Post Preview: Fire hose has a shelf life. Once it’s reached it’s useful end on the Firefighting side, it gets turned into unique and memorable items, which are perfect gifts for Firefighters! Updated November 2019.
Not only is Fire Hose amazing for it’s life saving water power, but it also turns into some hot up-cycled items, many of which are perfect gifts for Firefighters.
And that’s not even the best part!
When you make crafts or purchase used fire hose gifts, you are recycling the hose and keeping it out of the landfill!
Obviously, being recycled wasn’t what fire hose was intended for- so finding specific colors is dependent on what gets retired at the time.
The items that can be created are truly endless, from belts and wallets to bags and notebooks. Hammocks, chairs and wall art also top the list of creative firehose recyclables.
Fire hose is one of the most versatile crafts around- especially if you love all things firefighter! Check out these awesome fire hose crafts and nifty upcycles you can use with left over fire hose. No firehose?
No problem! We talk about where you can find it and how you can get it.
The creativity doesn’t stop there though.
Decommissioned Fire Hose has been in the media lately because of its versatility and strength in keeping doors closed, should an incident occur in a school. And animal habitats have been known to use decommisioned fire hose for play toys and bedding.
Basically, Fire hose is useful from the beginning to the end of it’s life. The real question now is, do you want to DIY your fire hose master piece or purchase an up-cycled firehose piece from a talented artist?
Table of Contents
What’s all the hoopla with recycled fire hose?
Firefighters are a pretty handy bunch. They can also be pretty resourceful too- give them some decommissioned fire hose and you might be surprised what they will make.
I’m thinking that one of them decided to cut up some hose and make something back in the day.
Of course, this would be hard to track down- I’m sure it was before the advent of the internet when some hose lover made a bench or some wall art with some old firehose.
Fire hose is very unique though, so thats why it makes such a fun project. It’s durable, tough and comes in a variety of colors. It also makes an excellent Firefighter gift idea, especially because Firefighters love to have memorabilia.
It’s also super flexible- just imagine all the water a used hose has had to deal with. Those funny videos of firefighters losing control of their fire hose aren’t just for show- they really happen!
Personally, I think it’s a great use of resources that have failed testing or reached their limit. Much better than a landfill or them going to a third world country where they might fail in action.
GIFT GUIDE
Under 20 dollars
Fire Hose Wallets and Belts
Wallets and Belts tend to be the most popular reclaimed fire hose item. If you wanted to purchase some there are several options! Many of these producers are also firefighters (double bonus!!).
Some popular brands for wallets include Recycled Firefighter and Gallo En Fuego. Etsy also has a large collection of independent makers making unique firehose wallets. Though if you want something guaranteed, Recycled Firefighter has been making a name for himself in the US, particularly among the EDC crowd. I’ve never heard a bad review!
Belts seem to be easier (maybe?) to make since there are lots of options to choose from!
Ladder34 has some really cool collections to showcase their belt options, like the Hotshot collection and FDNY inspired belts. Personally I like the Attack belts, but my husband would be all over the truckie ones.
Another maker is FireHoze, which has some pretty cool standard colored fire hose belts.
Rustic Firehose has some traditional up cycled firehose belts as well… and I’d be lying if I said they were ugly. The ‘rustic red’ is right up my alley!
Recycled Fire Hose Dogs toys
Nothing screams ‘Fire Pup’ like a Fire Hose chew toy. Seriously, Fire hose makes great dog chew toys because it’s practically indestructible. These are great for aggressive chewers, we’ve tried a few different options for our puppy and the fire hose beats all the other ones hands down!
These 5 Star rated Fire Hose Chew Toys are a must have for any pup!
Don’t forget about Etsy! They have some super cute dog collars and accessories.
Bags and Notebooks
These are some of my favorite items that have been made from upcycled Fire Hose. I think some of the color combinations are really stunning. While you can find turnout gear bags everywhere, fire hose bags tend to be a little more exclusive.
You’ve got upscale bags like this one that looks great with the wooden handles.
Then you have more masculine ones like this one, the Bag Truck Tarpaulin and Fire Hose ensemble, which looks totally badass!
Decor
Etsy is my go to when I want to look at creative uses for Fire hose, and it does not disappoint! This is especially true for Firefighter gifts for a Fire Wall or a Firefighter Themed Man Cave.
You will find so many creative things on Etsy made from firehose, truly one of a kind pieces. But really, I just love these absolutely original wall hangings from BrotherhoodProducts. I spoken with the shop owner via email and was so impressed! He’s a fellow firefighter and loves his Etsy shop. Definetly someone you would want to check out!
Plus this item is ALL OVER PINTEREST. People are obsessed with The ever popular Fire Hose Bench from AxesandHoseCo
Ok, ok, I REALLY DID save the best item for last. This item is both hilarious, yet useful.
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First, Where do you get used Fire Hose?
This is the million dollar question.
Pro tip- Don’t call 911 asking for fire hose…
The first logical answer is calling up your local fire department (non emergency number) and the surrounding stations within a reasonable drive. Ask them if they have any available and also offer to contribute a donation to the department. Chances are, they have some lying around.
Another great option is to look online! You can grab new hose, Ebay and Craigslist have used fire hose options, and there are other producers that sell wholesale and retail to the public. You should be able to find some fire hose for sale online.
It may take some hunting, but you can find some recycled fire hose for your DIY projects!
Upcycled DIY Fire Hose SECTION (plus some craft ideas!)
Of course, if you are pretty handy, you could do a lot of these projects yourself. I’m a crafty and avid sewer (sewist? Whats the word when you make stuff with a sewing machine?) but I have yet to attempt playing with fire hose.
Thankfully, there are some tutorials on how to cut and sew this stuff up! You can also use leather working material to create your design, which would require more of a hand sewn approach- looking at the videos online, it looks like it might be easier to do it hand sewn.
If I was starting out with a new fire hose project, I would probably go with a wall design or a can holder. Those look like they would be the easiest to make!
Instructables has several project outlines for working with fire hose. They look decently easy- working with fire hose has an element of common sense. It’s tough like leather but still flexible- almost like a well-loved rug.
There are some other really cool ideas that don’t involve sewing. Several options just require cutting and using something like a pin or staple to secure the hose. Others could be hanging hose, or weaving it.
Fire Hose Projects and Fire Hose Crafts
Bunker Gear and Fire hose are essential to a Firefigher Display. Make sure you've properly cleaned these items if you plan to store them in your home!
Maybe not the best use of the American Flag, but I'm sure they had good intentions?
The perfect combination of honoring our Firefighters and reusing old fire hose!
A modern fire spin on and old classic
Cute and patriotic use of old fire hose!
Nothing like chilling out on some old hose line!
Nifty upcycled pocket tool holder from old hose
Conclusion
So if you have some vintage fire hose, you’ve got two options. Chop it up yourself, or get someone else to make you a custom fire hose piece.
If you don’t have firehose, because not many of us do, definitely consider some of these unique items available for purchase (many of these stores are owned by firefighters- double win!)
Did I inspire a new firefighter themed collection? Or did I miss your favorite firehose creation? Let me know in the comments!
