How to install garden hose reel on fibre cement?

[VijayWani]

Hi,

I’m planning to install a Holman retractable water hose reel in my backyard, but I’ve encountered an issue during setup. The mounting hole tends to become oblong, which prevents the reel from staying securely in place.

Could you please advise on the correct installation procedure, along with the recommended tools and materials to ensure a firm and lasting fit?

Appreciate your support.
Best regards,
Vijay

[MitchellMc]

Hi @VijayWani,

Just to clarify, is it the hole in the fibre cement panel that’s becoming oblong, or is it the mounting hole on the hose reel itself that’s deforming? I’d presume it’s the cladding panel.

Typically, hose reels shouldn’t be fixed directly to fibre cement cladding, as the panels can flex and aren’t designed to take heavy loads or repeated pulling force. I’d recommend locating the nearest timber frame behind the cladding and fixing into that instead. Even if you can only get two of the screws into the timber and the others into the cladding, it’ll still provide a much more secure hold than attaching to the panel alone.

Hose reels are generally intended to be mounted onto a solid surface such as brick, concrete, or timber framing. Do you know if there’s any timber framing available behind that section of wall that you could screw into, rather than the cladding itself?

Here are the installation instructions for the reel. The product doesn't include any suitable fixings for cement panels. The included coach screws can be used to attach the real to a timber frame, just ensure you pre-drill it with 5mm drill bit. You'd likely find that due to the width of the timber frame, you'll only be able to locate two of the four screws in timber. To remedy this, you can screw a section of 140mm Merbau decking to the timber frame which will then give you a wider mounting point for the reel. These bugle screws can be used to attach the Merbau to the timber frame. Ensure you pre-drill the Merbau before fixing it in place.

If you can share a bit more detail about your setup, I’m sure our helpful members will have some great suggestions for how to make the installation solid and long-lasting. 

Mitchell

[VijayWani]

Hi Mitchell,

Sorry for the delayed reply. 

The cladding pannel hole is bacame oblong. I dont see any frame nearby but definately there are wooden studs behind the Fibre cement cladding.

In this case, do I need to get hard timber plate and fix it on the studs and then install the hose on the wooden block ? Please advise.

Regards,

Vijay Wani

[MitchellMc]

Yes, that's exactly what you would do @VijayWani. A plate that spans between the wooden studs and allows you to mount the hose reel where needed. As mentioned above, a section of Merbau decking could do the job.

Mitchell

[VijayWani]

Thanks Mitchell, for your swift reply. Please let me know which drill bit and screw I should use to install the plate on the studs. Also suggest me the timber for that.

Vijay Wani

[MitchellMc]

I would suggest you use a section of 140mm Merbau decking @VijayWani. You can pre-drill it with a 5mm drill bit and screw it into the studs with Buildex® 14G x 50mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws.

Mitchell