Are there any sources for bow press fire hose that may be cheaper than 75 cents an inch. But dependable?

Quote from: Crooked Stic on May 01, 2026, 12:39:39 PMAre there any sources for bow press fire hose that may be cheaper than 75 cents an inch. But dependable?

I'm working on a source for that.

Check out your local Fire Department or Volunteer Fire Department for used Hose sections. I have not bought firehouse For Bow Building in 20 years. I get old sections up to 20'+ long for free or dirt cheap. I make my own plugs and pressure check. Great source for cheap hose.

I buy at a local hydraulic and hose shop.  They even often just give it to me if they have very short pieces left from a roll.  It has worked well for me some are several years old.

Also, most hose has a 2 layer canvas liner. When my hose sections get stiff or have hardened areas from glue ups over time? I cut the outer layer of canvas off and now have a fresh canvas cover. Never had an issue with losing pressure or blowouts up to 60Lbs of PSI. I have at least 3-4 if these hoses still in use from time to time.

Gary,  I'm curious as to how you make your own plugs.  I'm short one plug for an additional hose.

Quote from: Longcruise on May 02, 2026, 08:34:15 PMGary,  I'm curious as to how you make your own plugs.  I'm short one plug for an additional hose.

+1 to this. Sounds like Gary needs to make a short tutorial on the process and post it up.   


Mark

I guess I should have explained the plug making part better, than just mentioning it. I used to be a millwright, so I had access to metal scrap pieces, lathes, Drill presses.
So it was easy for me to
Mill/Fabricate my own.  Sorry about not clarifying that.

I did get some cheaper single layer fire hose off Amazon. It has held pressure for about 4 days. Being single layer not sure how durable it will be.

eBay has some good deals on fire hose.

I did just pick up some hose.  Haven't had a chance to measure it but i think it's 1.75".  I'll figure it out tomorrow.

Yeah, this hose is 1.75" ID.  the two hoses that I use regularly are 1.5".

So now I'm wondering where I can get the typical hose ends that we use.  Are these commonly available as used in some other applications?

Pictures

What is the diameter of the hose Bingham used to sell?

Quote from: Buemaker on May 10, 2026, 06:22:56 PMWhat is the diameter of the hose Bingham used to sell?

1.5" ID.  The hose they sold and what others seem to provide is what is called "wildland hose".  It's lighter than what is used in an urban setting fighting structure fires.  The stuff I have is 1.75" OD and close to 1.5" ID.  I have one set of the conventional plugs that most of us have probably used and the 1.75 hose seems like it will work but I'm wanting to make up two more hoses and don't want to pay $30 plus shipping just for the plugs.

This 1.75" hose has thicker rubber lining and a double Kevlar jacket. 

You can use apiece of pipe ripple the correct size and use silicone to fille the threads and a cap. Then the one cap can be drilled a taped for a Schrader valve.

What is a pipe ripple??

I have a solution I've been playing with but yours sounds better.  Is it some sort of pipe all thread??

I found this

Get you a King Combination nipple.  Has a barbed end to insert into the Jose and male pipe threads on the other.  Couple of pipe caps and drill and tap for schrader valve.