If you've ever spent time untangling a garden hose or been frustrated trying to corral it for storage, a retractable garden hose reel may be the perfect solution. You'll also find that some models work for much more than watering the lawn.
How Garden Hoses With Easy Storage Reels Solve a Real Problem
A garden hose reel can be repurposed to organize extension cords, air hoses, cleaning supplies, welding cables - and power tool cords. Here is how to determine if a retractable reel is right for you.
The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator holds 125 feet of a 5/8-inch hose and is made of durable steel with a bronze finish. The hose is neatly wound onto the reel when you turn the handle, making it ready for easy storage. This model also features a 360-degree rotating carriage that locks in eight positions, which was designed for handling obstacles and tight spaces.
The Giraffe Tool garden hose Box is a rectangular storage bin that can fit up to 150ft of 5/8in garden hose or 200ft of 1/2in garden hose. Once the garden hose is fully wound on the reel, roll the Box into a convenient location for storage. Made with a strong metal housing and a rust-resistant coating, this model has a built-in handle for easy transport.
Macnaught USA makes several types of retractable garden hose reels that combine a reel - a nozzle, and a hose into one convenient unit. Models are backed by a 10-year warranty on the reel and a 1-year warranty on the polymer hose. The company says its garden hose reels feature a German-engineered spring-retraction system that allows for smooth, controlled hose pay-out and tidy rewinding.
These reels are operated by a lock-and-tug mechanism. When you pull the hose out of the reel, it will lock in place. To rewind, press down on the lever to disengage the locking mechanism - then give the hose a gentle tug to rewind it back inside the reel.
Manual Versus Retractable Storage Systems
It's important to understand the difference between manual and retractable hose storage systems. Manual hose reels require you to turn a handle to wind the hose. With retractable hose reels, a spring inside the reel pulls the hose back in, explains This Old House contributor Roger Cook.
Cook suggests purchasing a heavy-duty retractable reel if you plan on using it often. Lighter retractable reels may not last, he says, causing you to have to replace the reel every few years. Another option is a motorized reel - which operates via a motor that you activate by pressing a button.
What To Consider Before Buying a Garden Hose Storage Solution
Before buying a garden hose storage solution, consider your yard size and determine what type of hose you need. "Most homeowners should have at least a 50-foot hose," says Cook, though he prefers to have a 100-footer on hand. "You don't want to have to connect multiple sections outside."
Once you know what length you need, take a look at the various types of storage systems available. "The best choice is a heavy-duty reel that sits on the ground -" says Cook. Ground-level reels typically have a mechanism that allows you to tighten or loosen the spring that rolls up the hose. Some models allow you to detach the hose and nozzle for winter storage.
When storing your hose for the winter, drain it completely. Most hoses will coil more easily when drained, says Cook, and removing water reduces the risk of the hose splitting if the water freezes. For longer-term storage, Cook recommends using rubber hoses. "They're more expensive - but they don't get brittle or resist coiling like lower-quality garden hoses."
Tips for Using Garden Hoses With Easy Storage Reels Around the Home
- Use a retractable garden hose reel to organize extension cords. Just remember not to wind them too tightly on the spool; this creates a memory that prevents them from laying flat.
- Beyond garden hoses, you can use a reel to control pressure washers, air compressors, and even Christmas lights.
- If your reel has a gauge, you'll know exactly how much water pressure you're applying to plants and surfaces.
Which type of garden hose storage system is best for you? That depends on several factors - including your budget, the size of your hose, and how badly you want the ability to store and dispense your garden hose from the same apparatus. If you have a small yard and don't plan to use your hose very frequently, you may be happy with a basic wall mount.
However, if you have a large hose that you use regularly - you'll likely be better off with a heavy-duty reel system that allows you to easily stow the hose for tidy, efficient storage.
