Garden hose reels help homeowners keep outdoor spaces tidy, and they can still be of use to you once they start breaking down. Before you throw old models away, consider repurposing them as extension cord organizers, cleaning supplies storage, or a place to put your power tools. The guide below explores several creative ways you can reuse your garden hose reel instead of tossing it in the trash, and offers tips on how to correctly clean the reel before it gets its second life.
Creative Ways To Reuse a Garden Hose Reel
Your old garden hose reel can get a second life in your home, your garage, or elsewhere on your property. Read below for ideas on how to repurpose this common garden tool:
Organizing Extension Cords
One of the most practical ways to reuse a garden hose reel is as an organizer for extension cords. Follow the tips below to create a tangle-free solution for storing your cords:
- Mark the center of the extension cord with a strip of tape.
- Hook the center of the cord to the hose reel.
- Slowly turn the hand crank to roll the extension cord onto the reel.
- Pull on both ends of the cord, and dispense as much cord as you need.
When you start in the middle of the cord, you leave both ends accessible. This makes it easier to use just as much cord as you need for your task.
Storing Air Hoses
Storing air hoses for compressors neatly can be challenging. Follow the steps below to turn your old garden hose into a solution:
- Clean the hose reel thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Attach one end of the air hose to the reel.
- Wind the hose onto the reel, and make sure you distribute it evenly.
- Secure the free end of the hose to prevent unwinding.
Use this method to organize your air hose, protect it from damage, extend its lifespan, and make it easy to transport between work areas.
Rope Storage
A garden hose reel can serve as an efficient storage system for rope. Follow the steps below to untangle and tame your rope supply:
- Choose a rope that fits comfortably on the reel.
- Tie one end of the rope securely to the reel.
- Wind the rope onto the reel, and maintain even tension.
- Fasten the loose end of the rope to prevent unraveling.
This storage method prevents tangling and allows you to easily dispense the exact rope length you need for your project.
Organizing Garden Hoses
If you still need a system with which to store garden hoses, you might not be out of luck. You can still use a worn-out reel to store backup hoses. Clean it thoroughly, inspect it for any damage that requires repairs, and mount it in an area that isn’t especially prominent. This way, you have an additional storage unit for hoses that you don’t regularly use but would still like to keep handy.
Storing Cleaning Supplies
You can repurpose your garden hose reel as a space in which you can store cleaning supplies such as pressure washer hoses, mops, and brushes. Create hooks on the reel from which you can hang different cleaning tools.
Tips for Effective Reuse
Consider the tips below, which can help you to make the most of your repurposed garden hose reel:
- Clean thoroughly: Clean the hose reel to remove any dirt, debris, or rust before you repurpose it.
- Check for damage: Inspect the reel for any cracks or broken parts that might affect its functionality.
- Lubricate moving parts: Apply any necessary lubricant so that the reel mechanism can function properly.
- Label clearly: If you’re using multiple reels for different items, label them clearly so you can easily identify each.
Maintenance of Repurposed Hose Reels
You must regularly maintain your repurposed garden hose to keep it functioning correctly. Follow the tips below.
- Inspect for wear: Check the reel and its contents regularly for signs of wear or damage.
- Regular cleaning: Wipe down the reel occasionally to prevent dust and dirt buildup.
- Store properly: Keep the repurposed reel in a dry area to prevent rust and deterioration.
- Tighten loose parts: Tighten any loose screws or bolts routinely.
Alternative Uses for Garden Hose Reels
If you don’t need additional storage for extension cords, air hoses, or ropes, consider repurposing your garden hose reel as one of the following:
- Cable management: Use your reel to efficiently organize computer or entertainment system cables. This can be especially useful in a home office or media room.
- Craft supply organizer: Use reels to store ribbons, twine, or yarn for your crafting projects. A reel can keep your materials neatly wound and prevent them from tangling.
- Holiday light storage: Reels are a great way to keep your festive lights untangled and accessible. When the holiday season is over, simply wind the lights back onto the reel to safely store them.
Using Hose Reels in Workshops
An old garden hose reel can keep different types of cords and hoses organized in a workshop setting. You can use it to store welding cables or power tool cords, for example. This repurposing method will help you to tidy your workspace and make certain that your cables are readily available nearby.
Storing Welding Cables
Welding cables are bulky and cumbersome, and a garden hose reel offers a straightforward storage solution. Clean the reel, make sure it’s strong and durable, and proceed to wind the welding cables in an orderly manner around it. This technique extends the cables’ lifespans and prevents them from getting damaged.
Power Tool Cord Management
Power tools usually come with long cords that can clutter your workspace. Use a garden hose reel to wind up these cords, save space, and keep your cords easily accessible. This organizational method also reduces the risk of tripping hazards in your work area.