All you need to know about reels to make the right selection

Whether you're an industry professional, a cleaning contractor, or a mechanic in a garage, properly managing your hoses or cables is essential for working efficiently and safely. Too often overlooked, the hose reel – also known as a cable reel – plays a key role in avoiding clutter, fall hazards, and premature equipment wear. In this complete guide, we explain everything you need to know to choose the right reel for your needs: available types, selection criteria, specific applications, and practical advice.

Table of contents

1. What are the different types of reels
2. How to choose the right reel for your hose or cable
3. Applications for hose and cable reels
4. 5 questions to ask about reels
5. Advantages of using a Hannay Reels product
6. Installation tips
7. Choosing the right reel: a long-term investment
8. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reels

What is a hose reel? 

A hose reel, is a mechanical device designed to wind, unwind, and safely store a hose, electric cable, or wire. This type of equipment is especially useful for keeping hoses or cables off the ground, where they can pose a tripping hazard, accelerate wear, and obstruct movement in the workspace. By keeping hoses properly stored, a reel helps prevent accidents, prolong the lifespan of your equipment, and increase productivity.

There is a wide variety of reels adapted to different use cases:

• Commercial and industrial environments: Reels are often used with pressure washers in mechanical shops, wash bays, or industrial plants. They store hoses after use, protect them from crushing, and keep work areas clean and safe. Electricians or film studios also use them to store electrical wiring. You’ll find a large selection in our online catalog.

• Construction sites: Electrical reels are used to organize extension cords. This prevents damage, tangles, and trip hazards in safety-critical environments. They're also used for very long hoses (200 feet or more) and larger diameters (1 inch or more), which are too heavy for manual or spring rewind.

Reels can be manual (hand crank), spring rewind (automatic-driven), or 12V or 115V electric (motorized ) depending on the needs. They can be mounted to a wall, ceiling, cart, or integrated into mobile equipment.

In short, a reel is an essential accessory for any scenario where a hose or cable must be used regularly, safely, and in an organized way.

What are the different types of reel 

At Multi PSI, we recommend Hannay Reels for their durability, reliability, and consistent performance, even in the most demanding industrial environments. They are a proven choice to enhance safety, efficiency, and longevity.

Manual reels

Manual reels are hand-operated, usually with a crank or rotating handle, allowing the user to wind or unwind a hose or cable as needed. This simple but effective system is widely used across various industries to manage hose or cable lengths while reducing clutter and improving workstation safety.

A manual reel has a drum mounted on an axle that turns by hand. As you crank it, the hose wraps neatly around the drum. No electricity or spring mechanism is required, making it an affordable, robust, and easy-to-maintain solution.

Manual reels are a simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to manage hoses in a wide range of applications.

Mobile hose reels

A mobile hose reel is a type of reel mounted on wheels, designed to facilitate the movement and use of hoses in different work environments. Thanks to its sturdy structure and heavy-duty wheels or tires, it can easily transport a hose from one point to another, without having to drag it along the ground, thus prolonging its service life. This system is particularly appreciated in the industrial, agricultural and cleaning sectors, where flexibility and rapid intervention are essential. Offering excellent maneuverability, the mobile reel helps maintain order and safety in the workplace, while reducing the user's physical effort.

Spring reel

A spring reel, or auto-rewind reel, is designed to retract a hose or cable automatically using an internal spring mechanism. Users can pull out the desired length and release it, letting the spring tension rewind the hose neatly without manual effort.

The core of the system is a spring housed in the drum or casing. When you pull the hose or cable, the spring tightens. Releasing tension (often with a small backward tug) triggers the spring to unwind, rotating the drum and retracting the hose. Some models include a ratchet lock to hold the hose at the desired length.

Spring reels are ergonomic and efficient solutions that help keep cables and hoses stored safely and reduce manual handling time.

Electric reel

Electric reels are motorized devices used to wind and unwind hoses or cables using a 12V (DC) or 115V (AC) electric motor. These reels are ideal for longer hoses, demanding work conditions, or when ease and ergonomics are priorities. Municipalities also use them for watering indoor or outdoor skating rinks.

Electric reels are operated by a switch or push-button, which drives the drum via the motor, retracting or unwinding the hose automatically.

• 12V electric reels: Often used on trucks, trailers, or standalone platforms powered by a battery. Ideal for mobile applications.
  
• 115V electric reels: Installed in fixed locations using standard outlets. These offer more power and torque for heavy-duty industrial use.
  

The electric hose reel is a high-performance, ergonomic solution for professional environments where hose or cable management needs to be fast, safe and effortless. Whether in 12-volt version for mobile applications or 115-volt version for fixed installations, it considerably improves the efficiency of daily operations.

How to choose the right reel for your hose or cable

The ideal hose reel can improve your operations by increasing productivity and improving safety on the job site. Choosing the right hose reel can be determined by a few key factors, including what the reel contains, how it's used and the application for which it's intended. We've outlined the most important elements to consider when purchasing a hose reel.

Important characteristics for hoses and cables

First, consider the type of hose or cable you’ll be using. Size, length, bend radius, and material are crucial for selecting the right reel. You must ensure the reel is properly sized for your equipment. For example, a hose or cable with a large internal/external diameter and high bend radius will require a reel large enough to handle its dimensions.

Do you need a hose reel for high or low pressure or for air?

High-pressure hose reels

High-pressure hose reels are specially designed to withstand the high stresses generated by high-pressure cleaners. They are generally made from robust materials such as steel or stainless steel, and feature seals and fittings capable of withstanding pressures of up to 5000 psi or more. Whether for washing vehicles, heavy equipment or intensive industrial use, these hose reels ensure safety, durability and efficiency in demanding environments.

Low-pressure hose reels

Low-pressure hose reels are ideal for applications such as spraying, flushing, dispensing light chemicals or foam systems. They are best suited to lower pressures, generally below 500 psi. This type of hose reel is ideal for workshops, garages, farms or any other situation where a hose needs to be tidy and easily accessible without requiring extreme resistance to pressure.

Reels for compressed air

For pneumatic tools and compressed air systems, it's essential to use a hose reel designed specifically for air lines. These models are built to withstand air pressure while minimizing the risk of hose leakage and kinking. They enable safe, fluid distribution of compressed air, improving tool performance and reducing hose wear. Whether in a machine shop or a production plant, a good air hose reel contributes to a cleaner, safer workspace.

Do you need a storage reel or a live reel?

Storage reels wind your hose or cable but do not allow fluid or current to pass while stored. You must unwind the hose or cable to use it.

Live reels allow fluid or current to flow while the hose or cable remains on the reel. If you need a live reel, make sure the reel and fittings are compatible with your operational specs to avoid damage or hazards.

Applications for hose and cable reels?

When selecting a reel, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of the environment, especially regarding safety, compliance, and durability.

Food industry reels

In food processing, hygiene is critical to prevent product contamination. Reels in these settings must be made from corrosion-resistant, easy-to-clean materials. For example, using hoses with internal stainless-steel braiding prevents corrosion and fluid contamination.

Hose reels on construction sites

On a construction site, hose reels, often perceived as simple accessories, actually play an essential role in the smooth running of operations. Whether managing air hoses for pneumatic tools, extension cords for equipment or water hoses for cleaning, a well-chosen hose reel can make all the difference.

Transport hose reels

In the field of transportation - whether road, municipal, school or specialized - vehicle cleanliness and facility safety are top priorities. Hose reels play an essential role in the efficient management of water hoses, electrical cables or compressed air hoses, whether in a maintenance garage, a wash bay or a mobile fleet.

Reels in cities and municipalities

In municipal services - be they public works, parks and green spaces, infrastructure maintenance or ice rinks - hose reels are essential equipment. They help to maintain order, safety and efficiency in often demanding and busy environments.

Reels in washing trailers

Hose reels play a central role in washing trailers, whether used for cleaning heavy vehicles, machinery, buildings or municipal operations. They enable hoses to be deployed quickly, safely and professionally, while maximizing the space available on board.

How and where will your reel be used?

Reel type, mounting positions and roller options will determine which reel model best suits your needs.
Rewind options are available for manual, spring-loaded, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic reels. Electric rewind options make it easier and safer to rewind long, heavy hoses, while manual reels are more suitable for limited-use reels or shorter, smaller hoses, and require no wiring or connections.

Reels can be floor, ceiling, wall, cabinet or truck mounted, and optional roller assemblies are available to facilitate hose return to the reel, whatever its position.

Find the right reel for you

Once you've gathered all the information, reel selection can begin. By answering a few simple questions about your needs, the reel selector can guide you to the right reel. First, we ask you to choose your application - this will determine whether you need a hose or cable reel. Then determine hose or cable size, length, pressure (psi) or current (voltage), winding options, etc. to find reels specific to your application.

If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, you can send us a message at support@multipsi.com and we'll personally help you find the right reel to do the job! All Hannay Reels are built to unique specifications. We'll work with you to adjust the height or width of your reel to make the most of the space you have, and provide the best installation option for your needs.

5 questions to ask about reels

Choosing a hose reel should never be left to chance. Whether you work for a municipality, a transport company or a mobile cleaning service, the right hose reel will save you time, extend the life of your hoses and improve safety on your job sites. Here are 5 essential questions to ask yourself before making your selection:

1. What are you going to reel?

The first step is simple but crucial: is it a high- or low-pressure water hose, an electric cable or an air hose? The type of fluid, temperature, pressure (psi) and flexibility of the hose will have a direct impact on the type of hose reel you choose (materials, seals, end fittings).

2. What is the length and diameter of the hose or cable?

Each reel has a maximum capacity based on the overall length and outside diameter of the hose. For example, a 300-foot 1“ diameter hose requires a much larger drum than a 50-foot 3/8” hose. The wrong combination could damage the hose or the reel mechanism, or result in a length of hose that's impossible to rewind.

3. Do you require a “live” or storage reel?

• A “live” hose reel allows you to use the hose without having unwound it completely. It is permanently connected to the source of water, air or electricity.

• A storage reel does not have an integrated fluid passage: the hose must be completely unwound before use. For example, flat hoses such as “fire hoses” should be avoided, as the hose expands as the water passes through it, risking damage to the drum. This choice influences fittings, internal drum design and overall cost.

4. Which rewind mode is right for you?

• Manual (hand-cranked): simple, economical, perfect for short lengths.

• Spring-loaded (automatic): ideal for frequent, fast and safe use.

• Electric (motorized 12V or 115V): recommended for long lengths or heavy hoses, especially in wash trailers and municipal applications.

5. Where will the reel be installed?

The place of installation determines the type of mounting (wall, ceiling, floor, trailer, truck) and the necessary resistance to the environment: humidity, dirt, shocks, vibrations. A reel in a heated garage doesn't have the same requirements as one exposed to the elements.

Benefits of using Hannay Reels

Durability

Hannay Reels are made from high-quality steel or stainless steel, making them robust, corrosion-resistant and designed for years of intensive use, even in harsh environments.

Security

A hose reel keeps hoses tightly wound and off the ground, reducing the risk of falls or accidents in the workplace.

Time-saving and efficient

Thanks to their spring or crank return mechanism, hose storage is quick and effortless, speeding up cleaning or watering operations.

Reduced hose wear

Hose that is dragged along the ground wears out quickly. By keeping it rolled up, the hose reel extends hose life and reduces replacement costs.

Variety of models

Hannay Reels offers hose reels suitable for high-pressure cleaning (cold or hot water), fuel (gasoline) or air dispensing, and for fixed use (wall or ceiling) or mobile use (in a wash trailer or wash platform).

Reliable, easy-to-maintain mechanism

Our hose reels are designed for constant use without complex maintenance. Many models feature a locking mechanism or an automatic hose-guiding system. What's more, all parts are interchangeable, so there's no need to replace the entire reel.

Hannay Reels has been renowned for over 85 years for the quality of its workmanship and the reliability of its products, backed up by efficient customer service.

Reels : Installation tips

Hannay Reels are easy to install, but the Multi PSI team also offers installation services if required.

General advice before installation

It is important to choose the location according to the area of use. The location must be clear of the hose or cable unwinding path.

Installation on a brick or concrete wall

It's important to use anchor bolts of the right diameter. Drilling with a hammer drill is required to anchor the bolts securely in concrete or brick. We suggest adding a steel reinforcement plate if the surface is crumbly or irregular.

Installation on a wooden wall

It's important to aim directly into the structural studs (2x4 or 2x6), not just into the end panels. Use sturdy bolts or screws with reinforcing washers. Add a plywood panel screwed to several studs if the anchors fall between two.

Ceiling installation

Check the load-bearing capacity of the structure (concrete joists or slabs). Use “L” or “U” brackets designed for ceiling installation. For spring-loaded hose reels, it is highly recommended to use “SD” joints in the reel to facilitate rewinding and unwinding of the hose with the guide in “VR” mode and with the option of a stop ball.

Installation with swivel bracket

An installation without a swivel base is ideal for fixed installations where the wire always exits in the same direction. A swivel base allows the hose reel to follow the operator for better ergonomics. Recommended in tight spaces or if the hose needs to be pulled in different directions. It must be securely fastened according to the manufacturer's instructions.

No rigid pipe in hose reel installation

We recommend using a flexible connector between the supply hose and the inlet swivel on the reel. This helps absorb vibrations and movements, preventing stress on the system.

Conclusion: Choosing the right reel is a long-term investment

Whether you work in a commercial or industrial environment, choosing the right hose reel for your needs contributes directly to the safety, productivity and longevity of your equipment. By taking into account the length and type of hose or cable, the frequency of use, the type of winding required (manual, spring or electric) and the constraints of your working environment, you'll be able to make an informed choice.

At Multi PSI, we're here to help you with a wide range of robust, high-performance Hannay reels. A good hose reel is much more than an accessory: it's a strategic tool for keeping your workspace clean, safe and functional.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about hose reels

What's the difference between manual, spring and electric reels?

The manual reel is hand-operated, ideal for short lengths of hose. The spring-loaded reel winds automatically and effortlessly, thanks to a return mechanism. The electric reel, on the other hand, is motorized and designed for longer, heavier hoses, often used in industrial environments.

Can I use a reel for electrical cables?

Yes, some reels are specially designed for electrical cables. However, you need to make sure that the model you choose meets the cable's technical specifications (voltage, amperage, number of conductors, type of insulation).

How do I know which reel capacity to choose for my hose?

Capacity depends on hose diameter, length and bending radius. A longer or stiffer hose will require a larger drum. Our experts can help you determine the ideal size.

Do all reels allow the hose or cable to be used when wound up?

No. Only live reels allow direct use of the hose or cable while it is being wound. Storage reels must be unwound before use.

What type of reel is recommended for a trailer or truck?

12-volt reels are ideal for mobile installations. They fit easily onto a trailer or utility vehicle, and run on battery power.

Are plastic reels suitable for industrial environments?

No. Plastic reels are generally reserved for residential use (e.g. gardening). For industrial environments, we recommend sturdy steel or stainless steel models, such as those from Hannay Reels.

Can a reel be mounted on a wall or ceiling?

Yes, several models are designed for wall or ceiling mounting, to optimize working space and keep hoses off the floor.

What if my hose is too heavy to be reeled in by hand?

In this case, an electric or spring-loaded reel is recommended. These models enable effortless rewinding, improving ergonomics and safety at the workstation.

Are there reels for food or corrosive environments?

Yes, some reels are made from stainless or corrosion-resistant materials, making them ideal for use in food or chemical environments.

Where can I buy an industrial-grade hose reel?

You'll find a wide selection of professional reels on our Multi PSI website, including Hannay Reels models renowned for their durability and reliability.

Author: Multi PSI has been an expert in high pressure cleaning equipment for over 25 years. As an equipment distributor, we also offer mobile and workshop repair services. We are recognized for our expertise in custom projects, including wash platforms and trailers, as well as the installation of hose reel, boom or rail wash systems.

Updated May 14, 2025