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General => Detailing => Topic started by: LRWmotorsport on 19 December 2016, 11:09
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Hi all,
I've been instructed that I need to invest in a pressure washer and I'm not sure which model is best to get.
Will be using it to lovingly maintain Mrs LRWmotorsports Clubsport as well as blasting stuck on rubber from the arches of various race cars.
What so you guys use and do you have any trouble finding snow foam lances to attach to various models?
Any help is gratefully received, I'm out of my comfort zone here....
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I don't have one so pretty useless really! But, I've seen quite a few people using Karchers so I'd decided when I do get one to go for a K2 model. You can get it with or without various accessories, I was going to get a basic one and have seen quite a few deals around £49. Or, Karcher sell on their returns as refurbs and have a dedicated site, they usually go for around £35 but by the time you've paid for a full warranty (they only have 3 months) and delivery the new ones seem a better bet.
Lances seem to be readily available from detailing kit retailers and Karcher being popular don't seem to be difficult to cater for.
B&Q seem to be cheapest at the moment at £48 but no doubt there'll be a few bargains to be had after Christmas :smiley:
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Kranzle 1050TS - its part of their 'family range' so is comparable with decent Karcher in terms of cost.
This with an Autobrite lance.
Cheers
Neil
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I bought a top model K'archer about 14 years ago (it has the brass pump, not plastic) and it is still going strong despite having many many hours of prolonged used over the years.
Looking at their website and comparing models, my old girl is a bit better specced than the K7, but I reckon a K5 will give you what you want, plus a 5 year warranty. IMHO if products like these can't last 10 years, or more, they aren't worth looking at.
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I have both a Karcher K2 (for car) and a K4 (for home duties) I bought the K2 solely for car use as it is less cumbersome that the K4. It does the job perfectly adequately. However the K4 pressure is a little better and it has a dedicated pressure hose reel which keeps things need and tidy. On the subject of hoses, I find the standard Karcher pressure hose (and by all accounts Nilfisk are just the same) to be a nightmare for twisting and kinking to the point where you can spent a more time unkinking them than it takes to wash the car! So to remedy this last year, I bought a 15ft replacement pressure hose from Qwashers on eBay which is far superior being made of Heavy Duty rubber and being metal braided, which is far better then the nylon braided standard ones. They come in varying lengths too. Never get any twists of kinks now. Massive improvement. Not cheap, but if you use the jet washer a lot then well worth thinking about investing in one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
You shouldn't have any issue getting a snow foam lance to fit whichever pressure washer you buy, you just need to make sure you select the correct fitting when you purchase it. I use a PA snow foam lance and it is still going strong and doing sterling duty after 4 years of regular service. They also make the Autobrite lances too. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
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I have both a Karcher K2 (for car) and a K4 (for home duties) I bought the K2 solely for car use as it is less cumbersome that the K4. It does the job perfectly adequately. However the K4 pressure is a little better and it has a dedicated pressure hose reel which keeps things need and tidy. On the subject of hoses, I find the standard Karcher pressure hose (and by all accounts Nilfisk are just the same) to be a nightmare for twisting and kinking to the point where you can spent a more time unkinking them than it takes to wash the car! So to remedy this last year, I bought a 15ft replacement pressure hose from Qwashers on eBay which is far superior being made of Heavy Duty rubber and being metal braided, which is far better then the nylon braided standard ones. They come in varying lengths too. Never get any twists of kinks now. Massive improvement. Not cheap, but if you use the jet washer a lot then well worth thinking about investing in one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
You shouldn't have any issue getting a snow foam lance to fit whichever pressure washer you buy, you just need to make sure you select the correct fitting when you purchase it. I use a PA snow foam lance and it is still going strong and doing sterling duty after 4 years of regular service. They also make the Autobrite lances too. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
Also, steer clear of the Karcher exension hose kit as this actually makes the standard short hose look like the least likely to kink hose in the world, so much so I'd rather do without the extension hose and carry the pressure washer around more.
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^^The beauty of the Qwashers hose, apart from different construction, is thst it's a replacement hose, not an extension.
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Loads of useful stuff here thanks everyone.
I'm weighing up the Kartcher V Kranzel choice at the moment.
It will have quite a bit of use and I'm wondering if the Kranzel would be worth the extra layout for longevity. Going off Booths advice the hoses might just swing it.
Glad to know I can find S/Foam lances for both too.
Really appreciate the input.
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I've had a Nilfisk C120 for around 5 years, and apart from a split lance hose, it's been great.
One feature that I really like about it is how the lance and handle rotate, meaning you can change your angle of attack without contorting your wrist. I'd not really noticed this until I used my Dads Karcher and realised how cack handed it was.
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I have both a Karcher K2 (for car) and a K4 (for home duties) I bought the K2 solely for car use as it is less cumbersome that the K4. It does the job perfectly adequately. However the K4 pressure is a little better and it has a dedicated pressure hose reel which keeps things need and tidy. On the subject of hoses, I find the standard Karcher pressure hose (and by all accounts Nilfisk are just the same) to be a nightmare for twisting and kinking to the point where you can spent a more time unkinking them than it takes to wash the car! So to remedy this last year, I bought a 15ft replacement pressure hose from Qwashers on eBay which is far superior being made of Heavy Duty rubber and being metal braided, which is far better then the nylon braided standard ones. They come in varying lengths too. Never get any twists of kinks now. Massive improvement. Not cheap, but if you use the jet washer a lot then well worth thinking about investing in one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
You shouldn't have any issue getting a snow foam lance to fit whichever pressure washer you buy, you just need to make sure you select the correct fitting when you purchase it. I use a PA snow foam lance and it is still going strong and doing sterling duty after 4 years of regular service. They also make the Autobrite lances too. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
Also, steer clear of the Karcher exension hose kit as this actually makes the standard short hose look like the least likely to kink hose in the world, so much so I'd rather do without the extension hose and carry the pressure washer around more.
Just realised I'm a saddo and have quoted my own post lol, but here goes anyway!
I see the links (now I'm at home and can access them) are for slightly different models to mine. I've got the one with the screw thread on the pressure washer (Karcher K2 compact). Does anyone know where they do that type?
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I have both a Karcher K2 (for car) and a K4 (for home duties) I bought the K2 solely for car use as it is less cumbersome that the K4. It does the job perfectly adequately. However the K4 pressure is a little better and it has a dedicated pressure hose reel which keeps things need and tidy. On the subject of hoses, I find the standard Karcher pressure hose (and by all accounts Nilfisk are just the same) to be a nightmare for twisting and kinking to the point where you can spent a more time unkinking them than it takes to wash the car! So to remedy this last year, I bought a 15ft replacement pressure hose from Qwashers on eBay which is far superior being made of Heavy Duty rubber and being metal braided, which is far better then the nylon braided standard ones. They come in varying lengths too. Never get any twists of kinks now. Massive improvement. Not cheap, but if you use the jet washer a lot then well worth thinking about investing in one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
You shouldn't have any issue getting a snow foam lance to fit whichever pressure washer you buy, you just need to make sure you select the correct fitting when you purchase it. I use a PA snow foam lance and it is still going strong and doing sterling duty after 4 years of regular service. They also make the Autobrite lances too. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170856695088?euid=6fbcd6e09a4f44e48590d3014d14d009&cp=1
Also, steer clear of the Karcher exension hose kit as this actually makes the standard short hose look like the least likely to kink hose in the world, so much so I'd rather do without the extension hose and carry the pressure washer around more.
Just realised I'm a saddo and have quoted my own post lol, but here goes anyway!
I see the links (now I'm at home and can access them) are for slightly different models to mine. I've got the one with the screw thread on the pressure washer (Karcher K2 compact). Does anyone know where they do that type?
Saddo. :laugh:
For the replacement hose, I'm pretty sure you can get adaptors. Best thing to do is phone up Qwashers and tell them exactly what type of fitting your jet washer has and they should be able to advise. I know a couple people that have done that and they were able to get the correct fitting. :smiley: My K2 has screw thread but I just used an adaptor I already had.
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Interesting......
I was unaware that you can get a replacement hose for the Karcher, but not made by them, is it s straight fit? I have a K4 ecologic which uses rainwater out of the water butt so I don't get the water marks from the tap (hard water area) plus is saves the environment a little (think the R offsets that but hey ho). :smiley:
Neil
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Interesting......
I was unaware that you can get a replacement hose for the Karcher, but not made by them, is it s straight fit? I have a K4 ecologic which uses rainwater out of the water butt so I don't get the water marks from the tap (hard water area) plus is saves the environment a little (think the R offsets that but hey ho). :smiley:
Neil
You need to check your connections on your Karcher but usually is a straight fit, but you can get connection adaptors if needs be. The Qwashers hose is an enormous improvement over the standard karcher hose.
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Interesting......
I have a K4 ecologic Neil
I have the K4 Ecologic (and hate it because it's fiddly and clumsy) but the Qwashers hose fits fine and is far better that the original hose. It's a pretty straight push-and-click into the gun end, but at the hose-reel end you have to get things lined up and then rotate the end of the hose until the flats on the connector line up with the socket so that it clicks all the way in. Only then will you be able to re-fit the spring clip. It's tricky the first time but no problem once you've got the hang of it. However, the Qwashers hose won't roll up on the hose-reel. I've put a B&Q garage hook up on the wall above where I store the Karcher so I can hang the hose up when not in use.
Note that you should make sure the pressure is released when you finish with the washer. Mine was in the garage during a really cold spell recently, the water in the washer froze, expanded and blew out at least one of the internal seals resulting in more water on the floor that through the washer. It's currently away being fixed under warranty.
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I've had a Nilfisk C120 for around 5 years, and apart from a split lance hose, it's been great.
One feature that I really like about it is how the lance and handle rotate, meaning you can change your angle of attack without contorting your wrist. I'd not really noticed this until I used my Dads Karcher and realised how cack handed it was.
... cheap and cheerful. Hose wraps up on mine. Not too powerful. Fine for car duties.
On the farm we had a Kew pressure washer. It blew a hole in my welly boot = wet foot. Not sure about using it on a car.
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To mix it up a bit :P I use a Nilfisk, brilliant hardy little washer, All attachments are easy to find for the bayonet fitting too!
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+1 for Nilfisk. I have one of the lower spec / cheaper Nilfisk pressure washers. Great little machine and well built (has a metal pump whereas Karcher use a plastic pump).
Powerful enough for most cleaning jobs; paths, patios fences and of course, the car - especially when used with an Auto Brite foam lance for snow foaming.
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Bought this a couple weeks back. The old K4 (years old) had started leaking and pulsing. I swapped my Qwashers 20mtr replacement hose over to it. Used twice on car and cleaned while patio with it. Does both very well.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4161/34696082316_fecc292a9c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/URYutN)
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I use one of these and it's great but heavy
http://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=1001&?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=comparsionshopping&gclid=Cj0KEQjw9YTJBRD0vKClruOsuOwBEiQAGkQjP9Pr401Hha6p6iujjP-M8WlDu3mmwzCAbm7ieLIYXsUaAiwT8P8HAQ
If I was buying now I would invest in one of these
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/kranzle/hd-k-7-122-portable-pressure-washer.aspx
Expensive but will probably last a lifetime for domestic use.
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+1 for Nilfisk-as kalimon said they are heavy but very well built. Mine is the E145.3-10 Extra, great with the 10m hose and onboard storage for attachments.
https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=13384
Also good service from Cleanstore.
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I went through 4 Krapchers in two years. I`d never waste my money on another.
Then I bought a Nilfisk about four years ago and it`s been fine. It gets used every week.
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Slight thread resurrection but here goes...
Well after a year my hose has split on my Karcher K2 - time for a new one and rather than get another standard one (which is utter crap) I think I've spotted the right replacement one.
It's this one - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KARCHER-K-SERIES-HOSE-10M-SCREW-FITTING-22MM-FEMALE-X-MALE-GUN-Q-RELEASE-PROBE/172845182714?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KARCHER-K-SERIES-HOSE-10M-SCREW-FITTING-22MM-FEMALE-X-MALE-GUN-Q-RELEASE-PROBE/172845182714?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649) and I think it's the right one for my washer.
However... the advert has a slightly different lance than mine - there's has a button to release the hose but mine is a C shaped clip you have to pull out to release it even though the actual attachment looks identical - is it the same fixing for both? I've messaged them to check but does anyone here know the definitive answer?
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I have a qwashers replacement hose but it's slightly different to that one. It has push in connectors at either end. I use it on both a K2 and a K4 Karcher. The item no longer comes up, but it is this one. It pushes in but the PW also has a retaining clip to secure.
(https://s26.postimg.org/yq2s57tbd/IMG_5808.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Probably best to wait to be advised by the company.
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This is the one I bought for my Karcher K4 Eco. It has the push fit both ends. Brilliant piece of kit, far better then the original hose.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/180901516949?var=480158037669
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This is the one I bought for my Karcher K4 Eco. It has the push fit both ends. Brilliant piece of kit, far better then the original hose.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/180901516949?var=480158037669
The original hose is crap, it's about as flexible as a Russian belly dancer!
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Take that back.
I've been to some "gentlemans" clubs that prove that statement inaccurate.
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I have a qwashers replacement hose but it's slightly different to that one. It has push in connectors at either end. I use it on both a K2 and a K4 Karcher. The item no longer comes up, but it is this one. It pushes in but the PW also has a retaining clip to secure.
(https://s26.postimg.org/yq2s57tbd/IMG_5808.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Probably best to wait to be advised by the company.
Got a reply from Qwashers and ordered the correct one for my pressure washer only to realise that mine was only days out of warranty. Thought I may as well get it replaced and then I've got a spare hose should the worst happen. Halfords were really good and replaced it straight away but the new one has got quick connectors both ends of the pressure hose lol. Just messaged Qwashers to see if they'll swap it out (it's not even been connected yet) and awaiting a reply. I'm sure I'll be paying postage (I've been honest in my email to them) as they've supplied exactly what I've asked for but we'll wait and see. It looks exactly the hose you got with the quick connect both ends.
Cheers for your earlier help.
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I have a qwashers replacement hose but it's slightly different to that one. It has push in connectors at either end. I use it on both a K2 and a K4 Karcher. The item no longer comes up, but it is this one. It pushes in but the PW also has a retaining clip to secure.
(https://s26.postimg.org/yq2s57tbd/IMG_5808.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Probably best to wait to be advised by the company.
Got a reply from Qwashers and ordered the correct one for my pressure washer only to realise that mine was only days out of warranty. Thought I may as well get it replaced and then I've got a spare hose should the worst happen. Halfords were really good and replaced it straight away but the new one has got quick connectors both ends of the pressure hose lol. Just messaged Qwashers to see if they'll swap it out (it's not even been connected yet) and awaiting a reply. I'm sure I'll be paying postage (I've been honest in my email to them) as they've supplied exactly what I've asked for but we'll wait and see. It looks exactly the hose you got with the quick connect both ends.
Cheers for your earlier help.
Fingers crossed qwashers come through for you. :smiley:
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I have a qwashers replacement hose but it's slightly different to that one. It has push in connectors at either end. I use it on both a K2 and a K4 Karcher. The item no longer comes up, but it is this one. It pushes in but the PW also has a retaining clip to secure.
(https://s26.postimg.org/yq2s57tbd/IMG_5808.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Probably best to wait to be advised by the company.
Got a reply from Qwashers and ordered the correct one for my pressure washer only to realise that mine was only days out of warranty. Thought I may as well get it replaced and then I've got a spare hose should the worst happen. Halfords were really good and replaced it straight away but the new one has got quick connectors both ends of the pressure hose lol. Just messaged Qwashers to see if they'll swap it out (it's not even been connected yet) and awaiting a reply. I'm sure I'll be paying postage (I've been honest in my email to them) as they've supplied exactly what I've asked for but we'll wait and see. It looks exactly the hose you got with the quick connect both ends.
Cheers for your earlier help.
Fingers crossed qwashers come through for you. :smiley:
They did! I was right and qwashers took me up on my offer of paying the postage - new hose arrived (identical to yours). Hopefully the weather will hold for the weekend and I can give it a test on mine (which looks like it's done a WRC special stage) and the first wash on Mrs Gnasher's new Qashqui.
However, great service from them, would definitely recommend them if you need a longer (and better) hose.