As far as purchasing the best retractable garden hose reel, there are certain things you ought to know. For instance, do you want a durable or a portable hose reel? It is advisable to check hose reel reviews before buying one. Make sure you consider the following things to ensure you have an idea of what to expect.
Portability
There is a need to choose a portable reel. Most homeowners want to save money when buying garden tools and equipment. Remember that you will be using the reel to water your plants, clean your car, and wash your pets. Thus, the reel should be easy to carry from one place to another. If portability is not an important factor, then you should get a wall-mounted reel. In this case, you can mount it to your garage or house and pull the hose as you carry out your tasks.
Hose Length
There is a need to pay attention to the length of the hose. You will find that hose reels are available in different lengths. Ensure you choose one that suits your needs. Make sure you consider the size of your garden. In this way, you can determine the ideal length of the hose reel needed.
Materials
It is unfortunate that most homeowners do not consider the impact of the material used to make their hose reel. However, it does matter. That is because the longevity and durability of the retractable garden hose reel depend on the material used. Nowadays, you can find hose reels made of rubber, wrought iron, steel, polyurethane, and die-cast aluminum. Ensure you select a reel that is waterproof and weather-resistant. Such material will not rust nor break easily.
Durability
Remember that you are paying for the hose reel to help you with watering and gardening chores. Therefore, you need to get a unit that is durable. Most manufacturers provide guarantees of up to 10 years. It is advisable to take into account the warranty and get something that can last a lifetime.
How to Use a Retractable Hose Reel
Although buying the right retractable garden hose reel is important, you need to know how to use it to get the most out of it. If you buy a wall-mounted hose reel, then you need to install it on the wall. There are also free-standing reels, which you can put in a corner and move them around as you need.
When buying a hose reel, ensure it comes with essential tools and accessories needed for it to work. Some of the important tools you need include screws, washers, springs, Allen wrench, and clamp. After mounting or hooking up your garden hose reel, then you should be ready to use it. Modern reels have lock mechanisms that prevent accidental unraveling. Remember that these reels can be damaged easily. Fortunately, there are hose repair kits that you can use to fix the hose reel. If you want to repair the tubing, then you should be careful because it is expandable and soft. When repairing the connection area, make sure you disassemble the unit first.
