How to Replace the End Fitting on a Garden Hose

Garden hoses can be repaired if the end fittings become worn or bent. If you can no longer thread attachments onto the end of the hose, or if nozzle attachments leak, replace your end fittings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Hoses And Attachments
• Garden Shears
• Hose Repair Fitting
• Hot Water
• Mild Liquid Soap
• Bowls
• Bowls

1. Gather the tools you'll need: hot water and a bowl, pruning shears, liquid detergent and a Phillips-head screwdriver and replacement end fittings for the hose. End fittings come in two types, male and female, so make sure you get the kind you need. The female fittings have threads on the inside; male fittings have threads on the outside.

2. 

   Cut the damaged fitting off the end of the garden hose. Use your pruning shears or a sharp knife.

3. 

   Soak the cut end of the hose in hot water to soften the rubber and make it more pliable.

4. 

   Place the stem end of the replacement fitting inside the hose. If it is difficult to slip inside the rubber casing, use liquid soap to lubricate the stem. Make sure that the stem is pushed all the way inside the cut end of the hose.

5. 

   Place half of the collar piece under the fitting. Fit the other half in place and screw the two pieces together.

6. 

   Tighten the screws to prevent leaks and blowouts.

Tips & Warnings

• Hose fittings can be saved and used again after the hose finally wears out.
• Prevent damage to male end fittings by not dragging them along the ground when you roll the hose for storage. Start rolling the hose with the male end in your hand instead; it's better to drag the female end, which has the threads on the inside.