Cyclone Pneumatic 3/8 in x 100ft, Retracable Air Hose Reel, All-Steel, German-Made Hose w/Automatic Rewind, Auto Shop, Garage, CP3690

Bought this based on the build quality everyone talked about in the reviews and the value for it. I was a little turned off about most reviews in here discouraging some because they found the mounting to be too difficult. I figured well even if it is hard to mount, I only have to do it once then it is done and I'll have a great hose reel. To my surprise this thing was extremely EASY to mount.I mounted mine on my shop ceiling which sits about 16 feet above the floor.. My original plan after reading how hard people struggled with trying to mount a spinning hose reel was to install the reel on a piece of 2"x6" (which is perfect size for the mount btw) and then it would be easier to control when I moutned it on the ceiling. (The 2x6 was also to be used as a stabilizer between two rafters)After receiving the unit and looking at it I realized that only one bolt, yes just one, is holding the reel to the mounting bracket. The one bolt is of course very sturdy and I have no doubt it will hold up to years of abuse. Removing the one bolt and the hose stopper at the end of the hose allows the mount to be free of the reel. This allows you to mount the bracket where you need to without the reel being in the way and all that additional weight.This went unbelievably well. Attaching the reel was just as easy to put on as it was to take off. After you place the reel along with its attached bolt back into the mount, you can free one hand to thread the locknut and nut on. After the bolt is cinched down far enough with your hands it can hold the weight of the reel while you jump down off the ladder and get your ratchet to make sure the bolt is nice and snug.This method of installation also allows you to customize the amount of tension the reel starts off with which was a blessing for me as I didnt want to have the reel take the hose 16 feet up in the air if I forgot to lock it into place. Now the tension is set to pull the cord at about 7 feet from the floor. Out of the way from anything but easily within my grasp when I need it and I dont need to remember to lock it in place.Only had the reel for a few days so I cant comment on durability quite yet but it does seem to be very well built. I felt I had to express my satisfaction with the product and the installation.Edit: Follow up - Sep, 19 2013After reading my review it reads as if I didnt know the hose stopper, at the end of the line, is made for keeping the end of the hose at the height/distance you want it. I do use the stopper to keep the distance right, but the tension was adjusted so there was not much tension right where the stopper hits.As for the past year, this thing has held up wonderfully. No leaks anywhere. I've extended this thing probably 40-45 ft at times, there is a LOT of tension when extended this far but the unit doesnt complain. Have been very pleased with the durability of it and the hose. Even after the rare occasion I leave extra hose on the ground and walk or run over it with ATV/car, the hose has no cracks or tears, good stuff. Still very pleased and expecting this to last for many years.

I have the reel mounted in a standing position under my compressor as per the attached photos. This configuration has worked very well for me, and I’m extremely pleased with the solid reel and associated mechanisms – it pulls out smoothly, locks in position when extended, and retracts strongly - absolutely no problem with it and I would highly recommend it.However, after a little over four years of home use in my garage, the hose was frayed and started to leak. It is a 300 psi rated hose – though the maximum pressure that it was subjected to from my compressor was 100 psi. Now, the compressor resides in my non air-conditioned garage, which here in East Texas means that it endures some pretty hot humid summers, and I know that some rubber products do suffer under such conditions.I purchased a replacement “TEKTON 46338 3/8-Inch I.D. by 100-Foot 250 PSI Rubber Air Hose with 1/4-Inch MPT Ends and Bend Restrictors” off Amazon, and replaced the new hose onto the reel in a couple of hours. (Photo shows new hose installed).So overall, still a 5-star rating as it works so very well – and very recommended.

We hung in the shop and have not used very much. The hoses are already cracked after 2 years

Reel mechanism and hose are excellent, NPT couplings installed with no air leak. Hose is never rigid in the cold. Hockey-puck-holder-thing attached to hose securely and I can let this thing go slamming across the garage while reeling up if I'm so inclined. Metal housing is durable and reel action is strong - it triple-clicks every 2 feet or so and I can always find an optimal distance.Note: Attached this to ceiling joists in garage using a 2x12 lag-bolted into the joists. Reel was then mounted in 2x12 using more lag bolts. The one problem with this unit? You cant fit any impact driver / drill with a socket on it in the gap to drive the lag bolts. So, you have to single-shoulder this heavy sucker (75+ lb?) to the ceiling (evenly) while standing on an A-frame using your spare hand to mess with a ratchet/socket combo with the lag bolt in it and drive the bolt manually! In a Texas August at that. It took over an hour to get it right and I've never felt manlier. Get someone to help you and you won't slip off the ladder on your own sweat.

I can't attest to durability but it works as described and makes the chore of using the compressor much easier. The reel turns easily and locks easily and securely. It also unlocks easily. The hose is of moderate but serviceable quality. Better than the Goodyear hose I had on which the outer anti-grease coating turned slimy and sticky.You will need to buy a leader hose to go from compressor to reel; the 24" one they give you is too short to do anything unless you mount the reel right on the compressor. Maybe that's a good thing. Someone ceiling mounting will need 14 feet or more od leader hose and why should we all pay for a long hose when we only need a few feet. But 24" is useless. They should just leave it out and knock the price down a few bucks.

I have had this reel for about 2 months and it has worked perfectly!! My son and his friends work on their cars all the time and have had no problems with this reel. I use pneumatic tools often and this has been a great time saver. I added a 14 ft Goodyear lead hose that is much more flexible than the heavy duty hose that comes with the reel.I think the quality is top notch for the price payed. Highly recommend.Update 11/2018Its been 6 years of abuse and I finally sprung a leak in the black hose which shows signs of aging with cracks when you flex it. I will replace hose because the reel works flawlessly but if the reel broke tomorrow it would without a doubt purchase the same one! 5 stars in my book!