****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I really like the heavy duty constructions and the winding mechanism for the hose. BUT, when I used a heavy duty hose, I had the leak issue several other users described, at the internal hose connector. I determined the issue is caused by the slots cut in the internal connector ( see pics) are casusing the hose rubber washer to be cut when the coupler was tightened ( see pics). I emailed the support site, described my issue and sent pictures. I got a quick response and the promise of a replacement part. I replied and made it clear that this is not a defective part isssue, but a DESIGN issue. I made a suggestion on how to correct this issue ( I consider myself to be a fairly good engineer). Apparently they did not understood as they just sent a replacement part AND it was not even the the right one. I got around this issue by replacing the chewed up washer and using a light weight hose that would easily flex onto the said leaking connector. No big deal, but one would expect a heavy duty hose reel to work with a heavy duty hose. Since tech support was responsive and made an effort, I gave a them an overall of 4. Just be aware of leak issue if you use a stiff hose.06/28/22 Update. Tech support continues to work with me on this issue. I am impressed with that.Will update..8/16/22 Update. Apparently Giraff Tools engineers did not under this is a design issue and not a defective part, as they sent another connector, manufactured just like the original part. That will not fix the chewed up rubber gasket issue described above...This thing is a bit heavy so take that it into account depending upon where you want to hang it. 75' of 5/8" hose seems to be the max it can hold even after emptying the lines. If you need more length recommend 1/2" hose. Use caution on sharp edges, especiallyon the rotating spool. Sliced my finger taking it out of the box. Remidied with some automotive door edge moulding I had on hand from another project.Well built and does exactly what it is suppose to do. I don't mind the price for one, but I need three and that becomes too pricyWe find it much easier than wrapping up the hose.I put a heavy duty, 100ft hose and I have zero problems. Best hose reel I have used. This is coming from a man with 20 hoses on the farm. I have so many hoses, the wife constantly has to tell me to stop playing with my hose...... Sorry, had to.The handle needs to be bronze and the screw on the handle end needs blue or red loctited. The chain on the crank needs to be aluminum not reinforced plastic. For this price you shouldn't cheap out on quality parts...In general, this reel is well constructed. Once installed, it should last many years. The challenge is getting it installed.First, the mounting hardware (hex expansion bolts) that comes in the box is completely unacceptable. It won't securely hold the reel in place with a longer, heavier hose full of water. Just go ahead and buy 4 larger lag bolt/shield pairs before you even open the box.Second, the instructions regarding how to mount the garden hose itself to the internal threaded fitting coming in from the spigot are nonsense. A suitable (medium duty) hose will simply kink and pinch off the water flow. Using a 90-degree garden hose elbow such as https://www.amazon.com/MAXFLO-Adapter-Connector-Connectors-Pressure/dp/B0891VWW68/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=90+degrees+for+garden+hose&qid=1654384061&sprefix=90+degrees+garden+%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-8 and a spring-protected hose extension such as https://www.amazon.com/Twinkle-Star-Protector-Coupling-Adapter/dp/B07NKPWNCH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=garden+hose+spring+protector&qid=1654384113&sprefix=garden+hose+spring%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTTYwVExUN1FFNEJPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDk4MzA5Mk5CU0FQTlpZUlE0MCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzYyOTAxMzA0S0tBSVZPWFhIWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= are all but required.Finally, you're only going to be able to use a medium-duty hose in this reel. A light duty hose will simply kink and crush, and a heavy duty hose is going to be too stiff and difficult to reel in. (A 100-foot medium duty hose will run you $80 at Home Depot.)Those caveats aside, once these parts are in place the reel is easy to use. I do recommend it at the end of the day, even if it requires some MacGyver cosplay to get 'er done.I love these hose reels! They could be a little more stout, there’s a little side to side motion when cranking the reel, but other than that they’re stellar.
