Determining the ideal location to mount an air hose reel is an important decision that requires carefully weighing several factors. Having the reel positioned in an optimal spot will maximize convenience, efficiency, and safety when using compressed air for automotive, industrial or home projects. Taking the time to make the right choice upfront will provide long-lasting benefits.
Page Contents
Key Considerations
When deciding where to mount an air hose reel, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Accessibility
The air hose reel should be positioned in a location that allows for easy, quick access to the hose. Having to constantly walk far distances to reach the reel every time you need air will waste time and become frustrating. Ideally, the reel should be mounted somewhere central to your normal work area for maximum convenience.
Hose Length
Before mounting the reel, take into account the total length of the air hose you’ll be using. Make sure to position the reel close enough to your work area so the hose can comfortably reach where needed. Having a hose that’s too short will greatly limit utility.
Ceiling Height
Air hose reels are commonly mounted from overhead rafters or ceiling joints. Be sure to install the reel at an appropriate height to allow full extension of the hose without sagging, dragging or pulling from connections. Typical installation height is 10-12 feet above the floor.
Available Space
Consider the amount of space available and any limitations for where the reel can be positioned. Most standard models require at least 18 inches of clearance space for full rotation. Keep in mind any areas with restricted access that would make installation challenging.
Location of Air Supply
To avoid pressure drops, the reel should be located as close as possible to the air compressor or utility air supply line that will be powering tools. Excessive hose lengths from the air source to the reel inlet will diminish output airflow.
Safety
The reel must be positioned so that the hose and any attached tools will not create tripping or other safety hazards when fully extended. Avoid locations directly above walkways or doors. Also consider stability and security of the mounting point.
Ideal Mounting Locations
Taking into account the considerations above, the most convenient and practical mounting locations for an air hose reel include:
Garage
For automotive use, mount the reel from ceiling rafters towards the front of garage just in front of or above vehicle parking area. This allows easy access to inflation tools.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Nearby vehicle access | – Limited workspace around vehicle |
| – Close proximity to power tools | – Higher dust contamination |
| – Existing overhead mounting points | – Can obstruct overhead storage access |
Workshop
Position the reel over the work bench or service area to deliver air for stationary power tools and accessories. Keep hose neatly overhead and out of workspace area.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Direct access where air is used most | – Hose may obstruct overhead light or storage |
| – Reduced hose clutter | – More exposed to damage from sharp objects |
| – Industrial mounting points available | – Requires sufficient ceiling height |
Utility or Laundry Room
The fixed plumbing and electrical in these rooms provides solid mounting options. Locate centrally in basement for household convenience.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Access from multiple rooms | – Farther distance to outdoor work areas |
| – Protects reel from elements | – Possibility of damp conditions |
| – Existing overhead joints for installation | – Lower ceilings may restrict mounting height |
Other Viable Mounting Locations
In addition to the prime mounting locations above, air hose reels can also be effectively mounted in the following areas:
Garage Workbench
Small retractable reels can be surface mounted to the side or underside of a workbench to keep the hose neatly stored when not in use.
Wall Mount
Compact reels are available that mount directly to walls. This positions the reel off the floor and eliminates tripping hazards.
Mobile Carts
For maximum portability, some reels come equipped with rolling carts. Locking casters allow easy transportation to your project location.
Ceiling Tracks
Alternatively, slides or tracks can be mounted overhead to suspend the reel and allow sliding it along the desired span.
Support Columns
Structural columns or posts provide a convenient anchoring point for mounting smaller reel units in a variety of locations.
Installation Best Practices
Properly installing the air hose reel using the following best practices will ensure optimal, trouble-free performance:
Structural Integrity
Only mount reels to roof beams, rafters, joists, or other solid structural members that can support the weight. Avoid light duty ceiling panels.
Vibration Reduction
Use threaded rods, LU brackets, or cable hangers to suspend reels from mounting points to reduce vibration transmission during operation.
Swivel Inlet Fitting
Connect to air supply line using a swivel inlet fitting to prevent hose binding as reel rotates.
Boom Stop
Adjust the reel boom stop to prevent retracting past minimum bend radius of hose to avoid damage from kinking.
Balanced Extension
Release just enough hose to comfortably reach your work area to prevent excessive droop or looped hose sections from over extension.
ESD Prevention
In electronics or powder coating applications, use reels with ESD protection features to prevent static discharge damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the optimal mounting location for your air hose reel requires balancing important factors such as accessibility, safety, hose length, and available space. Typical recommendations include overhead installation in a garage, workshop, or utility room. Follow best practice guidelines for installation to maximize performance. With some advanced planning, you can position your air reel to provide maximum convenience and productivity.
Mounting your air hose reel in a well thought out location will provide benefits for many years to come. The reel will deliver reliable, trouble-free point-of-use air access for automotive, industrial, or home use. Properly maintaining the reel, hose, and fittings will also prolong service life. Whenever compressed air is required for your projects, having the air supply instantly available right where you need it will boost work efficiency. So take the time to carefully determine the ideal mounting placement based on your workspace layout, usage requirements, and operating conditions. The ideal location for your air reel is one that optimizes productivity, safety and convenience in your unique work environment.
Additional Information
Here are some additional resources that provide helpful guidance on selecting and installing air hose reels:
– Air Hose Reel Installation Guide from Grainger – Provides step-by-step instructions for proper overhead mounting of reels. Covers common installation issues.
– Stationary Air Hose Reel Buyer’s Guide from Northern Tool – Includes factors to consider when choosing a reel model and determining the required hose length and airflow capacity.
– Retractable Air Hose Reels Technical Brief from Nexflow – Explains engineering and performance specifications to look for when comparing reel models from different manufacturers.
– Mobile Air Hose Reel Safety from Lincoln – Discusses adding brakes and other features to rolling reel carts to avoid safety hazards in industrial facilities. Recommends proper use guidelines.
– American Garage Builders Association – Members can reference construction blueprints with typical garage workshop layouts and suggested reel mounting locations to optimize workflow.
– Annotated Photographs of Proper Reel Installations – Useful visual examples of both good and bad reel mounting locations from the Compressed Air & Gas Institute’s reference archive. Illustrates key criteria.
– Air Hose Reel Mounting Considerations Checklist – Free downloadable PDF checklist from AirSystemsTech summarizing the key factors covered in this article for determining the ideal mounting location in your facility as well as proper installation best practices. Convenient takeaway reference.
We hope this overview has provided useful guidance in planning your upcoming air hose reel installation project. Please reach out with any additional questions!