Speaking of hoses... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

2ndGen · 11-01-2009, 03:38 PM

So, about 2 years ago, I went all out and picked up a top of the line FLEXEEL MAX hose. I totally loved it's weight (made my gun feel cordless), but it would constantly coil up and that caused major problems for me.

Now, I have nothing bad to say about the hose. Matter of fact, it had great features. But, it just kept coiling up and I couldn't get it to lay out straight. I tried leaving it in the sun, I tried physically stretching it out, but it just coiled right back up. That to me would be it's only flaw, otherwise, it was great. It was worth the premium I paid for it (about $80. for a 50' length).

I came across a Bostitch Demo Day and picked up a pair of these and they work great! I love them. Not as light the Flexeel, but it lies out nice and flat and doesn't curl up. It became workable quickly. And, it's another product that's performed flawlessly. If it had the Flexeel's weight, it'd be perfect, but believe you me, I'm not complaining about it as is.

I'll put up with a little more weight for the peace of mind of knowing that I'm not going to trip over a hose that doesn't completely uncoil.

I'd take it out of the truck, whip it out (literally just throwing it across the lawn) and I was ready to go.

The lighter Flexeel I'd have to struggle with. It tangled way too easily. Once on the roof, I'd get caught up in it at least once or twice a day (making it dangerous in my opinion). So, it was frustrating as all heck.

Question:

Any other hoses to consider out there?

I'm about to go hose shopping (putting in a lot of squares lately). I'll definitely go with Bostitch's ProzHoze again (hopefully they'll have a super lightweight version that won't curl up like the Flexeel).

And just one more lesson learned...I'm going to buy several 25' hoses and connect them as needed as opposed to using 50' hoses (which take too much time to wind up).

Kgmz · 11-01-2009, 04:32 PM

I have had the standard Flexeel hoses, and currently have been using the Grip Rite hoses just because I can get them cheaper. The Grip Rite hoses are the same quality as the Flexeel.

I have not had really any problem with them coiling up, except maybe a little at the end. If you roll out the hose and just throw down the ends they might roll up a little and make half a coil. But the standard Flexeel and Grip Rite hoses are a little softer and are rated for 200psi, where that Flexeel Max you posted there is rated for 300 psi, so may be a little stiffer and have more memory.

http://www.grip-rite.com/hosesfittings.asp?Action=1

2ndGen · 11-01-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgmz

I have had the standard Flexeel hoses, and currently have been using the Grip Rite hoses just because I can get them cheaper. The Grip Rite hoses are the same quality as the Flexeel.

I have not had really any problem with them coiling up, except maybe a little at the end. If you roll out the hose and just throw down the ends they might roll up a little and make half a coil. But the standard Flexeel and Grip Rite hoses are a little softer and are rated for 200psi, where that Flexeel Max you posted there is rated for 300 psi, so may be a little stiffer and have more memory.

http://www.grip-rite.com/hosesfittings.asp?Action=1

That might be it...the Max is probably in a different manner (kind of like how Stanley Extreme Tape Measures are prone to breaking at the 4' section for some reason).

I'm used to hoses eventually, with use, working out their own kinks and becoming looser (as have my ProzHoses). But my particular Flexeel Max just wouldn't. I'll take a look at the regular Flexeels. Thanks.

smeagol · 11-01-2009, 06:08 PM

we use and love those flexeel you just have to stretch them when new to get rid of thier memory. They will make some noise when you stretch them but its all good.

shed builder · 11-01-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeagol

we use and love those flexeel you just have to stretch them when new to get rid of thier memory. They will make some noise when you stretch them but its all good.

Yes I second that. I have two of the regular flexeels. When new I just pulled on a 2 ft section at a time stretching it out. I read on one of these forums to pull it till you hear it popping inside. Just went all the way down the hose like that. It's awesome, they have virtually no memory and are light and flickable.

Vester

2ndGen · 11-01-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeagol

we use and love those flexeel you just have to stretch them when new to get rid of thier memory. They will make some noise when you stretch them but its all good.

Maybe I got a lemon, but after 1 year and a half, I got tired of it and sold it.

I'd give the non-Max Flexeel hoses a shot though.

johnk · 11-01-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndGen

So, about 2 years ago, I went all out and picked up a top of the line FLEXEEL MAX hose. I totally loved it's weight (made my gun feel cordless), but it would constantly coil up and that caused major problems for me.

Now, I have nothing bad to say about the hose. Matter of fact, it had great features. But, it just kept coiling up and I couldn't get it to lay out straight. I tried leaving it in the sun, I tried physically stretching it out, but it just coiled right back up. That to me would be it's only flaw, otherwise, it was great. It was worth the premium I paid for it (about $80. for a 50' length).

I came across a Bostitch Demo Day and picked up a pair of these and they work great! I love them. Not as light the Flexeel, but it lies out nice and flat and doesn't curl up. It became workable quickly. And, it's another product that's performed flawlessly. If it had the Flexeel's weight, it'd be perfect, but believe you me, I'm not complaining about it as is.

I'll put up with a little more weight for the peace of mind of knowing that I'm not going to trip over a hose that doesn't completely uncoil.

I'd take it out of the truck, whip it out (literally just throwing it across the lawn) and I was ready to go.

The lighter Flexeel I'd have to struggle with. It tangled way too easily. Once on the roof, I'd get caught up in it at least once or twice a day (making it dangerous in my opinion). So, it was frustrating as all heck.

Question:

Any other hoses to consider out there?

I'm about to go hose shopping (putting in a lot of squares lately). I'll definitely go with Bostitch's ProzHoze again (hopefully they'll have a super lightweight version that won't curl up like the Flexeel).

And just one more lesson learned...I'm going to buy several 25' hoses and connect them as needed as opposed to using 50' hoses (which take too much time to wind up).

Man-up and get some good old heavy rubber hose!Heh Steve

2ndGen · 11-01-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shed builder

Yes I second that. I have two of the regular flexeels. When new I just pulled on a 2 ft section at a time stretching it out. I read on one of these forums to pull it till you hear it popping inside. Just went all the way down the hose like that. It's awesome, they have virtually no memory and are light and flickable.

Vester

Now if my Flexeel Max was like that, then I'd be a happy camper right now.

Again, I loved it's lightness and it was a tough hose, but it gave me nothing but problems.

My Bostitch hoses are great...it's just that I'm spoiled by the Flexeel's "almost not there" feeling.

johnk · 11-01-2009, 09:32 PM

Get some of this hose,nice and light,lol. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq3bBOKdEgM

naptown CR · 11-01-2009, 09:53 PM

Has anyone seen the gray Senco hose
Best hose I ever owned
Down to my last 50 feet

house bldr · 11-01-2009, 09:57 PM

Check out the hitachi polyurethane air hose,I got mine at amazon 100 ft.1/4'' with couplers already on it for 35.00 very light, no memory,I love mine!

2ndGen · 11-02-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk

Get some of this hose,nice and light,lol. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq3bBOKdEgM

Hey man, don'tz be talkin' bout my hose man!

2ndGen · 11-02-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naptown CR

Has anyone seen the gray Senco hose
Best hose I ever owned
Down to my last 50 feet

That it? -----> http://www.fastoolnow.com/pc0046.html

2ndGen · 11-02-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by house bldr

Check out the hitachi polyurethane air hose,I got mine at amazon 100 ft.1/4'' with couplers already on it for 35.00 very light, no memory,I love mine!

Coincidentally, l was looking at the new Hitachi hoses that got me to thinking about getting another light hose.

Actually saw one today at Lowe's and it felt real nice.

$35. is a great price and I trust Hitachi.

No memory?

SOLD!

I'm going to go pick one up tomorrow and will report back with my findings.

Found it locally at Lowe's for $30. (50'er though, not 100'er...still, I can't wait to have mine delivered from Amazon, gotta get to work tomorrow!).

2ndGen · 11-03-2009, 05:34 PM

Picked up the Hitachi.
Didn't get a chance to use it, but set it up for tomorrow.
Did notice how easily it uncoiled and didn't recoil.
I left it in the sun for a couple of hours.
Will report tomorrow.

Had to get the 50'er for $30. instead of the 100'er for $35,
but I couldn't wait...had money to make TODAY (not in 5 business days).

BamBamm5144 · 11-03-2009, 06:00 PM

2ndGen - Please inform me of how that hose works for you. All of mine are starting to get little holes in them and need replacing soon but I hate having to get them loose. I would go pick up my own but the closest lowes until they build the one around the corner from me is about 40 minutes away.

2ndGen · 11-03-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamBamm5144

2ndGen - Please inform me of how that hose works for you. All of mine are starting to get little holes in them and need replacing soon but I hate having to get them loose. I would go pick up my own but the closest lowes until they build the one around the corner from me is about 40 minutes away.

I paid $30. for a 50'er, but you can get them at Amazon for $35. for a 100'er!

"If" you were going to get the Hitachi, I'd go with the 100'er for $5. more.

Right out of the bag, it looked like it would lay up on the roof nice with no need for serious "break-in" time, but I'll know tomorrow for sure.

I think I'll be happy with it.

2ndGen · 11-04-2009, 03:04 PM

Hitachi Hose...