It does not matter whether you have a powerful air compressor; if you do not have a high-quality air hose, then its performance will dwindle. The following are the important things to pay attention to when choosing the best air hose.
Air Hose Length
The truth is that air hose length is important. For instance, a longer hose offers you access to the workpiece. No matter what you are doing, you will find the extra length useful in improving versatility. You can find air hoses of up to 100 ft. Make sure you consider the capability of your air compressor.
Temperature Compatibility
When air hoses are used under certain conditions, they can easily harden and get damaged. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the environmental conditions to consider ensuring you get the best hose. For instance, you can find air hoses that work well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, if you are working in harsh weather conditions, ensure you take into account temperature versatility.
Fixtures
Remember that your air hose can only perform when it has the right fixtures. If the fixtures get damaged or rust, then your hose cannot work. It is advisable to get couplings and fixtures made of brass because it does not rust and it is strong.
Durability
This is an important thing to consider when choosing the best air hose. Remember that hoses can be made from a range of materials. Rubber is flexible but moderately extreme. Nevertheless, it can dry under given circumstances. That means it can easily get damaged. The truth is that all hoses can get damaged. You should consider getting hoses that are flexible and do not kink or get tangled. Although you might not need this feature, it can help improve your experience.
Cost
You do not have to drain your bank account to purchase an air hose. Also, there are different brands available at a range of prices. You should consider the quality of the hose over its price. No matter your budget, you are likely to get an air hose that suits your needs.
Material
Rubber is one of the most common materials used to make air hoses. It can be used to make hoses for both commercial and residential applications. These hoses are known to be heavy but flexible. They are extremely durable, easy to coil, and do not kink. If leakage occurs, you can easily fix them. However, rubber picks up dirt easily whenever it is dragged on the floor. It is advisable to get an air hose reel for easy storage of your hose.
Also, you can find hybrid air hoses on the market. These are made of both rubber and PVC. They are designed to provide much-needed flexibility and durability. Also, they do not attract a lot of dirt.
PVC air hoses are considered to be the economical option. However, since the material is stiff, it is not suitable for use in cold areas. That is because water can freeze and expand to cause damage. Also, they are difficult to fix when there is a leakage.