Everything You Need to Know About Garden Hose Reels

What is a Hose Reel?

A hose reel is a device used to store and manage a garden hose. It is usually mounted to a wall, but it can also be free-standing. Many hose reels feature a crank or lever mechanism to easily wind up the hose. A regular hose reel consists of a spool with a handle, a drum, a guide arm, a ratcheting mechanism, and a mounting bracket.

Components of a Hose Reel

The spool holds the hose and is typically made of a tough plastic or metal. The handle is attached to the spool and is used to manually wind up the hose. The drum is a cylinder-shaped container that holds the hose and is mounted to the wall. The guide arm is a curved piece of metal that helps guide the hose onto the spool. The ratcheting mechanism is a spring-loaded lever that helps keep the hose taut. The mounting bracket is attached to the back of the reel and is used to attach it to a wall or other surface.

How to Use a Hose Reel

To use a hose reel, you simply attach the hose to the reel, pull it out to the desired length, and then use the handle to manually wind up the hose. The ratcheting mechanism will keep the hose taut as it is wound up. Once the hose is completely wound up, it is held in place by the ratcheting mechanism. Most hose reels also feature a locking mechanism, which can be used to prevent the hose from accidentally unwinding.

Steps to Put a Hose on Your Hose Reel

Putting a hose on a hose reel is a great way to store and protect your garden hose from any damage or wear and tear. With the right tools and instructions, it's easy to do this yourself and save money on professional installation. Here are some simple steps to help you get started.

Step 1: Unwind and Clean the Hose

Begin by unwinding the hose and laying it out on the ground. This will allow you to identify any kinks or bends in the hose and make sure that it is free of any debris or dirt.

Step 2: Attach the Hose to the Reel

Most hose reels come with a fitting that will secure the hose to the reel. Locate the fitting on the reel and attach it to the end of the hose.

Step 3: Wind the Hose onto the Reel

Turn the handle of the reel to begin winding the hose onto the reel. As you turn the handle, guide the hose into the winding slots as you go. Make sure that the hose is wound evenly and tightly onto the reel.

Step 4: Secure the Hose

Once the entire hose is wound onto the reel, secure the end with the fitting that came with the reel. This will ensure that the hose is securely in place and will not come off the reel.

Step 5: Attach the Reel to a Wall

Finally, attach the reel to a wall or other secure structure. This will keep the hose from becoming tangled or damaged when it is not in use.

Conclusion

Hose reels are an efficient and convenient way to store and manage your garden hose. With the right hose reel and proper installation, you can easily store and transport your hose, and you don't have to worry about it becoming tangled or damaged. Follow these simple steps to put your hose on a hose reel quickly and easily.