Review: Flexeel Air Hose

Compressed air is almost a must in any woodworking shop as air-powered fastening tools are now affordable and more useful than ever. But the heavy rubber hoses traditionally used to get from the compressor to the tool are often hard to manage, especially in colder weather.

In the fall of 2001, I was visiting a neighbor who makes his living as a custom cabinet maker. While we talked in his shop, I noticed this thin, blue hose snaking from a corner of the room to the air nailer presently in use. Being a curious person, I promptly had that hose in hand and marveled at how flexible and light it was. I knew I had to have one for my own shop as I was getting increasingly frustrated with the products I had been using.

The product in question is called Flexeel and is available from Coastal Tool and others. This translucent light blue polyurethane hose is very light in weight so it doesn’t interfere with tool movement. It also is loath to kink, even when it’s been coiled for a period of time. It doesn't stiffen in cold weather either.

Time to buy

Flexeel is available in several lengths of straight hose and has standard 1/4" NPT brass ends--you provide the quick-disconnect connectors of your choice. It is also available in a coiled version that is perfect for overhead suspension in the shop where appropriate. Pricing is very reasonable, too, although more than the cheap hoses available at the home center. A 50' length runs about $33 and is worth every penny. I doubt I’ll ever buy another type of hose now that I’ve discovered Flexeel!

Page Last