Air Hoses

About Air Hoses

Air hoses form the essential connection between air compressors and pneumatic tools, delivering compressed air to power impact wrenches, spray guns, nailers, sanders, and other air-operated equipment. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of air hoses from leading manufacturers including Sealey, Draper, DeWalt, and Stanley Bostitch, catering to professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts across the UK. Available in various lengths, bore sizes, and material constructions, these flexible conduits are engineered to withstand demanding workshop, construction site, and automotive garage environments.

The selection at MyToolShed encompasses standard PVC hoses for general applications, heavy-duty rubber hoses for industrial settings, space-saving coiled hoses, and complete air line kits with connectors and couplings. Specialist options include auto-rewind hose reels for organised storage, hi-vis hoses for enhanced site safety, whip hoses for close-range precision work, and extra heavy-duty lines designed for commercial vehicle workshops where durability is paramount.

Applications

Air hoses are indispensable equipment across numerous trades and industries:

• Motor mechanics and vehicle technicians – operating impact wrenches, air ratchets, and tyre inflation equipment
• Body shop professionals – powering spray guns, DA sanders, and panel blowers for vehicle refinishing
• Joiners and carpenters – using brad nailers, framing nailers, and staple guns
• General builders and contractors – operating pneumatic nail guns and fixing tools on construction sites
• Plant maintenance engineers – servicing industrial machinery with air-powered equipment
• Tyre and exhaust fitters – running impact guns and inflation equipment in fast-fit centres
• Manufacturing facilities – powering assembly line air tools and automated production equipment
• DIY enthusiasts – inflating, painting, and operating home compressor systems

Choosing The Right Air Hoses

Bore diameter is crucial for performance. A 6mm (1/4") bore suits light-duty applications like inflating and brad nailers, whilst 8mm (5/16") handles most general workshop tools. High-demand equipment such as spray guns and large impact wrenches require 10mm (3/8") or larger for adequate air volume delivery.

Material construction affects durability and flexibility. PVC hoses offer value for occasional use but stiffen in cold temperatures. Rubber hoses provide superior flexibility in cold UK weather conditions, whilst hybrid polymer options available at MyToolShed.co.uk combine flexibility with kinking resistance for demanding environments.

Length requirements should balance reach with pressure efficiency. Longer hoses create greater pressure drop—approximately 0.3 bar per 15 metres of 8mm hose. For large workshops, multiple air line drops prove more effective than extremely long hoses.

Pressure rating must exceed your compressor output. Most UK workshop compressors operate at 8-10 bar, so hoses rated for 10-15 bar provide adequate safety margins for continuous professional use.

Safety Information

Inspect hoses before each use for wear, cracking, or damage. Replace damaged hoses immediately as ruptured air lines under pressure can cause serious injury. Never exceed maximum working pressure ratings, and always depressurise systems before disconnecting hoses or changing tools. Route hoses to minimise trip hazards, using hose reels or coiled options where practical. Never use compressed air to clean clothing or skin, as air can penetrate skin causing serious internal injuries even at relatively low pressures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What length air hose should I buy?

Choose the shortest practical length for your workspace to minimise pressure drop. For most single-bay workshops, 10-15 metres suffices. Larger workshops benefit from multiple air line drops rather than extra-long hoses running across floors.

Will my air hose work in cold weather?

PVC hoses become stiff and prone to kinking in cold UK temperatures. Rubber and hybrid polymer hoses remain flexible down to -10°C or lower, making them ideal for unheated workshops, site work, or outdoor winter use.

Can I join two shorter hoses together?

Yes, using proper connectors, though this creates additional pressure drop at each connection point. For permanent installations, a single longer hose or hard-piped air line with multiple drops provides better performance and reduces connection failure risks.