DIY vacuum hose sleeve

[FastEasySmartTOOL]

Hey guys,

Just shot some video summarizing my experience with a braided vac hose cover. This is the reference I wish I had when I was in the market for a solution.  There are already a couple posts about similar products on the FOG... but that was the source of my confusion in the first place.

I made this to set the record straight about what sleeve diameter is needed, and how much it shrinks when applied over a hose. To summarize my findings: the material is so stretchy that the 40mm/1.5" cover comfortably fits both the 27mm and 36mm Festool hoses (and a plug-it cord inside). However the sleeve shrinks up to 60% in length when you put it over a hose, so order extra to avoid disappointment!! If you don't believe me, watch the video


P.S. if you don’t want your money going to a random person on eBay, there’s something similar through FestoolProducts.https://www.festoolproducts.com/SearchResults.asp?SEARCH=techflex
I think the techflex stuff might actually be made of a heavier plastic and thus should be more durable, although I haven't held it personally.

Now the official “Festool Hose w/ Sleeve” may still be nicer than this solution, but they sure want a lot of money for that!

Hope this helps someone out.

 

[JCLP]

Hi Kriss,
Great video. Being in the Markham, can you let me know where you bought the sleeve. Company, product and size. I would like to order some for my hoses as well.
Thanks,
JC

 

[FastEasySmartTOOL]

Hi Kriss,
Great video. Being in the Markham, can you let me know where you bought the sleeve. Company, product and size. I would like to order some for my hoses as well.
Thanks,
JC

Hey JC,

I got it from here:http://ebay.to/1TUQ4Dp (the Black, 40mm option). It's a 5M length by default.
Edit: They're out of stock on the item above. Try this insteadhttp://ebay.to/1YvLEEi (same product, same seller, just a different listing)

Cheers!
Kriss

(psst. if you're in Markham we should meet up sometime – I'm in Scarborough!)

 

[Biffsbench]

Great Stuff, I just order some braided sleeve and shrink wrap, to do the same thing. Great video!!

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

Everyone who uses a Festool hose should buy some of this. It works brilliantly and eliminates snagging and is much cheaper than the Festool hose cover. I've been using this on all my hoses for about 12 months and highly recommend it.

 

[gsdvorak]

Thanks for posting the video!  This is something that I will definitely add to my to-do list.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the video analysis.  I would note for anyone buying the techflex sleeve on the Festoolproducts site -- they spec the length needed for the 27mm hose to account for shrinkage at 14ft.  I would actually up that to 15ft.  If you don't position the sleeve perfectly you end up coming a bit short on one of the ends -- and even if you do, the unraveling of the braids before you tape it off can take the sleeve below the optimum coverage.

 

[BirdmanTheWelder]

Great tip man! Gonna order this stuff up asap!  Sick of the hose snagging on the edges of my work all the time. Thanks  [big grin]

 

[SoonerFan]

Birdman,
Welcome to FOG!

I got 15 feet.  I wanted a little uncovered on both sides so the hose is more flexible connecting, un-connecting and repositioning.  The 15 feet I got covers my hose except about 4 inches on the tool side and then I have about a foot on the CT side uncovered.  Worked perfect for me.

Get the extra length.  You will be glad you did!

Great tip man! Gonna order this stuff up asap!  Sick of the hose snagging on the edges of my work all the time. Thanks  [big grin]