Installing a retractable wall-mounted hose reel takes about an hour with the right drill and a stud finder, with the key step being to mount the bracket at 34 inches from the ground for a secure, level fit.
For the full breakdown, see our best Retractable Wall-Mounted Hose Reel guide.
A retractable hose reel saves space and eliminates tangled hoses, but only if you mount it right. The biggest mistake is rushing the bracket installation. Get that level and bolted into solid material, and the rest snaps together in minutes. Whether your wall is wood siding or brick, here is the exact setup that works.
What to Check Before You Drill
Before any tools come out, confirm your leader hose — the short hose that connects the reel to the tap — actually reaches the spigot from your chosen mounting spot. Measure the distance; if it falls short, pick a closer wall. Do not mount the bracket directly above the tap, where upward-running water pipes could be hiding. A spot a foot or two to the side is safer.
Choose a wall section with solid backing. On wood siding, that means a stud. Gather these tools before you start: a stud finder, spirit level, drill with 3/16-inch and 10 mm bits (wood or masonry), hammer, socket wrench, Phillips head screwdriver, and a 1/4-inch hex bit.
Mounting the Bracket: Wood or Siding
Mark your height first. Use a stud finder to locate a stud behind the siding. Hold the board level at the 34-inch mark near the end of the hose, and drill two 3/16-inch pilot holes through the siding into the stud.
Now use the wall bracket itself as a template. Mark four screw holes through the bracket onto the backing board. Tighten all four screws sequentially — a quarter turn on each, then repeat — to keep the bracket flat.
Mounting the Bracket: Brick or Concrete
On brick, you need a masonry bit. Use the bracket as a template to mark four screw locations, checked with a level. Brick holding hardware this way supports the heaviest weight of a hose fully filled with water
References & Sources
- Lowe’s. “How to Install a Wall-Mount Hose Reel.” General procedure and tool list.
- Husky (The Home Depot). “Husky 20m/10m Retractable Wall-Mounted Hose Reel Installation Manual.” Exact mounting heights, drill sizes, and the 3/4-inch backing board specification.