Air Hose Sizes (& Which Size You Need)
Air compressors are useful for many different reasons, from powering handyman tools to pumping up your bicycle tires. Compressors require air hoses to connect with the object that needs to be filled up. Air hoses come in a variety of sizes; all fit for the task at hand!
Air hose sizes are dictated by inner diameters of ¼,” ⅜,” and ½.” The most common lengths are 50 ft. and 100 ft., while materials range from rubber, polyurethane, PVC, and hybrid. When selecting the appropriate air hose, you want to find the perfect balance between usability and power.
Here’s a quick overview of air hose sizes and which one you need for your air compressor and pneumatic tools.
What Sizes Do Air Hoses Come In?
The air hose on an air compressor is simply a tube that carries pressurized air from the tank to a pneumatic tool or device. Air hoses come in many different sizes and are selected depending on the CFM requirements of each pneumatic tool.
Air hose sizes are dictated by their inner diameter and are as follows (in order from smallest to largest):
- ¼” Air Hose
- ⅜” Air Hose
- ½” Air Hose
Besides the inner diameter, other factors to consider are what length hose you need, the material it’s made of, and the type (recoil or standard).
Air Hose Lengths
The necessary length of your air hose will depend on what you’re using the air compressor for. If your full-time job relies on it, I would opt for something longer that allows the most movement.
Air hose lengths include:
- 30 ft.
- 32 ft.
- 50 ft. (most common)
- 65 ft.
- 100 ft. (most common)
If you only plan on using it every so often for small tasks, you can settle for a shorter hose (usually 50 feet).
Remember that like an electrical current, the longer the air must travel, the weaker the pressure gets. So, you must find the sweet spot that allows for you to do your job with ease and retain the most pressure.
Air Hose Materials
The material your air hose is made of will impact its durability, elasticity, and performance.
Air hose materials include:
- Rubber Hose
- Polyurethane Hose
- PVC Hose
- Hybrid Hose
Rubber hoses continue to be the most popular option. They’re a solid option for cold or warm climates, have great flexibility, and are kink-resistant. Of note- they are the heaviest choice which may pose an issue with handling for some jobs.
A polyurethane hose or “poly hose” is lightweight to carry and performs exceptionally well in cold temperatures. It is medium in flexibility and works best as a recoil hose (which we’ll get into below).
PVC hoses are the best option for a cost-conscious individual, although there are some drawbacks. This hose is best suited for simple, small one-off jobs due to its susceptibility to kinks and lack of flexibility. It is incredibly thick and slightly lighter than a rubber version. Use them in warmer climates for the least amount of difficulty.
Last but not least, the hybrid hose is made up of all three. These hoses tend to be more sturdy and have the resilience of a PVC while retaining the pliability of a rubber hose. Hybrid hoses word great in colder weather tend to be the most expensive due to their versatility.
Air Hose Types
There are two different types of air hoses- recoil or standard.
Recoil hoses are wound into loops that make for easy storage and prevent kinks or knots. Standard hoses are straight in nature (like a garden hose) and allow for the best mobility.
Professional mechanics usually prefer a standard hose for bigger jobs, while a recoil hose is better suited for small, quick jobs.
How Do I Know What Size Air Hose I Need?
Generally speaking, the CFM level your tool needs will determine the appropriate air hose size. The lower the CFM requirement, the smaller the hose can be.
Here’s a chart detailing which size air hose is necessary for your pneumatic tool according to CFM rating:
| CFM Requirement | Air Hose Size |
| 1 CFM | 1/4” Air Hose |
| 2 CFM | 1/4” Air Hose |
| 3 CFM | 1/4” Air Hose |
| 4 CFM | 3/8” Air Hose |
| 5 CFM | 3/8” Air Hose |
| 6 CFM (or greater) | 1/2” Air Hose |
The key is to find the perfect combination of air hose size, length, and material that allows for the best working mobility and highest air pressure for your tools.
What Is the Difference Between a 1/4 and 3/8 Air Hose?
One of the most frequently asked questions is the difference between a ¼” and ⅜” air hose? Are they really that different?
As you can see from the chart above, yes- they are different.
The ¼” air hose has an internal diameter of anywhere between 0.24-0.25 inches. It is ideal for small tools like nailers and staplers due to its lighter weight and easier manipulation.
Air pressure in these hoses usually runs anywhere between 100-180 PSI. Essentially, what you’re doing here is reducing the volume of airflow for increased pressure.
The ⅜” air hose, on the other hand, has an internal diameter of 0.37-0.375 inches. This hose is more suited for medium-duty tools due to its larger size and ability to handle more pressure at higher volumes with less risk of leakage.
Air pressure in these hoses is typically between 100-160 PSI.
When to Replace My Air Hose
After many blissful years of repeated use, sometimes you reach the end of the road with your air hose. They last for a while, but it’s time for a replacement after a certain amount of time.
The average lifespan of an air hose is about 5 years, but it will vary depending on how often it’s being used and what size and type of hose you have.
A few things to watch out for when deciding whether or not to replace your air hose:
- A large amount of visible pliability (due to age)
- Leaking air
- Leaking moisture
- An irreversible kink
- An odor (that does not dissipate after airing out)
A Large Amount of Visible Pliability (Due to Age)
If you notice that your air hose is a little too flexible, that may be a sign that it needs to be replaced. As a result of wear, it might be folded over or inhibiting airflow too easily.
While pliability is good for handling, the hose still needs structure to transfer airflow.
Leaking Air
Occasionally, your air hose may be punctured or suffer damage without you knowing. The biggest indicators are a squeaking noise or lack of adequate PSI. Rubber and hybrid hoses are the most susceptible to this type of injury.
Leaking Moisture
If moisture starts dripping out of your hose (or you notice rust at the end of the fitting), this is another sign that it needs to be replaced. Water separators are supposed to remove moisture from the air hose lines, and the presence of unexpected liquid indicates a tear or hole.
An Irreversible Kink
A kink in a hose is a big, big problem.
Air hoses are specifically designed to give and stretch around corners, so an obstruction due to kinking can cause excessive wear and tear. This is also what will eventually cause the hose to break.
Sometimes the knot is too tight, and the only way to get your compressor back up and running is to replace the air hose.
An Odor (That Does Not Dissipate After Airing Out)
An air hose that emits a funny smell is probably something you want to get rid of as soon as possible. Air hoses are supposed to be a dry, odorless connection point between your equipment and the compressor.
The oil in a compressed air delivery system can cause a chemical reaction in some types of rubber that can make a hose smell.
The only way to get rid of the odor is with time- either airing it out or washing it with a gentle soap. Although if this doesn’t work, it’s time for a new one.
The Best Air Hoses on the Market
If you’re new to the air compressor scene and need a great air hose or are simply looking for a replacement, we have some suggestions.
Here are two recommendations:
Flexzilla Air Hose
This is a great option for small or large jobs due to its versatility. It’s both flexible and durable- a perfect choice for any application.
Notable features:
- ⅜” in size
- 50 feet long
- Hybrid material
- All-weather flexibility (-40°F to 150°F)
- 300 PSI maximum
VCT Braided Blue Iron Flex Air Hose
This air hose is longer than the first one but provides a greater PSI max. The added length makes it ideal for commercial use.
Notable features:
- ¼” in size
- 100 feet long
- Polyurethane material
- Great for colder temperatures
- 700 PSI maximum
Related Guides
- What Size Air Compressor Do You Need For A Framing Nailer?
- How To Use An Air Compressor [Safety & General Tips]
To Sum It Up
Air hose selection is a difficult process to get right. With so many factors and variables at play, it can be hard to know where to start.
The answer lies in understanding the different materials of air hoses and their corresponding strengths and weaknesses. Rubber has excellent resistance against chemicals, but its flexibility makes it more vulnerable if not installed correctly.
PVC material doesn’t have this problem but may develop cracks from exposure to heat sources like hot engines. Polyurethane is a good all-around material with great chemical resistance while still maintaining some elasticity for protection against punctures by sharp objects.
Hybrid material has the best of all three! Use our table above to decide which size is right for you.
