Are Stainless Steel Hoses Better Than Rubber Ones?

However, your choice of hose can significantly impact your system’s performance, maintenance requirements, and overall costs. Stainless steel braided hoses have gained popularity in many applications, but are they always the better choice?

Today, we’re looking into the key considerations that should guide your decision when choosing a hose.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Hoses

So, are stainless steel hoses better than rubber? Stainless steel braided hoses combine the flexibility of a rubber (or PTFE) inner core with the strength of a stainless steel outer braid.

This construction creates a remarkably versatile and robust hose solution. The steel braiding significantly increases the hose’s pressure-handling capability, making it ideal for high-pressure applications where standard rubber hoses might fail.

Stainless steel hoses are also able to withstand significant temperature fluctuations, maintaining their integrity across a much wider temperature range than conventional rubber hoses.

The steel braiding also acts as armour, providing excellent protection against abrasion and physical damage that would quickly deteriorate or weaken standard rubber hoses. This same reinforcement dramatically increases the burst pressure rating, offering an additional safety margin in high-pressure applications.

Longevity and Life-cycle Considerations

When properly specified and installed, stainless steel braided hoses typically outlast their rubber counterparts by a significant margin. However, their actual service life depends on several factors:

• Operating pressure and temperature
• Frequency of pressure cycling
• Environmental conditions
• Quality of installation
• Fluid compatibility
• Regular servicing

Under optimal conditions, stainless steel braided hoses can last 8-12 years or more, compared to 5-7 years for standard rubber hoses.

However, this longer lifespan comes with an important caveat: proper installation and handling are crucial.

How to Cut a Stainless Steel Hose

Working with stainless steel hoses requires specific techniques and tools to ensure both safety and hose integrity. The cutting process begins with the selection of equipment – a high-speed cutting wheel or specialised hose cutting tool is essential. Standard wire cutters or scissors should never be used, as they can cause the braiding to fray, compromising the hose’s integrity.

Make sure you’re wearing safety equipment when cutting hoses. Eye protection and cut-resistant gloves are a must.

The cutting process itself requires careful attention to detail. Before making any cuts, the desired length should be clearly marked. The cutting area should be wrapped with two or three layers of masking tape to prevent the braiding from fraying.

Regardless of your tool of choice, the cut must be clean and perpendicular to the hose axis. It must go through both the braiding and inner core in one smooth motion. After cutting, remove the tape and thoroughly clean any debris from the cut end. Double check there’s no sign of fraying before you install it into your system.

Making the Right Choice of Hose

While stainless steel braided hoses offer numerous advantages, they’re not always the best choice for every application. Consider these factors when making your selection:

Cost Considerations: Stainless steel braided hoses typically cost more upfront

Installation Requirements: They require more precise installation and specialised tools are needed to cut them

Application Needs: Some applications may not require the additional strength and durability, in which case a stainless steel hose can be a wasted expense

Maintenance Access: Consider whether the installation location allows for proper inspection and maintenance

For many industrial applications, the superior durability and performance of stainless steel braided hoses justifies their higher initial cost.

However, standard rubber hoses might be more appropriate for applications with lower pressure requirements or where frequent replacement isn’t a major concern.

If you’re unsure as to which hose to buy for your hydraulic system, take a look at our guide on how to select the right hose.

If you have any questions, reach out to a member of the Fluid Power Services team today. We’ll guide you through the process and help you choose the right hose for your application.