Pressure losses accelerate along the length of a hose, meaning the longer the hose, the more pressure is lost as compressed air travels to its final destination.Īir hoses are measured by their internal diameter (ID), and come in standard sizes of ¼”, ⅜” or ½” or metric sizes of 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm. Your goal should always be to strike a balance between mobility and low pressure losses.
If you need to extend your hose’s reach, it’s more prudent to use a longer hose as standard hose couplings are not full-bore and create restrictions that can result in pressure loss that can stall your tool. What’s more, a number of hoses are designed with connectors for owners to customize the length of their hose by connecting one hose to another. If you’re woodworking with an air drill at the same bench all day, you’ll likely require a much shorter hose. If you’re an automotive body shop professional, you may be moving around large vehicles throughout the day and require a long, highly maneuverable hose. When deciding on the ideal hose length, first consider your applications. When purchasing a new air hose, users should consider the length and diameter needed, ideal material for specific applications, and whether a standard or recoil hose better suits their needs. However, your hose may experience significant wear before that time, and its longevity depends on a number of factors, such as product quality, material, frequency of use, and the quality and frequency of maintenance. Industrial air hoses generally have a service life between five and ten years. If, on the other hand, there’s a defect in your current hose, replacing your hose should be a top priority.Ĭommon defects that will necessitate hose replacement include: a damaged fitting or connector, a cut or puncture in the tubing or an air leak, an irreparable kink or twist, premature wear caused by exceedingly cold or dry air, seepage caused by high pressure.Įventually, even if your hose has not suffered any obvious defects, you will need to replace it. If you plan to use different equipment and do not have a hose that’s compatible with this equipment, upgrading will allow you to get more out of your compressor and enable a broader range of applications.
There are a number of reasons that would require you to upgrade your current air hose. How can you determine whether a neoprene hose is better than a polyurethane hose, or whether a recoil hose is better than a standard? Use these guidelines to ensure you make an informed decision in choosing an air hose that’s efficient, reliable, and suitable for your applications.
Use this comprehensive guide to compressed air hoses to select the right hose for all of your needs - from auto body painting to powering dental tools.Ĭhoosing the best air hose for your industrial compressor system can feel challenging, with a plethora of options designed to fulfill different purposes.