Hose Reels

About Hose Reels

Hose reels are indispensable storage solutions that keep garden hoses, water hoses, and air hoses neatly organised, protected, and ready for immediate use. Whether you're a professional landscaper maintaining multiple properties, a tradesperson requiring quick access to water or compressed air on site, or a homeowner looking to keep your garden tidy, a quality hose reel prevents tangles, kinks, and premature wear whilst eliminating dangerous trip hazards. These practical devices range from simple manual wind mechanisms with comfortable crank handles to sophisticated auto-rewind systems that retract your hose at the touch of a button, saving time and effort on busy work sites.

Modern hose reels come in various configurations to suit different needs, spaces, and budgets. Wall-mounted models maximise floor space and keep hoses elevated and easily accessible in compact gardens or workshops, whilst freestanding designs offer flexibility and portability around larger gardens and commercial sites. Many contemporary hose reels feature dual-mounting options, allowing you to choose between wall or floor installation depending on your requirements. The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes everything from compact mini reels perfect for small courtyards and balconies to heavy-duty professional models capable of storing 50 metres or more of hose. Leading brands like Gardena, Hozelock, and Draper dominate the category, offering proven reliability and excellent warranties.

The category encompasses enclosed hose reels that protect your hose from UV degradation and weather damage, open-frame models for quick drying and lightweight portability, and wheeled hose trolleys that combine storage with easy manoeuvrability across larger gardens, allotments, and commercial sites. Premium options now include battery-powered automatic reels, such as the Einhell GE-HR 18/30 Li cordless model, which eliminate manual winding effort entirely—ideal for tradespeople and professionals who value efficiency and speed when working across multiple locations daily.

Jargon Buster

• Auto-Rewind Mechanism: A spring-loaded or motorised system that automatically retracts the hose with minimal effort, similar to retractable vacuum cleaner cables. Battery-powered versions using 18v lithium-ion technology offer completely hands-free operation ideal for professional use.
• Hose Capacity: The maximum length of hose (typically measured in metres) that a reel can accommodate. This varies significantly by hose diameter—a reel rated for 30m of 13mm hose may only hold 20m of thicker 19mm professional-grade hose.
• Swivel Connector: A rotating inlet fitting that prevents the hose from twisting and kinking during winding and unwinding operations, extending hose life and ensuring smooth, frustration-free operation even after months of regular use.
• Hose Guide: A mechanism that ensures even, layered winding of the hose onto the drum, preventing bunching and overlapping that can cause tangles and make unwinding difficult—particularly important for longer hoses over 30 metres.
• Enclosed/Cabinet Reel: A hose reel housed within a protective casing that shields the hose from UV rays, frost, and debris, extending hose lifespan considerably and maintaining a neater, more professional appearance in visible locations.
• Hose Trolley/Cart: A mobile hose reel mounted on large wheels, often with an integrated handle for easy transport across gardens, allotments, or work sites. Premium models like Gardena's CleverRoll range feature robust frames and smooth-rolling wheels suitable for uneven terrain.

Who Uses Hose Reels?

• Professional Gardeners & Landscapers: Maintaining multiple properties requires reliable, portable hose storage that protects equipment investment and presents a professional image
• Groundskeepers & Estate Managers: Managing large gardens, parks, sports facilities, and commercial grounds with efficient watering systems and organised equipment
• Nurseries & Garden Centres: Commercial horticultural operations requiring heavy-duty hose management for daily watering routines and customer demonstrations
• Car Valeters & Detailers: Mobile professionals needing organised water supply equipment that's quick to deploy, use, and pack away between appointments
• Agricultural Workers & Smallholders: Farmers and livestock keepers requiring durable hose storage for yard washing, animal care, and general farm maintenance
• Facilities Managers: Maintaining commercial properties, car parks, industrial sites, and business premises where hose access is regularly needed for cleaning
• Homeowners & DIY Enthusiasts: Garden maintenance, patio cleaning, vehicle washing, and general outdoor tasks requiring convenient, tidy hose storage
• Allotment Holders: Plot owners needing portable, secure hose storage solutions that can be moved between shed and growing areas
• Pressure Washer Users: Professionals and homeowners managing high-pressure hose equipment safely and preventing damage from improper storage

How to Choose the Right Hose Reels

Hose Length and Diameter: Measure the distance from your water source to the furthest point you need to reach, adding a few extra metres for flexibility and comfortable working. Check the reel's stated capacity matches both your hose length and diameter—typically 12.5mm for light domestic use, 13mm for standard garden hoses, or 19mm for professional applications requiring higher water flow. Remember that larger diameter hoses provide better water pressure and flow rates but require significantly more storage capacity on the drum.

Mounting Options: Consider your available space, storage location, and typical usage patterns. Wall-mounted reels keep pathways clear and are ideal for compact gardens, courtyards, or workshops where floor space is limited. Freestanding models suit renters or those preferring flexibility to move their reel seasonally. Wheeled hose trolleys excel for large gardens, allotments, or professionals moving between work areas throughout the day. Dual-purpose models from Gardena and Hozelock offer excellent versatility with included wall brackets and freestanding feet.

Manual vs Automatic Rewind: Manual wind reels with a crank handle are affordable, reliable, and require no power source—ideal for occasional domestic use and budget-conscious buyers. Spring-loaded auto-rewind systems offer significant convenience with gentle pulling to release and automatic retraction at controlled speeds. Battery-powered models like the Einhell cordless reel provide effortless operation with push-button control but come at a premium price point—ideal for professional users, those managing multiple long hoses daily, or users with mobility considerations.

Build Quality and Materials: Professional-grade reels feature UV-resistant plastics, powder-coated steel frames, and corrosion-resistant brass or stainless steel fittings essential for longevity in demanding environments. Brands like Gardena, Hozelock, and Draper offer excellent warranties reflecting their durability and build quality. Consider enclosed models if your reel will remain outdoors year-round, as they protect hoses from weather damage, UV degradation, and frost, prolonging lifespan significantly and reducing replacement costs.

Additional Features: Look for swivel connectors that prevent kinking and twisting, integrated hose guides for even winding without overlaps, comfortable crank handles with ergonomic grips for easier operation, and adjustable mounting brackets for flexible installation. Some premium models include built-in storage compartments for spray guns, nozzles, and connectors. For professional site work, prioritise models with heavy-gauge metal frames, commercial-duty ratings, and robust wheels that withstand daily transportation and rough terrain.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Hoses: Quality reinforced garden hoses in various lengths and diameters to suit your reel capacity and specific applications
• Spray Guns & Nozzles: Adjustable spray patterns with multiple settings for watering, cleaning, vehicle washing, and pressure washing applications
• Hose Connectors & Fittings: Quick-connect systems, brass tap connectors, extension couplings, and adaptors for versatile professional setups
• Wall Mounting Brackets: Additional or replacement brackets for secure installation on various surfaces including masonry, timber, and blockwork
• Hose End Fittings: Professional brass or heavy-duty plastic connectors, stop valves, and adaptors for permanent installations and commercial systems
• Hose Repair Kits: Emergency repair connectors, replacement washers, and jointing systems to extend hose life and prevent wastage
• Storage Hooks & Hangers: Complementary storage solutions for spray guns, brushes, watering accessories, and cleaning equipment
• Programmable Timers: Automatic watering controllers for irrigation systems and greenhouse installations requiring scheduled operation

Safety Information

Always ensure hose reels are securely mounted before use, particularly wall-mounted models which can cause serious injury or property damage if inadequately fixed. Use appropriate fixings for your specific wall type—masonry anchors and plugs for brick and concrete, specialist plasterboard fixings for stud walls—and follow manufacturer installation guidelines precisely. Ensure mounted reels and their fixings can support the full weight of a water-filled hose, which significantly exceeds the dry weight and can reach 20-30kg for longer hoses.

Regularly inspect hoses for splits, cracks, perishing, or wear that could cause unexpected bursts under pressure, particularly around connectors and frequently bent areas. Replace damaged hoses immediately rather than attempting repairs on pressurised water lines which may fail dangerously. When using auto-rewind mechanisms, keep fingers and hands clear of moving parts and ensure children understand the potential pinch hazards between hose layers. Never allow hoses to rewind at full uncontrolled speed near people, pets, or delicate plants.

Position hose reels away from 240v electrical outlets and outdoor sockets to prevent water ingress, and ensure cables from battery-powered models meet UK electrical safety standards with proper strain relief. During winter months, drain hoses completely and store frost-sensitive reels indoors or in protected locations to prevent damage from freezing water expansion, which can split hoses and crack reel components. Trip hazards remain a concern even with organised storage—ensure unwound hoses are positioned safely across pathways and work areas, particularly on commercial sites where HSE regulations require clear access routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What length of hose do I need for my garden?
Measure the distance from your outdoor tap to the furthest point you need to reach, then add 3-5 metres for flexibility and to avoid stretching the hose taut, which causes premature wear and connector failure. Most domestic gardens are well-served by 20-30 metre hoses, whilst larger gardens, allotments, or commercial properties may require 40-50 metres. Tooled-Up stocks hose reels with capacities from compact 10-15 metre models up to professional 50+ metre units. Remember that hose reels specify maximum capacity—you can use a shorter hose on any reel, but exceeding stated capacity causes winding difficulties and potential damage.

Can I leave my hose reel outside all year round?
Quality hose reels from brands like Gardena, Hozelock, and Draper are designed for permanent outdoor installation, featuring UV-resistant materials and weather-proof construction tested to UK climate conditions. However, enclosed cabinet models offer superior protection against frost, UV degradation, and debris accumulation. Always drain hoses completely during winter months to prevent freeze damage—even small amounts of residual water can expand when frozen and split hose walls or crack fittings. Consider storing spring-loaded auto-rewind reels indoors during extended cold periods as freezing temperatures can affect the rewind mechanism's performance.

Will my existing hose fit a standard hose reel?
Most UK garden hoses are 12.5mm or 13mm diameter and fit standard hose reels designed for domestic use without issues. However, always check the reel's stated capacity for your specific hose diameter before purchasing—a reel rated for 30m of 13mm hose may only accommodate 20m of thicker 19mm professional-grade hose due to the larger coil diameter. Measure both your hose length and external diameter before selecting a reel to ensure compatibility and avoid frustrating returns.

How do auto-rewind hose reels work?
Spring-loaded auto-rewind reels use a coiled spring mechanism (similar to retractable tape measures) that stores energy as you pull out the hose against spring tension. A gentle tug releases a locking mechanism, allowing the spring to retract the hose automatically at a controlled speed. Battery-powered models like the Einhell 18v cordless reel use a small electric motor powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for completely effortless push-button operation. Both systems are significantly faster and easier than manual crank handles, particularly with longer hoses beyond 25 metres, saving considerable time and effort for professional users.

What's the difference between a hose reel and a hose cart?
A hose reel is primarily a storage device that may be wall-mounted, freestanding, or portable but isn't specifically designed for frequent movement. A hose cart (also called a hose trolley) is specifically a wheeled hose reel designed for easy transport across gardens, allotments, and work sites. Hose carts typically feature larger diameter wheels for smooth rolling, comfortable pull handles with ergonomic grips, and robust powder-coated steel frames suitable for moving fully-loaded reels across lawns, gravel, paving, and uneven terrain—ideal for professional gardeners, landscapers, and larger properties requiring flexible hose positioning.