1. First: Prepare the Fire Hose and Workspace
Start by laying the fire hose flat on a clean, dry surface. Remove any dirt, rocks, or debris—these can tear the hose or get stuck during recoiling. Check the hose for kinks and straighten them out first. Because kinks make recoiling uneven and damage the rubber over time.
2. Choose the Right Recoiling Method
For small, lightweight fire hoses, use the “donut roll” method. Hold one end of the hose in your hand. Then walk forward while letting the hose loop around your arm. This forms a tight, circular roll. For larger hoses, use the “shoulder roll”. Drape the hose over one shoulder and feed it down to form a roll at your feet. This prevents back strain and keeps the roll neat.
3. Secure the Roll to Keep It Tight
Once the hose is fully coiled, use the hose’s built-in strap to wrap around the roll. Pull the strap tight enough to hold the roll together, but not so tight that it stretches the rubber. If there’s no strap, use a heavy-duty Velcro tie. Then it can avoid string or wire which can cut into the hose material.
4. Store the Recoiled Hose Properly
Place the recoiled fire hose in a cool, dry area. Besides, keep it away from direct sunlight which fades and weakens rubber. In addition, keep it away from sharp objects like tools or metal shelves. Never stack heavy items on top of the hose, as this crushes the coils and causes permanent kinks. Label the hose with its length or location to find it quickly in emergencies.