Flexible air hoses

[SR99]

Both the air hoses I have are quite stiff, even at room temperature, but especially in a cold garage. I've seen some on TV shows that flop around effortlessly so more flexible ones do exist. Does anyone know a particular brand/model or material that isn't stiff in a cold garage?

[hamlyn]

Have you looked at pool vacuum hoses? Search for a Poolmaster vacuum hose on Amazon.

[lyodbraun]

Have a look at these hoses, Flexzilla (http://www.flexzilla.info)

[hamlyn]

I may have misunderstood what you meant. Please ignore my post.

[show&go]

Flexzilla hose is exactly what you need.
They also make garden hoses, you will never use a normal hose again after using one.

[Mike Phillips]

In their advertising, at least for me it would help if they included a picture of an air tool hooked up to the air hose.

Like an air powered rotary buffer or a air powered DA Sander. That would create a stronger visual to a potential customer as to what these hoses are for.


We have really large diameter air lines in the garage and they are very stiff whether they are pressurized or not so I'd be interested in hose like this that can handle 90 PSI and sometimes higher.


Just like car detailing products are continually improving, (something we point out and talk about here all the time), looks like air hose technology is also improving.



From this threed...

How To Wetsand and use a Rotary Buffer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-saturday-detailing-101/56195-how-wetsand-use-rotary-buffer.html)


Here's Audrey showing the guys how to machine sand using the 3M Orbital Air Sander

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1577/BootCampSanding001.jpg


Audrey has never machine sanded before so after this class she's going to be able to talk about the topic intelligently and she's going to know what she's getting into if one of her customers asks to have their car wetsanded.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1577/BootCampSanding004.jpg



From this thread,


2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Show Car Makeover Pictures (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pictures-autogeek-s-car-week/72151-2006-mercedes-benz-slk-350-show-car-makeover-pictures.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2123/TUFF_SHINE_Tire_Clearcoat_013.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2123/TUFF_SHINE_Tire_Clearcoat_017.jpg



A lighter, more flexible air hose would really make using air tools a lot easier...




:)

[Dan K]

I don't have the Flexilla air hose, but I have the Flexilla water hose and I love it. I have left it outside overnight in cold temps and it is darn near as flexible as when it is 75 degrees out.

[feslope]

I had a flexible "Hose end" about 10 years ago. The hose end was about 4' long, flexible like silicone hose and attached to the end of a standard hose. The male end was a swivel joint making it really handy. I have looked for it at HF with no luck. I think I bought it at a professional tool supply.

[Russ57]

More for Mike than OP. You might consider something between your air hose and the air powered tool. This is what I use for air tools at work (I don't do autobody work though).

SPEEDAIRE Coiled Air Hose,1/4 In ID x 25 Ft,Nylon - Coiled Air Hose Assembly - 1VEH8|1VEH8 - Grainger Industrial Supply (http://www.grainger.com/product/SPEEDAIRE-Coiled-Air-Hose-1VEH8?s_pp=false)

They aren't exactely more flexible as much as lighter in weight.

[2old2change]

Plus 3 for Flexzilla . I have their water hose and my friend I detail with on weekends has their air hose we use on the Rupes LHR75. These hoses stay flexible and seem extremely durable.

[SR99]

I guess the 1/4" ID would be the most flexible, but I had always heard to avoid 1/4" hoses because of airflow loss. Anyone use 1/4" air hoses that can comment?

Maybe they are OK if you only use a 25' or less hose, or for air tools that don't need much airflow?

[mechanic380]

I worked in an automotive shop and we had the heavy rubber hoses Mike showed in his post. In construction everyone uses lightweight pvc that can be purchased at home depot or lowes. To me they are way more flexible. I have an opaque yellow and translucent blue one. The Yellow is noticeably stiffer when it is cold. As for durability I have never broken one in four years. In the shop we broke rubber hoses all the time.

[Coach Steve]

I had a flexible "Hose end" about 10 years ago. The hose end was about 4' long, flexible like silicone hose and attached to the end of a standard hose. The male end was a swivel joint making it really handy. I have looked for it at HF with no luck. I think I bought it at a professional tool supply.
This is for both the OP and feslope. The hose end you're talking about is exactly what I was going to recommend in my reply. It's called a Swivel Whip Hose. HF carries them in 3/8 and 1/4 in. npt., 5 ft. lengths. I can't vouch for its flexibility when it's cold outside (I work in my climate controlled garage + I live in Arizona so...) but I can vouch for how well they work to almost completely eliminate vibrations and fighting a stiff hose. Home Depot also carries a few but they're over priced IMHO. The ones at HF are $6.49.
When low temps are a factor and you're wanting the whip to stay nice and soft/pliable, I'd just keep it in the car under the floor heater vent until needing it.
1/4" x 5 Ft. Swivel Whip Hose (http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-x-5-ft-swivel-whip-hose-98944.html)
3/8" x 5 Ft. Swivel Whip Hose (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-5-ft-swivel-whip-hose-98943.html)

[Pureshine]

I have a Goodyear air hose works great and very flexible.

[MattPersman]

Flexzilla +1