What was the matter with the old one mate, I had loads of problems last week with the connector blowing off the reel, it turned out to be the male connector on the reel spindle was worn. some of the hozelock reels have a 5/8 inch thread, not the same as the 3/4 inch that go onto your garden tap.if the male spindle connector is worn, I have spare brass and the grey plastic ones. All 5/8 inch.