How do I choose the right compressed-air hose?
A compressed-air hose must match the tool: material, inner diameter, working pressure and coupling decide flow and safety. An undersized hose throttles the air volume and starves impact wrenches and chisels. This guide walks through the key selection criteria step by step so tools stay powered.
View air hosesWhich hose material fits my application?
The material sets weight, flexibility and resistance. Polyurethane (PU) is light, kink-resistant and abrasion-proof, ideal for mobile workstations. PVC is cheap and dimensionally stable but stiffer in the cold. Rubber stays flexible and heat-tolerant yet heavy. Polyamide (PA) handles high pressure and temperature for fixed piping runs.
Which inner diameter delivers enough flow?
Inner diameter sets the air volume. An undersized hose creates pressure loss and starves the tool. As a rule of thumb use 6 mm for small blow guns, 9 mm for impact wrenches and 13 mm for high demand or long lines. The longer the hose, the larger the inner diameter you should choose to hold pressure.
- Base sizing on the tool's air consumption (l/min) from the datasheet.
- Above 10 m length, step up one nominal size.
- Do not fit couplings or manifolds narrower than the hose.
How do I check pressure, form and coupling?
Watch the maximum working pressure and a burst ratio of at least 3:1 as a safety reserve. Coil hoses save space and retract but lose flow over length; straight lengths deliver full throughput. The coupling must match your shop standard so tools stay sealed and quick to swap between jobs.
Stay within max working pressure, keep a burst ratio of at least 3:1.
Pressure regulator guideFrequently asked questions
Why does my air tool stall with a long hose?
Usually the inner diameter is too small or the hose too long. Friction loss drops the pressure at the tool. Choose a larger nominal size and shorten the line where possible.
What does the burst ratio mean?
It is the ratio of burst pressure to maximum working pressure. A 3:1 ratio means the hose fails only at three times the allowed pressure - a common safety reserve.
Coil hose or straight length - which is better?
Coil hoses save space and retract on their own but lose flow over length. Straight lengths give full throughput and are the better choice for high air demand or fixed runs.
Find the right compressed-air hose
Our pneumatics specialists help with material, nominal size and coupling for your tools.
Vetted selection
Recommendations from maker data and field values.
Correct nominal size
Flow matched to the tool's air demand.
Safety reserve
Burst ratio and working pressure clearly explained.
Expert advice
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