Pressure Washer Fitting Material?

[Beemer]

Are brass or stainless steel couplings and plug fittings better for a pressure washer hose and accessories?
My washer came with a mixture, brass couplers and stainless plugs.
It has become near impossible to get the brass couplers to lock onto the stainless plugs and this is on more than one connection but I don't know which is to blame.
I'm thinking of going all one material or the other for replacements but interested in opinions which is better, less problematic.

 

[The Cobbler]

I am thinking brass is better material for that

 

[vwpieces]

The balls inside the connectors are likely Not stainless, nor are the retaining clips holding it all together. Probably the parts that are rusting and making things not work if they did fit before.
Perhaps the Orings are hard and need replacing?

You should not encounter any reaction to SS and brass.

 

[The Cobbler]

I see the post has been edited since my reply in post 2, it has added information now. I agree with the above poster

 

[Beemer]

The balls inside the connectors are likely Not stainless, nor are the retaining clips holding it all together. Probably the parts that are rusting and making things not work if they did fit before.
Perhaps the Orings are hard and need replacing?

You should not encounter any reaction to SS and brass.

It's probably easiest to try a replacement brass coupler then instead of trying to salvage an old piece. Both brass couplers are uncooperative. After all they are 29 years old.

 

[PoorUB]

Are brass or stainless steel couplings and plug fittings better for a pressure washer hose and accessories?
My washer came with a mixture, brass couplers and stainless plugs.
It has become near impossible to get the brass couplers to lock onto the stainless plugs and this is on more than one connection but I don't know which is to blame.
I'm thinking of going all one material or the other for replacements but interested in opinions which is better, less problematic.

You can buy a screw together connect that will go together without tools. There is o-rings that seals and the threaded "nut" just holds the fitting together.

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...8in-inlet-4000-psi-brass-model-nd10023p-43367

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...ler-3-8in-x-m22-4000-psi-model-nd10027p-43376

 

[Youngandfree]

It's probably easiest to try a replacement brass coupler then instead of trying to salvage an old piece. Both brass couplers are uncooperative. After all they are 29 years old.

Stop being cheap and replace it.

 

[Beemer]

Stop being cheap and replace it.

You haven't read through from the beginning. My original question is whether brass or stainless is better, meaning for replacement.
Someone suggested what could be the issue so that is educational.
As far as cheap, top tier stainless couplers are about $30 a piece and the plugs $10. There are all grades of stainless steel and some of the replacement fittings are not made from material that is worth buying. Some stainless steel, contrary to the name, rusts as soon as it gets exposure.

 

[Youngandfree]

You haven't read through from the beginning. My original question is whether brass or stainless is better, meaning for replacement.
Someone suggested what could be the issue so that is educational.
As far as cheap, top tier stainless couplers are about $30 a piece and the plugs $10. There are all grades of stainless steel and some of the replacement fittings are not made from material that is worth buying. Some stainless steel, contrary to the name, rusts as soon as it gets exposure.

Don't buy stainless junk from Amazon

 

[mike93lx]

Paging Dr. @fatfillup, advice needed on the floor

 

[fatfillup]

Standard quick coupling are brass sockets and steel plugs.

If left together and not exercised regularly they become slow couplers quickly due to the steel plugs rusting as well as the balls in the socket.

Also over time, the steel plug will deform where the balls rest.

Lubing the couplers will help but needs to be done periodically and few do that, including me white grease is fine or any other grease will work. Smear it on the plug, insert in coupler and twist around


If you have a coupler that won't get used much. Coating the plugs with antisieze helps a bunch.

To free up a stuck coupler, spray with penetrating oil and grab the collar on the socket with pliers and try to rotate it. Then put a wrench on the plug and try to rotate it in the plug. Then drive the collar back with screwdriver and hammer. Then try to pull the plug out while twisting. It may come apart but not all do. Either way you will likely replace them


OP was right. USA stainless quicks are pricely but do last.

Chinese stainless quicks are just a bit more then USA brass and steel and are fair. I sell those to the bleach boys.

Brass plugs (the male end) sound great but deform quickly and won't come apart so avoid them.

We sell more standard brass and steel then the others. USA made
Can't remember the brand but all the USA made ones are fine.

Chinese couplers are cheesy but cheap. General pump brand is ok.

To the OP'S ? All stainless is best, brass and steel next, all brass is worst just because of plug deformation

Someone mentioned metric twist couplers as seen on most European units and lots of homeowner style. I don't mind them but never used them personally long term. They need to be exercised often too or will get difficult.

Note, on homeowner units with twist couplers and an aluminum outlet at pump, disconnect when not in use or you won't get them apart.

 

[Beemer]

To the OP'S ? All stainless is best, brass and steel next, all brass is worst just because of plug deformation

I was looking at the Veloci Prima Stainless line.

 

[fatfillup]

Don't know that line specifically. Likely Chinese but possibly Italian.

I know of the company, but never used any of there products.

 

[Beemer]

Don't know that line specifically. Likely Chinese but possibly Italian.

I know of the company, but never used any of there products.

Made in the USA.

Write up found notes:
" Veloci’s American-made Prima quick connects are made of the highest quality American stainless-steel. 100% machined from round bar stock at our manufacturing facility in Minnesota.

• 303 stainless-steel sourced from the City of Steel - Pittsburgh, PA USA
• 100% machined to precise specifications: +/- 127µm, +/- 1º on working angular surfaces
• 3x more precise than the competition; precision means better fit and longer life
• Quality controlled by digital comparator
• De-burred and washed for premium polish and smoothest action in the industry
• EPDM seals for high temperature and chemical tolerance "

It's pretty hard to find things made from domestic steel anymore, including buildings.

 

[fatfillup]

Interesting,

What is the price point?

 

[Beemer]

Interesting,

What is the price point?

It varies widely depending on the vendor. Some hide a price inflation by padding shipping excessively.
It's definitely more money than many brands but it is below the top tier. Perhaps think Prevost level of cost.
I like the fact that they claim domestic steel and mad in the USA.

 

[kencan51]

It's probably easiest to try a replacement brass coupler then instead of trying to salvage an old piece. Both brass couplers are uncooperative. After all they are 29 years old.

usually faster and easier to change fittings out. brass or stainless, it depends on your pressure washer. If you have a hot water or steam, then you want to use stainless. if cold water, you can use either. Hot water can weaken brass and they can break and blow apart.