car garage, easy to store because of its flexibility, and very durable material (lasts a long time with constant use).
If you’re looking for a hose that you can use for high pressure and a lot of projects, I recommend buying this one.
Pro Tip
Check the dimensions carefully before purchasing your hose. Make sure you have the right length!
Pros
- Durable material
- Flexible and easy to store
- Can withstand extremes of temperature
Cons
- Short
- Can get dirty easily
- Can make marks
2. Continental 045 3/8-Inch-by-50-Feet Safety Yellow Rubber Hose
Like all rubber hoses, the Continental rubber air hose is resistant to extreme conditions, but this particular product sets itself apart from the others; the Continental air hose does it job well with spiral-yarn reinforcing and high-quality material.
It’s extremely flexible but kink-free due to its thick material, and is best for large garages, as well. Plus, it features corrosion-resistant connectors made from brass!
Pros
- Flexible and easy to store
- Durable
- Resistant to extreme weather
- Corrosion-resistant brass connectors
- Long
Cons
- Can get dirty easily
- Can get in the way in small spaces
- Can make marks
3. Coilhose Pneumatics PFE40254T Flexeel Reinforced Polyurethane Air Hose
This Coilhose Pneumatics hose is the best of its kind. Long (25 ft), lightweight, durable, kink-resistant, and can withstand extremes of temperature: the perfect hose for doing outdoor work. You can carry this hose around due to its lightweight and long-length features; and it won’t be a headache to store because of its flexible quality.
This hose is also kink-resistant and durable, which means you can use it constantly and won’t get any tears, abrasions, or leaks no matter the abuse.
In addition, the material of the hose is translucent, which gives you the ability to see if there are any contaminants inside of your hose.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Resistant to extremes of weather
- Long
- Flexible and easy to store
- Translucent
Cons
- Can get in the way in small spaces
- Can be less durable than rubber hoses
4. Amflo 12-100E Blue 300 PSI Polyurethane Air Hose
The Amflo hose is another great option for polyurethane air hoses. This particular product is reinforced with polyester for added durability, also long, durable, and can be very useful for staplers and nail guns. In my opinion, polyurethane hoses like these are great for framing, trim, and roof work.
Pros
- Long
- Resistant to extremes of weather
- Relatively durable
- Non-marking
Cons
- Non-translucent
- Non-sliding surface
5. Campbell Hausfeld Air Hose 25ft, 3/8-Inch, Reinforced PVC Hose with Brass Fittings, Blue (PA1177)
As I’ve said, I don’t recommend PVC hoses when you’re doing heavy work that entails the use of durable material. However, light work and that doesn’t need a lot of pressure intensity (blowing up inflatables, garden work, spraying chemicals, etc.), the Campbell Hausfeld PVC hose can get the job done. (It’s cheap, too!)
Pros
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Long
Cons
- Non-durable
Conclusion
When buying a new air hose, be wary of the suitability of your choice relative to the type of work you’ll be doing in order to get the most out of your money.
For this list, however, the Continental rubber air hose is my top recommendation for all homeowners out there. The Continental hose is made of very durable material that makes it resistant to extreme conditions and bending, features non-rusting connectors, and prevents bending at the hose ends to ensure optimal function for an extended period of time. To set it apart from other rubber hoses, this hose is thinner than most, which can make it easier to use due to non-bulkiness.
However, if you plan on using the Continental rubber hose for outdoor work, it’s going to be a little bit heavy and difficult to transport. In this case, I recommend the Amflo polyurethane hose instead, which is the best bet for outdoor hoses in my opinion.
There we have it: the best air hoses for all types. Did you like this article? If you did, leave a comment below and don’t forget to share this article to all your friends!
P.S. If you're going to use a hose for your garage heater, here's a few tips on how to choose the right one for you.
