Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Archives of the best of past topics How To Questions and Answers Tips to soften a stiff hose?

Ok, I'm sure I've gotten your attention, there are many puns that quickly come to mind ! LOL...


But, I have an old cloth covered hose that is folded in half, and then fosselized. Has anyone figured out how to soften it up, so it is more pliable and NOT DISCOLOR THE CLOTH ?
Anyone run across this problem before?

Thanks,
Don

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Don "oltoydoc" Sherwood
Vintage Gas

Don, try warm water. As the hose becomes more pliable try hotter water. Make sure the water is not boiling, can split the hose. We do this with out hoses at the race shop, also used this method when I worked for a fire equiptment manufaturer who restored fire equiptment. Hopefully this method will meet your needs.
Bob

Go to your local hardware store.......and ask for the opposite of VIAGRA!!!

my mother in law without her false teeth

I was once told to just take that old stiff hose out to a pond, through it in, and leave it for there for 3-4 months and it would soften up. Don't know if this works, never tried it, but, what else do you have to do this winter.
Seriously, I was told this works.
Jack Sim
Author, Gas Pump Identification book, Air Meter Identification book www.crspub.com

Most cloth covered hoses have a metal flex [like flex conduit]core, covered with rubber & then covered with cotton woven cloth.
db