20 gallon parts washers?

[Jason280]

I've been looking at picking up a 20 gallon parts washer, and curious if there is any real difference in the generic kits at Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, Northern, etc. Harbor Freight seems to be the cheapest option, but reviews are all over the place. Seems like the common failure is the circulator pump, with the remaining tank being solid.

Anyone built their own? Seems like fabbing up a tank would be easy, but not sure what's available as far as pumps go.

Suggestions?

 

[KillNThrill24]

I've been curious about this too. I'm looking at the Eastwood model as well since they're local to me. I'd like to know what others have to say as well. So, free bump.

Sent from my Note 9 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[1/2 Cup]

I have been thinking of getting one myself but our options are limited to Chinese/Tiawaneese offering let me know what you guys come up with

 

[Super Mech]

Following this

 

[DFB]

The pump is the critical factor...

I have the smaller benchtop one from HF it's virtually indistinguishable from any of the other similar ones being sold under many different names.

Since most come with recommendations for only using water based cleaners for pump longevity, if you find one that clearly states its suitable petroleum based solvents that should IMO indicate a pump difference.

What solvent to use makes threads for itself and there are plenty of them

Though pump failures generally seem to be common with inexpensive parts washers there are many people who use petroleum based solvents with no problems.

YMMV

 

[LeeG]

I started with a HF 20 gallon. Here is my build. I am still using the standard pump, although I do have a solvent pump to drop in if it fails.

 

[Zapp Branigan]

I added a heater to my HF washer and it's pretty good with water based degreaser or even just simple green. I had other cheap parts washers that didn't last long with harsher solvents, but the water based cleaners seem to let the pump live. Unfortunately, without some heat, those cleaners don't work as well as solvents. Now I use a bucket heater controlled by a cheap ebay temp controller and a contactor to keep the load off the cheap controller. Works great.

 

[Steve_P]

Kerosene kills the HF pumps in short time. Otherwise they're ok as a big trough

 

[Elsinore13]

http://www.build-all.com/

This is who builds the Snap On brand washers. Recirculating with filters...

 

[bobcatdan]

I'm pretty sure all the import 20 gallon parts washers for sale are exactly the same. So if you are going to buy one, find the cheapest one. I had one after I found it on sale for $40. Worked find until the simple green I had in ate threw the tank. Found a grays mill parts washer for $30 on CL and have been using it for years now filled with kerosene.

 

[Jason280]

I've almost convinced myself to simply build my own tank, and pick up a circulating pump online.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I've almost convinced myself to simply build my own tank, and pick up a circulating pump online.

Yep X 3 the pumps are a consumable item across what ever you buy.

 

[Packard V8]

Water based solvents in unheated garages in cold climates could use a heater.

jack vines

 

[mrobins297aaa]

I'm pretty sure all the import 20 gallon parts washers for sale are exactly the same. So if you are going to buy one, find the cheapest one. I had one after I found it on sale for $40. Worked find until the simple green I had in ate threw the tank. Found a grays mill parts washer for $30 on CL and have been using it for years now filled with kerosene.

I had the same experience with my first 20 gallon HF washer with water based cleaner, although if you heat those water based cleaners they work pretty well. I used a portable electric heater like the one in the picture, I had it mounted about 1/2" below the tank bottom. Needless to say I didn't leave it unattended.

The 20 Gallon HF washer I have now, I have the stuff from TSC (petro based) in there for about 5 years and it's been fine, tank still looks like new and the pump still works ok. Although I don't use it that much.

 

[DFB]

I have the stuff from TSC (petro based) in there for about 5 years and it's been fine, tank still looks like new and the pump still works ok. Although I don't use it that much.

I just started using the Crown PSC 1000 in my small HF washer, so far very satisfied with results on oily parts and cleaning out funnels is a breeze.

 

[Jason280]

Well, I got lucky today cruising the tool section of the FB marketplace. Snagged a 40gal Clarke for $50 that's never been used, guy had owned it long enough that the paint started fading under his barn. Now, I just have to decide on a degreasing solution.

 

[Jason280]

 

[Richard Cranium]

Any one in Washington State wants one, I am in the Yakima area and would give one to some one. Rich