Let’s face it: There’s nothing more annoying than coiling up a stubborn hose. It’s a time-consuming chore (and a certified pain in the butt). If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried a variety of hose reels and ended up with the hose strewn all over the yard on any given day. This was my reality for over 30 years of gardening until I stumbled across the Liberty Garden hose reel.
The 360-degree rotating carriage seems like the perfect solution for navigating obstacles and tight spaces, so I set out to try this garden hose reel to see if it made this annoying task any easier. In this Liberty Garden hose reel review, I guide you through everything from the setup to the features (and everything in between). Think of me as your product-testing guinea pig. Together, we’ll see if this hose reel is really worth your cash.
What is the Liberty Garden hose reel?
I tested the Liberty Garden 712 Navigator, which holds 125 feet of a 5/8-inch hose. It’s made of durable steel in a handsome bronze finish. This hose reel is a wall-mount style and can be mounted on a vertical post. The carriage rotates 360 degrees for awkward angles and ease of use, and locks in eight positions. The included 5-foot leader hose features durable brass fittings and a leak-free design. Winding the hose is comfortable and fast with the cushion grip handle. Plus, this model is outfitted with a convenient detachable basket to hold nozzles, sprayers and tools.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Liberty Garden Hose Reel
The Liberty Garden hose reel is the easiest way to wind and manage your hose, thanks to the 360-degree rotating carriage and additional features.
Liberty Garden Hose Reel Features
The nice thing about this Liberty Garden hose reel is its versatility. The slim, vertical mount can attach to a fence post or flat wall. It puts less stress on the hose with the 360-degree rotating carriage and helps gardeners maneuver around obstacles. This product includes a 5-foot leader hose and washers, so you can mount it within 5 feet of your spigot, or you can pick up a longer leader hose if it’s more convenient to mount it further away.
The winding wheel works without a hitch, and the crank handle is easy to turn with one hand while you guide the hose with the other. Liberty Garden also makes an attachable hose handle that slips around the hose to help guide it into place without getting your hands dirty.
I love that that this hose reel doesn’t leak, reduces kinks and easily winds my heavy hose for daily storage. With its 18-gauge steel construction and powder-coat finish, the 712 Navigator is strong, durable and weather-resistant. With the turn of a screw, you can detach the carriage from the arm and store the hose and reel in the garage for the winter.
How We Tested It
I planned to mount the Liberty Garden hose reel on the side of a brick house. The area where the spigot is has landscaping in front of it, and the space is tight. Previously, the plants in front were easily damaged when using the hose. So, I placed the hose reel a few feet above the spigot at a convenient height. As a result, the Liberty Garden hose reel is high enough that it now reaches over the plants with little risk of damage to the plants. Assembly and mounting are straightforward with the right tools (more on that later).
The hose I attached to the Navigator had permanent kinks and a mind of its own, which is the type of hose that makes me a little cranky when trying to wind it up. Once I mounted it and had the connectors in place, I gave it a whirl.
At first, the carriage seemed slightly wobbly. However, having a little play is good, as something more rigid is more likely to break. Once I got cranking, this reel proved to be a dream! Winding it was smooth and effortless. I did it with two fingers on the handle and, if needed, I guided the hose with my free hand. The handle is solid and comfortable, and what would have taken me 10 minutes or more took less than a minute. Likewise, unwinding the hose was as easy as pie. The carriage really does turn 360 degrees without a hitch. With the locking knob set free, the hose easily moves with you.
I love well-designed products that make gardening joyful. After trying the Liberty Garden hose reel, I had to call all my gardening friends. To say I’m impressed is an understatement.
Pros
- Slim, vertical mounting
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Eight locking positions
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Leak-free brass fittings
- Comfortable handle
- Accessory basket included
- 5-foot leader hose included
Cons
- Wall-mounting hardware not included
- Position pin and welds are reported to rust
FAQ
How do you install a Liberty Garden hose reel?
Installing the Liberty Garden hose reel is straightforward when following the enclosed instructions. First, decide what surface you’ll be mounting the hose reel on, and then get the proper hardware for either masonry or wood. Keep in mind that the package doesn’t include mounting hardware for your particular mounting surface. When purchasing hardware, look for stainless steel that won’t rust. If you need more installation guidance, the owner’s manual features a QR code that links to the installation video.
Next, use a marker and level to determine where to place the holes for the mounting arm. If you’re installing on masonry like I did, use either masonry screws and anchor sleeves or concrete screws. I used a hammer drill and masonry bits to drill the holes. Take care not to drill into the mortar. If installing on wood siding, first look for the stud with a stud finder.
The unit itself needs minor assembly. First, attach the carriage to the arm with the included hardware, then attach the crank handle. Once the unit is fully assembled, attach the leader hose to the unit and the spigot. Lastly, attach your hose to the fitting on the reel and wind it up with the hand crank. All done!
Why You Should Trust Us
As a veteran gardener, I’m always looking for high-functioning products to make yard work easier. And when it comes to hose storage, I’ve used the plastic box style that sits on the ground, and found it moved at every turn and leaked at the connectors. I’ve also used portable stake hose holders and wall-mounted racks. Rather than spending time fastidiously coiling the hose, I end up flopping it over the rack in an unsatisfactory figure eight.
When searching for an easier way to wind a hose daily, I looked for sturdiness and durability with a user-friendly design. I considered several wall-mounted hose reels, and combed through hundreds of user reviews in search of a solution. I landed on the Liberty Garden hose reel, which I thoroughly tested and evaluated before writing this review.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
Over 2,100 people have given the Liberty Garden hose reel five out of five stars. Check out what a few satisfied customers (besides me) had to say:
“After trying several plastic hose reels that always leaked (despite new O-rings, parts and grease), I spent more money and bought this reel,” shares Rob Franks, a five-star reviewer. “Very sturdy, easy to assemble and mount, and best of all: no leaks!!!”
Verified purchaser, Teri Burger, writes, “We love how well this hose reel works. Being able to direct the hose throughout the front or backyard by swiveling the reel is a welcomed convenience. Nice looking, too!”
“This hose reel is worth the extra cost. The design is well thought out and made from heavy duty materials,” says Sherri Mead, another five-star reviewer. “I mounted the bracket to a post on my front porch and paired it with light weight 5/8-inch hose that I found at Costco. I can rotate the wheel 360 degrees, and winding the hose back up is a breeze.”
Final Verdict
I highly recommend the Liberty Garden hose reel, and give it five stars for maneuverability, sturdiness and clever design. The slim, vertical mount is as ingenious as the rotating reel, making the 712 Navigator the most versatile wall-mount hose reel available today. The option to mount on a single post is beneficial for renters, homeowners and community gardens that need a freestanding hose reel or who don’t want to drill into their exterior walls.
The handle works smoothly, and it’s easy to guide the hose with the other hand. It’s effortless to keep the hose kink-free and tidy. Plus, winter storage will be a snap, since the hose and reel can be detached from the wall-mounted arm and stay rolled up and compacted in the garage until spring.
Goodbye to the annoying task of coiling an unruly hose. No more flipping the hose to get rid of kinks or time-consuming looping and coiling for me! The Liberty hose reel enhances curb appeal with its handsome profile and tidy storage solution.
Where to Buy the Liberty Garden Hose Reel
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Liberty Garden Hose Reel
The Liberty Garden hose reel is the easiest way to wind and manage your hose, thanks to the 360-degree rotating carriage and additional features.
If you’re looking for an easy way to wind a heavy hose, Liberty Garden has you covered. It’s so easy to use and makes watering fun rather than a chore. Grab your rotating hose reel on Amazon or Lowe’s for around $120 to make your gardening life a little easier!
