...I want to get a retracting air hose reel for my compressor. I know they come in 6, 8 and 10mm internal diameter - how do I find out what size I need. Where do I take the measurement?

I know, basic school boy question but hey, I just can’t find how. I’m thinking just measure across the opening of the female connector that fits on to the compressor?

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Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

Larger I.D.s will introduce a pressure drop and more so the longer the distance. Most single stage compressors can deliver enough of a balance between flow and pressure for tools like chippers, air wrenches and impacts up to 3/4" drive with some success though modern 1/2" drive impacts are 3X as powerful as yesteryear's. The better single stage ones can even do a decent job with HVLP paint guns and seating tire beads. The most common hose sizes for these applications will be 3/8" [10mm]. 6 and 8mm are just going to strangle your air supply and nothing will run worth a shit because when the air finally hits your tool, there will be a pressure drop.

If you have any inclination to use angle grinders and all types of sanders and such that require a continuous air supply of decent pressure, you'll really need a 2 stage compressor. And even a 10mm hose will work fine and long as you have great flow and high SCFMs. Otherwise, they'll crap out in a second flat. Even if you did have flow, they'll have no torque and come to a halt the moment it touches something.

There are larger hoses. I have a large 2 stage compressor that puts out 18 CFM @ 90 psi and 23 SCFM @ 40 so I can run 1/2" [13mm] hose. But I can seat beads fast on a 35 x 12.5/R15 off road tire and run a 6" disc grinder all day long.

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Bob Krzeszkiewicz
2012 XR1200X - 2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX - 1999 Buell X1

A lot will depend on what you want to run off it mate , the smaller bores especially with a long hose obviously can't flow as much air as the larger bore, If it's mainly for blowing up tyres etc the 6mm will be more than adequate, if for a windy gun or similar tool you'd probably be better with an 8mm. Most home compressors wouldn't need anything bigger.

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

easy answer probably go with the 8mm for future proofing .
but it is like how longs a piece of string question .

what size compressor do you have CFM and air tank size .
how long does hose need to be .
what size tool do you have (CFM wise) and how often will you be using it

compressor just think of the CFM as engine size , (BIG engine can do more work easily )
air tank size ( how long it can go for before having to top up )
Tool size , the bigger the tool CFM the more thirsty for air to feed it ( less miles per gallon) ( or minutes of use per air tank size )

as a foot note
my compressor is in the garage , then 40ft of hose plumbed in carport , then about another 20-30 of hose to walk around car parked on drive to blow up tyres .
works ok for me .

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

Ok - interesting answers, thank you. Does that mean that the connectors are all the same size no matter the ID of the hose?

I only use it for inflating tyres and drying the bikes after washing.

This is what’s on the info plate:

_________________
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

probably not
we have lots of different fittings on our air tools at work
which makes it interesting/fekin annoying

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Feros Ferio

There are different types of connector but for example you can get the PCL type with different size tails to fit in the hose but the PCL bit that plugs in will be the same . Most home compressors have the shorter couplings though and I can't remember off the top of my head what they call those.

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

think its euro kev
Clive
There are different manufactures of connectors ( bit like bikes ) all with their own style, long, short ( good or bad) have a look on eBay, search for airline connectors and loads to get confused about , whichever ones you pick get a few spares just in case, cos like with bike parts they aren’t interchangeable between manufactures.
Most of the manufactures offer these for fitting to 6..8..10..mm air lines

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

Well that was a ninja task I’ve taken a punt after looking at the manufacturers website and gone for a 1/4 inch connector. Time will tell

_________________
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

standard conversion
1/4 inch = 6.4 mm
unless it's 1/4 bsp then that's a whole new ball game

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

It’s 1/4 inch BSP to euro as it the hose I’ve ordered...I think

_________________
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

we shall have to wait and see what Santa the post man delivers

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

I've got a box of barbed tail connectors (of different types) and some BSP male to male fittings 9the usual size for Brit bike petrol taps) if you get stuck. They're to fit a 3/8 od hose, I forget the ID.

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Thanks all. If it all goes Pete tong I’ve got a hose that I can replace the one on the retractable thingie with. Assuming I can strip it down without breaking it of course

_________________
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

Best thing is when you are doing your weekly zoom advice meeting to mojo mick show him your hose he will be able to advise on size

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.