Coxreels EZ-SHW-175 Dual Hose Reel for Oxy-Acetylene - 75' Hose, 200 PSI - Workshop & Welding Use

THIS HOSE REEL PULLS OUT, LOCKS, AND RETRACTS SMOOTHLY. THAT IS THE ONLY THING I AM HAPPY WITH. THE HOSES WERE CRIMPED ON BACKWARDS ON THE TORCH END (SEE PICTURE). IT WAS LOVELY FINDING THAT ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON RIGHT BEFORE LABOR DAY ON A TRUCK THAT HAD TO BE IN SERVICE OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REEL THIS IS A TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE OVERSIGHT. IF I DIDN'T NEED IT SO BAD I WOULD BE SENDING IT BACK FOR A FULL REFUND. THE OTHER THING I DON'T LIKE IS THE BRASS FITTINGS ON THE SIDE. MINE WAS NOT BROKEN DURING SHIPPING LIKE A LOT OF OTHER REVIEWS MENTIONED, BUT WE DID HAVE TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTION MOUNTING THIS REEL TO PROTECT THE FITTING. IT STICKS OUT WAY TOO FAR. THE LAST FRUSTRATING FEATURE IS THAT THE HOSES ARE R RATED AND NOT T RATED. I CAN'T BE TOO UPSET ABOUT THAT BECAUSE IT IS LISTED AS ACETYLENE AND NOT PROPANE. HOWEVER I HAVE DECIDED TO MENTION IT BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER ISSUES I HAVE EXPERIENCED. WE TYPICALLY PURCHASE CHEAP REELS AT OUR LOCAL GAS DEALER FOR $100 AND THEY COME EQUIPPED WITH T GRADE HOSES. WE NEEDED A REEL IN A HURRY THIS TIME AROUND SO I ROLLED THE DICE ON THIS REEL THINKING IT WOULD BE WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY. IT WAS NOT. THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME.