FAQ
TL;DR: Need a 10 m hose for occasional use? Pick 8–10 mm ID; “the pressure from the 10 atmospheres compressor does not impress it.” Fuel/oil‑rated rubber (~20 bar) or quality PVC/silicone balance price and cold performance. [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIY compressor owners pick an affordable, frost‑resistant 10 m hose that won’t crack or starve tools.
Quick Facts
- Inner diameter picks: 8 mm for blowing/inflation; 10 mm minimum for high‑demand tools. [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
- Armored PVC is light, cheap, flexible, but has limited UV and mechanical resistance. [Elektroda, teskot, post #17461114]
- Fuel/oil rubber hose (e.g., SAE J30 R6 ~20 bar) easily handles 10 atm compressors. [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
- Silicone‑reinforced hose stayed flexible and unbroken in frost (6 mm ID, 20 m, two seasons). [Elektroda, wiesiekmisiek, post #17468647]
- Castorama stocked Semperit with German quick couplings; a “chained” Yato hose costs about PLN 60. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #17461278]
What hose diameter should I choose for blowers, inflators, or wrenches?
Use 8 mm ID for blowers and tire inflation. Choose at least 10 mm ID for wrenches or other higher‑airflow tools. That sizing avoids starving demanding tools and keeps performance consistent. [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
Is a plain PVC hose okay for occasional, budget use?
Yes, an armored PVC hose fits light, occasional work. It is light and flexible, which makes handling easy. “Light, cheap, flexible.” The trade‑off is lower resistance to mechanical damage and limited UV resistance, so store it indoors. [Elektroda, teskot, post #17461114]
Will PVC hoses stiffen or crack in frost?
One user warns that ordinary flexible PVC can stiffen after frost. It can turn into a “cat’s tail,” becoming hard and brittle. For regular sub‑zero use, consider silicone or rubber alternatives to avoid cracking. [Elektroda, grzegorz041, post #17461206]
Which hose stays flexible in sub-zero temperatures?
A silicone‑reinforced pneumatic hose stays very flexible in the cold. One user ran a 20 m hose with 6 mm ID for two full seasons on a nailer. He reports it “does not break even in frost.” Expect a higher price, but durable service. [Elektroda, wiesiekmisiek, post #17468647]
Can I use an oxygen/gas-welding hose as a compressor air line?
Yes. A user bought an oxygen hose at a bargain price and reports it works very well for compressor use. It’s a viable option when priced right and properly fitted. [Elektroda, grzegorz041, post #17522559]
Are welding hoses too stiff or bulky for home use?
They can feel stiff and bulky versus PVC or silicone. One user who tried a gas‑welder hose found it “too stiff and bulky.” If handling matters, test before committing to long lengths. [Elektroda, grzegorz041, post #17461006]
Is automotive fuel/oil hose safe and durable for compressed air?
Yes. A rubber fuel/oil hose (example: SAE J30 R6 around 20 bar) is recommended. The poster noted that a 10 atmospheres compressor does not challenge it. Choose the inner diameter that matches your tools. [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
What affordable ready-made options with couplings are available?
Castorama carried Semperit hose with German quick couplings. The same user saw a chained Yato hose for about PLN 60. He noted building from parts cost more than a ready‑made set. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #17461278]
Are spiral hoses worth paying more for?
Spiral hoses cost more than straight ones. If you choose spiral, buy a good‑quality model. Otherwise, a straight hose offers better value for occasional use. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #17461115]
Can a cheap gas hose work for light compressor tasks?
Yes for light work. One user runs a gas hose at about PLN 2 per meter. After a few years, he reported no flaws. He had not tested it in cold, so winter behavior is unknown. [Elektroda, WędkarzStoLica, #17468701]
What pressure rating should I choose for an 8–10 atm compressor?
Pick a hose rated well above compressor pressure. The shared fuel/oil hose example is around 20 bar. The author said 10 atmospheres does not impress it, which gives a safe margin. [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
How do I choose a compressor hose fast? (3 steps)
- Match ID: 8 mm for blowers/inflation; 10 mm minimum for air‑hungry tools.
- Choose material: rubber hose for fuel/oil is a robust DIY choice.
- Verify pressure: around 20 bar rating; “the pressure from the 10 atmospheres compressor does not impress it.” [Elektroda, archanoid, post #17461326]
Does PVC degrade in sunlight or rough use?
Yes. PVC trades low weight and price for durability. It is less resistant to mechanical damage and has limited UV resistance outdoors. Store it out of sun to extend life. [Elektroda, teskot, post #17461114]
Is 10 m a practical length for occasional blowing, inflating, and small painting?
In this thread, the original poster planned blowing, tire inflation, and small painting. He considered a ready‑made 10 m, 10 mm pneumatic hose for that use. That reflects a practical, occasional‑use setup. [Elektroda, grzegorz041, post #17461714]
