|
Jason, Was that $2.88/ft quote for the 831 hose?. If so, that's a good price for that particular hose and is not inflated. As I indicated previously, I paid $2.38/ft for it 15 years ago. I see that the current price for it at MSC Industrial Supply is $3.87/ft. Sure, that's quite expensive for a 3/8" airline. But it will last most people a lifetime. It all depends on what kind of quality, performance and longevity you expect to get from it. And if you wish to install your own, perhaps custom, end fittings. I believe the Parker 831 is outstanding and I am extremely pleased with it. Most will not want to pay that high a price however. I am sure there are other hoses that are also excellent, probably from big names like Aeroquip. I also suspect they would be competitive price-wise with the 831. Any hose will work, if that's the only criteria. The cheap foreign stuff will not last (cover deteriorates and splits after a couple years, even w/o sunlight) and the PVC hose will stiffen up a lot in cold weather. I also have some older rubber hose that I got from Sears years ago. It hasn't split but has stiffened up (a lot) with age. I only use that as an extension hose when necessary. I use PVC for my dedicated breathing air hose but I don't paint in cold weather so stiff coiling is not an issue. I use the 831 for supplying all my air tools, including paint guns. The air tools are used in cold weather, many times in an unheated area and the beautiful flexibility (same as summer) is a pleasure to use. It's 15 years and counting for that particular hose length. I fully expect it to go another 15 easily. No, I haven't used the store in Manchester. I rarely get over that way. Haven't needed anything from Parker in recent years but now I know a reasonably local source if I do. They market great hydraulic hose and fittings too, although I now use Weatherhead hydraulic products from NAPA about 5 miles away. I've never checked into what Weatherhead might offer for high quality, push-lock fitting, air hose.
|
