Last updated on October 26th, 2025
In our article, you’ll discover all the information you need to know on How to install retractable air hose reel. It will also include some important installation instructions that you should follow during the process of mounting the air hose reel to the wall & ceiling.
What Are Airline Hose Reels?
Contents
An air hose reel provides a safe, convenient means of storing air hoses together. It is usually used in garages or car repair shops and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Compressed air hose reels allow you to store compressed air hoses so that they do not take up space in your garage or shop.
Moreover, the reels are available in a variety of sizes and functions. Anyone working in a workshop or owning a vehicle knows how important air hoses are. Additionally, air hoses are used in both industrial and residential settings.
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Check out our review – Top 10 Best Retractable Airline Hose Reels Review
How to mount retractable air hose reel
Planning Phase:
Prior to starting the installation process, it is important to plan and organize your tools so that you can install your air hose without any issues.
- Ideally, you should choose a location that is right next to your car’s hood or right in the middle of your two-car garage. Make sure the compressor is not in the way and is mounted in a permanent location.
- For connecting and disconnecting the compressor, use a snubber hose.
- Next, measure the distance from the ceiling to your compressor, as well as from your workbench.
- It is advisable to consider adding a filter, pressure regulator, or oiler to your system. Adding a filter or oiler will ensure that your air tools are in good condition.
- You can buy solder-on male pipe thread adapters. Attach them to the air hose reel and the filter/oiler.
- Make sure you must purchase all fittings necessary for installation. To reduce pressure drops, use 45-degree fittings instead of 90-degree fittings at turns.
Tools required for the installation:
You’ll save time and frustration if you prepare the tools before starting this project.
- Drill bit set
- Adjustable wrench
- Air compressor
- Leather gloves
- Tube cutter
- Socket/ratchet set
- Soldering torch
- Drill/driver – cordless
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Safety glasses
- Copper soldering materials
Steps – How to mount air hose reel to ceiling:
The following is a step-by-step guide for demonstrating How to mount a retractable air hose reel:
- First, you have to mount the reel on a mounting bracket (e.g a plank). For this, place the reel in the center of the mounting bracket to mark the spots. Note: When choosing the location remember that the air hose reel can only be mounted to a load-bearing structure that can support the weight of the air hose reel and the force applied to it when in use for your workshop.
- The next step is to mark the drill spots.
- Now you will have spots on the mounting brackets.
- The mounting bracket needs to be drilled in these spots.
- Mount the hose reel to the mounting bracket with the nuts/bolts facing down.
- Use an adjustable wrench to tighten these bolts so they can hold the weight of the air hose.
- And now you are ready to install it on the ceiling. The assembly should be held against the ceiling and lag screwed into the rafters.
- Fit the copper tubing and fittings from the hose reel to the ceiling and sweat the parts for that section of the run. Put pipe dope on the threaded fitting after it has cooled, then screw it into the hose reel. After the copper tubing is assembled, sweat the rest of it. As you work your way to the compressor, anchor the tubing every 4 feet with mounting straps.
- The air filter/regulator/oiler should be mounted securely on the wall with a quick-connect fitting. Use a snubber hose to connect the assembly to your air compressor.
Check Out This Video On Youtube On How To Mount Air Hose Reel To Ceiling
Steps – How to mount air hose reel to wall:
Air hose reels are mounted to walls almost the same way as they are to ceilings, but there are some differences. The following steps will help you mount your air hose successfully into a wall.
- Cut out the mounting template and center it on the mounting bracket. Then, mark the drill spots. (Mounting templates are paper prints with standard spacing and alignment to facilitate installation). Now, drill holes in the mounting bracket.
- With the aid of studs, install the mounting bracket on the wall.
- Pre-install the lower hardware but make sure you leave enough space so you can slide the base of the arrows reel behind the washer.
- With the help of a friend, slide the slotted base (air hose reel) into the pre-installed hardware and immediately insert the top fasteners. Tighten the fasteners with the help of a wrench.
- The last step is to connect your air hose reel to your supply line using a lead-in air hose (Wrap all threaded connections with a thread sealing tape). Use quick-release connectors for this installation process and now you’re ready to use your air hose reel.
Important Instructions:
Installing air hose reels is a technically challenging job that should be done by skilled professionals to avoid any mishap. The instructions are very important to follow if you’re new to this job and would like to install it yourself. The following rules must be followed by the installer:
- To attach the reel to the wall, bolts or fasteners should be adequate and properly sized for the weight of the product and to handle any stress it may encounter during operation.
- Heat or flames should not be near the hose reel.
- Power cables should be kept at a safe distance.
- You should install the reel in a position that will not compromise the safety of the operator.
- You should check the strength of the wall where the hose reel will be installed in advance.
- Make sure you know how much weight the entire product (hose, hose reel, and fluid) will be – both for lifting the hose reel and installing it.
- Lifting harnesses should be used when lifting.
Importance of Mounting Air Hose Reel:
You can keep the airpower conveniently at hand with an air hose reel in your garage shop. Keeping the air hose off the ground will eliminate the hassle of unfurling and furling it.
When it comes to filling tires or operating air-powered tools in the garage, nothing compares to having compressed air on hand. A hose that needs to be unfurled (and tripped over) and stowed constantly is a real hassle. If you install a retractable air hose reel like professionals have in their shops, you can reach up and pull the air hose down from the ceiling without any hassle. The process is quite simple and quite affordable.
A copper soldering tool and an understanding of sweat copper joints will be necessary.
FAQ’s
What is the best place to mount an air hose reel?
It is by far the most efficient to mount a hose reel on the ceiling since it has a wider reach and is out of the way. If you choose to mount the reel to the ceiling, it will still be visible, or you can install it above the ceiling so the hose is all that is visible. Moreover, you should strictly follow instructions on How to mount air hose reel to wall or ceiling safely, so you can save time and effort.
Can hose clamps be used on the Air Line hose?
Although some air hose clamps are sold by equipment suppliers for use with compressed air hoses, these clamps are not designed for such applications and are usually subject to serious violations by OSHA.
What is the procedure for locking the air hose reel?
After reaching the desired length of the hose, slow down the pulling motion to lock the reel in place. Pay attention to the clicking sound each time you pull. Stop pulling the hose as soon as the pawl clicks and lower the tension. It should then lock into place.
Final Thoughts
This article has demonstrated all the necessary information that will help you to understand How to mount air hose reel to ceiling. Ideally, hose reels should be installed by skilled technicians.
You should always strictly follow the instructions manual that comes with the air hose reel. You should also keep in mind the hose’s strength, length, reel’s construction, and working pressure when purchasing an air hose reel for a smooth installation and better performance.
Hopefully, our article about How To Install Retractable Air Hose Reel – Step By Step Guide made your installation work easier.
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