Pressure Washer Hose Swivel?

[Beemer]

I just got an Uberflex pressure washer hose and one end of the hose has a built-in swivel.
My original hose did not have a swivel, so am I right in assuming that the swivel end goes at the spray wand?

 

[fatfillup]

Yes, swivel is handy at the wand. Now the question, is a live swivel? Live means it will swivel under pressure. Rarely seen built in to a hose. Normally its a swivel for installing the hose and won't swivel under pressure.

 

[D.F.B]

I just got an Uberflex pressure washer hose and one end of the hose has a built-in swivel.
My original hose did not have a swivel, so am I right in assuming that the swivel end goes at the spray wand?

That depends on what your setup entails.

For example, if you have an aftermarket gun such as the MTM SGS28 and the hose is mounted on a reel, then you would connect the hose swivel connection to the hose reel, and then rely on the in built swivel on gun to prevent hose bind.

If you don't have an aftermarket gun, then most definitely use the swivel end on the OEM gun connection. Same would apply if you have a loose hose.

In some cases, you can get non-swivel aftermarket guns, but I suggest spending the extra on a gun with one for the massive improvement in functionality. Look at the MTM SGS28, Mosmatic Original or Mosmatic OG Spec (integrated into the body of the gun).

MTM Hydro SGS28 Spray Gun w/ SS QC Fittings

MTM Hydro's SGS28 Pressure Washing Spray Gun with Integrated Stainless Steel Live Swivel and Stainless QC fittings keeps you in the driver's seat with this revolutionary gun.

www.carpro-us.com

MTM HYDRO Spray Gun, Lance, and Nozzle Kit

Hand wash like a pro with this kit from MTM Hydro. This kit includes MTM SGS28 Spray Gun with Stainless Steel QD's Installed MTM Hydro 20" Stainless Steel Lance with SS Fittings, Bend, and Boot MTM Hydro Stainless Steel 4 Pack of 4.0 QC Nozzles MTM SGS28 SPRAY GUN WITH STAINLESS STEEL QD'S...

www.carsupplieswarehouse.com

MTM Hydro | The Rag Company

Shop MTM Hydro foam cannons, nozzles, and fittings for pro-level pressure washing. Discover tools that boost foam output and wash efficiency.

theragcompany.com

OG Spec Mosmatic Swiveling Sprayer with T304 Stainless Fittings for Ultimate Pressure Washing Performance

OG's Spec Mosmatic Swiveling Sprayer, exclusively available at Obsessed Garage. This premium sprayer features T304 stainless steel fittings, a low trigger force mechanism, and an integrated swivel for enhanced usability.

www.obsessedgarage.com

 

[Beemer]

The swivel, when under the protective sleeve, barely moves so I guess it's not "live" if I understand it.
That would be really be of no particular use because a connector goes on one end of the hose and a plug on the other, neither of which is hard to install. If the sleeve were not used then it could help the spray wand use.

The pump also gets a connector that the hose plug goes into so a swivel there might not be useful.

I guess I overthought it.

The information on guns with swivels is useful because my originals from Dirt Killer did not have any and they were always a wrestling match when up on the ladder cleaning up before staining. My guns are different though because they have a 90 degree angle between hose line and outlet pipe line so spraying is straight ahead from the hand which is useful for cleaning siding. They also have fixed outlet pipes at the handles. Maybe that was the economical option for dirt Killer.

Thanks for the information guys.

 

[SteveL]

I put the swivel end of my Cobra Jet hose on the hose reel so it was easy to install. Added a Mosmatic swivel to the gun or you can buy spray guns with built in swivels.

 

[PhantomEB]

I need to take my hose down to Farmland. It’s stupid stiff and I want longer for out in the back lane or carport.

 

[Beemer]

That depends on what your setup entails.

For example, if you have an aftermarket gun such as the MTM SGS28 and the hose is mounted on a reel, then you would connect the hose swivel connection to the hose reel, and then rely on the in built swivel on gun to prevent hose bind.

If you don't have an aftermarket gun, then most definitely use the swivel end on the OEM gun connection. Same would apply if you have a loose hose.

In some cases, you can get non-swivel aftermarket guns, but I suggest spending the extra on a gun with one for the massive improvement in functionality. Look at the MTM SGS28, Mosmatic Original or Mosmatic OG Spec (integrated into the body of the gun).

MTM Hydro SGS28 Spray Gun w/ SS QC Fittings

MTM Hydro's SGS28 Pressure Washing Spray Gun with Integrated Stainless Steel Live Swivel and Stainless QC fittings keeps you in the driver's seat with this revolutionary gun.

www.carpro-us.com

MTM HYDRO Spray Gun, Lance, and Nozzle Kit

Hand wash like a pro with this kit from MTM Hydro. This kit includes MTM SGS28 Spray Gun with Stainless Steel QD's Installed MTM Hydro 20" Stainless Steel Lance with SS Fittings, Bend, and Boot MTM Hydro Stainless Steel 4 Pack of 4.0 QC Nozzles MTM SGS28 SPRAY GUN WITH STAINLESS STEEL QD'S...

www.carsupplieswarehouse.com

MTM Hydro | The Rag Company

Shop MTM Hydro foam cannons, nozzles, and fittings for pro-level pressure washing. Discover tools that boost foam output and wash efficiency.

theragcompany.com

OG Spec Mosmatic Swiveling Sprayer with T304 Stainless Fittings for Ultimate Pressure Washing Performance

OG's Spec Mosmatic Swiveling Sprayer, exclusively available at Obsessed Garage. This premium sprayer features T304 stainless steel fittings, a low trigger force mechanism, and an integrated swivel for enhanced usability.

www.obsessedgarage.com

Getting back to this topic now in the new Spring weather.
Looking at the MTM SGS28 and the Mosmatic Swivelling Gun, some listings call them both "short" guns and reading a bit about that description it appears that a short gun is intended to use a short or no wand.
Is that actually true for them?
My use is mixed but one is to pressure wash the house, often on a ladder so it is useful to have a longer wand to reach and to try to stay dry.
My original cheapie gun has screw in wands that are varyingly long but very rigid, presumably due to fixed connection and not quick disconnect.
Are those "short" guns mentioned appropriate for longer wands?

 

[D.F.B]

Getting back to this topic now in the new Spring weather.
Looking at the MTM SGS28 and the Mosmatic Swivelling Gun, some listings call them both "short" guns and reading a bit about that description it appears that a short gun is intended to use a short or no wand.
Is that actually true for them?
My use is mixed but one is to pressure wash the house, often on a ladder so it is useful to have a longer wand to reach and to try to stay dry.
My original cheapie gun has screw in wands that are varyingly long but very rigid, presumably due to fixed connection and not quick disconnect.
Are those "short" guns mentioned appropriate for longer wands?

The "short gun" terminology refers to the gun with no wand attachment fitted. Because these guns have quick connect fittings, you can swap from nozzle tip, foam cannon or wand in a matter of seconds.

The idea of a short gun has become popular with detailers because it is ideally suited to wheel cleaning and the use of a foam cannon................... don't swing a foam cannon from a wand like some Youtubers like to do, you'll ruin the connections.

And yes, the short gun can absolutely be used with a wand. Now, technically I could use the short gun to rinse with a car with, but I prefer having a wand. Likewise for cleaning driveways, windows, decks ect, you can also get turbo nozzles to help with that.

(By the way, I'm not trying to drum up views on my Youtube channel, I hate it when people spam forums like that. I created the channel to put some of what I write about into action and help others make purchasing decisions.)

 

[mike93lx]

Putting a live swivel at my gun made it so much easier to use. No more flipping the gun around to untangle... Just pull

 

[Beemer]

Putting a live swivel at my gun made it so much easier to use. No more flipping the gun around to untangle... Just pull

What did you get for a swivel?

 

[Beemer]

D.F.B.
Thanks for that.
Is the wand secure in the attachment?
Is that type of wand ok with two handed use bracing the assembly with the other hand to steady the torque of the spray?
As I mentioned I use mine for sparaying down the siding before staining and one handed use can be a strain on the wrist after a short while.

You previously listed various guns. What are you using?

 

[mike93lx]

What did you get for a swivel?

I'll preface this by saying I haven't used it for long, so I have no idea on long term quality. I don't frequently use my PW and it's only a 120v unit.

A cheap one on ebay

15mm M22 Thread Pressure Washer Swivel Joint Kink Free Connector Hose Fitting US | eBay

Not compatible with those that have M22 15mm fitting. Size: M22 15mm Thread Fitting. Kink free swivel joint for pressure washer. Eliminates hose twisting and no kink when spraying. 1 Swivel Joint.

www.ebay.com

 

[Stelzer]

D.F.B.
Thanks for that.
Is the wand secure in the attachment?
Is that type of wand ok with two handed use bracing the assembly with the other hand to steady the torque of the spray?
As I mentioned I use mine for sparaying down the siding before staining and one handed use can be a strain on the wrist after a short while.

You previously listed various guns. What are you using?

I do residential and commercial pressure washing and roof cleaning, so I have quite a few different setups on my rigs, depending upon the application, but one thing not mentioned in this thread is the use of a whip in addition to the live swivel. A short whip connected to the gun with a good swivel makes all the difference.

Although most won't "need" 12 GPM guns, the higher the GPM gun, the less issues you'll have when trying to pull soap from a downstream injector. If you do use your soap injector, look for guns above 8GPM for a hassle-free experience, (even if your rig is just 3GPM).

I have 6 of these guns and 4 of these. Both are excellent guns and infinitely better than anything you'd find at a home improvement center. You can add whatever size wand you want, then the QC couplers after the wand.

For a 3/8" live swivel, these are as good as it gets. Avoid Amazon's cheaper offerings though, since they are prone to leaking and lack the ability to swivel under pressure. I've tried about 8 different brands over the years trying to save $, but haven't found any cheap solutions. Most of my live swivels last around 600-800 hrs before needing to be rebuilt or replaced, so there's definitely value in spending a bit more. Same with the guns listed above. Mosmatic also has 1/4" offerings if you're working with a smaller hose diameter.

 

[Beemer]

Steizer,
Thanks for that and for mentioning that there are different sizes of the swivels.

Am I right in assuming that the whip is just to reduce the number of connect/disconnect cycles at the swivel assembly?

 

[danski0224]

If I stuck one of those stubby guns without a wand onto my pressure washer, and did a 1 hand pull of the trigger, the gun would smack me in the face.

 

[Qualitytools]

I do residential and commercial pressure washing and roof cleaning, so I have quite a few different setups on my rigs, depending upon the application, but one thing not mentioned in this thread is the use of a whip in addition to the live swivel. A short whip connected to the gun with a good swivel makes all the difference.

Although most won't "need" 12 GPM guns, the higher the GPM gun, the less issues you'll have when trying to pull soap from a downstream injector. If you do use your soap injector, look for guns above 8GPM for a hassle-free experience, (even if your rig is just 3GPM).

I have 6 of these guns and 4 of these. Both are excellent guns and infinitely better than anything you'd find at a home improvement center. You can add whatever size wand you want, then the QC couplers after the wand.

For a 3/8" live swivel, these are as good as it gets. Avoid Amazon's cheaper offerings though, since they are prone to leaking and lack the ability to swivel under pressure. I've tried about 8 different brands over the years trying to save $, but haven't found any cheap solutions. Most of my live swivels last around 600-800 hrs before needing to be rebuilt or replaced, so there's definitely value in spending a bit more. Same with the guns listed above. Mosmatic also has 1/4" offerings if you're working with a smaller hose diameter.

I have had the ST2605 with the Mosmatic Swivel for a few years now and love using it. I am not a professional using it day in and day out just a homeowner that likes to clean things. Thanks for sharing

 

[D.F.B]

D.F.B.
Thanks for that.
Is the wand secure in the attachment?
Is that type of wand ok with two handed use bracing the assembly with the other hand to steady the torque of the spray?
As I mentioned I use mine for sparaying down the siding before staining and one handed use can be a strain on the wrist after a short while.

You previously listed various guns. What are you using?

I mainly use a Mosmatic with the integrated swivel within the gun, but I also have a MTM SGS 28 which has an external swivel, like what was linked earlier by Steizer.

Mosmatic on the left, MTM on the right.................



Integrated swivel on the left (Mosmatic), external swivel on the right (MTM)..................



The wand attachment is perfectly secure, and can be used single or dual handed. My pressure washer is a Kranzle KHD-10 that does 2.65 GPM and about 1400 psi for car washing, so it has some kick to it but nothing like a gas powered machine.

Have a look through this website, you can size the wand to your requirements. A lot of the wands/lances there need fittings attached, but I can help you with that too. They do have a couple of pre-fitted wands, but they are the shorter bent type for car washing.

Pressure Washer Lance Attachments | MTM Hydro

Want to power wash all those hard-to-reach spots without risking your safety? Then what you need is a pressure washer lance attachment from MTM Hydro Parts!

www.mtmhydroparts.com

MTM Guns, you want the SGS 28 in particular -

Pressure Washer Spray Gun | MTM Hydro

Gone are the days of uncomfortable pressure washer handling with ergonomically designed pressure washer spray gun parts from MTM Hydro Parts.

www.mtmhydroparts.com

 

[Stelzer]

If I stuck one of those stubby guns without a wand onto my pressure washer, and did a 1 hand pull of the trigger, the gun would smack me in the face.

I run upwards of 10 GPM @ 4k psi and have no problem with using the guns only. You could also replace your pressure trapped unloader with a flow actuated unloader and you'd never get that burst of pressure on the 1st pull.

 

[Stelzer]

Steizer,
Thanks for that and for mentioning that there are different sizes of the swivels.

Am I right in assuming that the whip is just to reduce the number of connect/disconnect cycles at the swivel assembly?

The whip serves several purposes. First, it enables a short piece of hose to easily swivel right next to the gun, and even though these are live swivels which should still turn easily under pressure with a longer hose, they don't swivel to the ease or degree with a long hose vs. a whip. Second reason is due to the fact that the 1st place you're likely to see a hose burst is within the first 3'-8', so having a whip serves as sort of a sacrificial piece, easily replaced without having to replace 50'-100' of hose.

I also have a ball valve between the whip and the gun so I can quickly switch guns or attach a surface cleaner without having to turn off the pressure washer, but that's probably not necessary if you're not doing this for a living.

 

[Beemer]

D.F.B.
Molded grip vs vented grip? What are the key points?

 

[Beemer]

The whip serves several purposes. First, it enables a short piece of hose to easily swivel right next to the gun, and even though these are live swivels which should still turn easily under pressure with a longer hose, they don't swivel to the ease or degree with a long hose vs. a whip. Second reason is due to the fact that the 1st place you're likely to see a hose burst is within the first 3'-8', so having a whip serves as sort of a sacrificial piece, easily replaced without having to replace 50'-100' of hose.

I also have a ball valve between the whip and the gun so I can quickly switch guns or attach a surface cleaner without having to turn off the pressure washer, but that's probably not necessary if you're not doing this for a living.

So assuming that the whIp attached to the swivel at the gun, is the other end of the whip just using a standard quick disconnect to the primary hose or is there a need for rotation at that connection too?

 

[Stelzer]

So assuming that the whop attached to the swivel at the gun, is the other end of the whip just using a standard quick disconnect to the primary hose or is there a need for rotation at that connection too?

Good question. Just a normal QC connection there. No need for a whip or swivel. Most of my reels just have one 100' section and two 50' sections joined with QC's, then I use whatever size whip I have that I think is best for the job, (and extra 50'-100' sections as needed. Each whip already has a swivel attached. Then ball valve, then gun. I wouldn't suggest using a ball valve if you're just direct feeding from a hose spigot though, since that'll cause your pump to continue circulating hot water every time you use it. My water inlet from my pressure washers are connected to 1" hose to a buffer tank. My unloader has a hose feeding back to the buffer tank as well, so any time I'm off the gun, my pump is still able to circulate cool water, since it's in bypass until I pull the trigger. The bypass line is visible in the pic of my smaller washing trailer on the back left. It's the red hose that feeds to the back of the buffer tank. Trailer is a messy disaster, but was the 1st pic I found.

 

[D.F.B]

D.F.B.
Molded grip vs vented grip? What are the key points?

I'm not sure what the difference is between the two, I'm guessing vented is for when running hot water?

 

[Qualitytools]

I will take the opportunity to ask those in the field for some suggestions. I just purchased a Mosmatic 26.983 Wand, and I need to purchase a female plug on one end to connect to the gun and a male coupler for the tips. Any suggestions on a decent brand? Would SS couplers be the preferred and if so MTM, or……
Thanks in advance.

 

[D.F.B]

I will take the opportunity to ask those in the field for some suggestions. I just purchased a Mosmatic 26.983 Wand, and I need to purchase a female plug on one end to connect to the gun and a male coupler for the tips. Any suggestions on a decent brand? Would SS couplers be the preferred and if so MTM, or……
Thanks in advance.

From experience, you would ideally stick within the Mosmatic ecosystem, I've found Mosmatic on Mosmatic to work better than Mosmatic on MTM. That said, it can be done, just depends on what your gun is.

The inlet to the wand requires a 1/4 female thread plug, the outlet according to your info is male threaded, a 1/4 inch quick connect.

MTM Parts PRIMA -

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Buy Prima Stainless Steel QC Coupler 1/4 MPT | SS QC Coupler

Buy Prima Stainless Steel 1/4 MPT QC Coupler Veloci Performance Products from MTM Hydro. This American-made Prima quick connects are made of the highest quality American stainless-steel, crafted in Minnesota with precision machining and a stunning mirror finish. Experience exceptional quality...

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MTM Standard -

Hydrojet STAINLESS STEEL QC PLUG 1/4FPT

Upgrade Your High-Pressure Joints with Stainless Steel QC Plug 1/4" FPT - Experience worry-free cleaning with MTM Hydro's anti-corrosive fittings.

www.mtmhydroparts.com

Hydrojet Stainless Steel Coupler 1/4" MPT

Upgrade your pressure washing setup with MTM Hydro's Stainless Steel QC Coupler 1/4" MPT. Quick and worry-free disconnects for high-pressure joints. Say goodbye to corrosion worries!

www.mtmhydroparts.com

Mosmatic Parts -

Mosmatic - HP Quick Connect Plug - 70.025

Stainless steel quick connect plug with 1/4" NPTF thread and 5000 PSI rating—ideal for fast, reliable hose and gun connections in pressure washing systems.

mosmaticpro.com

Mosmatic - HP Quick Connect Coupling - 70.016

Stainless steel quick coupling with 1/4" NPTM thread and 5000 PSI rating—ideal for fast, secure hose and tool connections in high-pressure cleaning systems.

mosmaticpro.com

 

[Qualitytools]

From experience, you would ideally stick within the Mosmatic ecosystem, I've found Mosmatic on Mosmatic to work better than Mosmatic on MTM. That said, it can be done, just depends on what your gun is.

The inlet to the wand requires a 1/4 female thread plug, the outlet according to your info is male threaded, a 1/4 inch quick connect.

MTM Parts PRIMA -

PRIMA STAINLESS STEEL QC PLUG 3/8FPT

Discover the superior quality of Prima 3/8" Female NPT Stainless Plug. Precision-machined from top-grade US stainless steel for longevity and performance. Shop now!

www.mtmhydroparts.com

Buy Prima Stainless Steel QC Coupler 1/4 MPT | SS QC Coupler

Buy Prima Stainless Steel 1/4 MPT QC Coupler Veloci Performance Products from MTM Hydro. This American-made Prima quick connects are made of the highest quality American stainless-steel, crafted in Minnesota with precision machining and a stunning mirror finish. Experience exceptional quality...

www.mtmhydroparts.com

MTM Standard -

Hydrojet STAINLESS STEEL QC PLUG 1/4FPT

Upgrade Your High-Pressure Joints with Stainless Steel QC Plug 1/4" FPT - Experience worry-free cleaning with MTM Hydro's anti-corrosive fittings.

www.mtmhydroparts.com

Hydrojet Stainless Steel Coupler 1/4" MPT

Upgrade your pressure washing setup with MTM Hydro's Stainless Steel QC Coupler 1/4" MPT. Quick and worry-free disconnects for high-pressure joints. Say goodbye to corrosion worries!

www.mtmhydroparts.com

Mosmatic Parts -

Mosmatic - HP Quick Connect Plug - 70.025

Stainless steel quick connect plug with 1/4" NPTF thread and 5000 PSI rating—ideal for fast, reliable hose and gun connections in pressure washing systems.

mosmaticpro.com

Mosmatic - HP Quick Connect Coupling - 70.016

Stainless steel quick coupling with 1/4" NPTM thread and 5000 PSI rating—ideal for fast, secure hose and tool connections in high-pressure cleaning systems.

mosmaticpro.com

Thank You for your reply. The gun I have is the Sutter ST2605 with an MTM QC at the nozzle, and this is where I would need the plug on the Mosmatic to connect to. Here is the tag on the Mosmatic that shows the specs. The wand outlet appears to have both an inner and an outer thread, I had to check closely because it comes with a rubber cover .

 

[Beemer]

QualityTools,

So would Prima on Prima also work better than mix and match?

 

[Qualitytools]

Beemer, based on the response I received it appears so. However, I am not sure if the couplers would make a difference as long as they are from quality SS. Others may chime in with their input.

 

[MileHighRover]

If you're running a shorty gun and want to have longer lances for cleaning the house, I'd skip the quick connects and go with KEW connectors. Much better system and way more secure. With quick connects the lance will wobble a bit.

KEW Connect

 

[Qualitytools]

If you're running a shorty gun and want to have longer lances for cleaning the house, I'd skip the quick connects and go with KEW connectors. Much better system and way more secure. With quick connects the lance will wobble a bit.

KEW Connect

Any suggestions on make, model and places to purchase?

 

[MileHighRover]

I posted the link. Chem-X is top notch.

 

[Beemer]

If you're running a shorty gun and want to have longer lances for cleaning the house, I'd skip the quick connects and go with KEW connectors. Much better system and way more secure. With quick connects the lance will wobble a bit.

KEW Connect

My inexpensive Dirt Killer guns had the lances directly screwed into the gun. That's very secure.
Do the shorty guns not have the guts to do that?

 

[MileHighRover]

On a shorty you can remove the 1/4 inch quick connect and screw a lance into the gun, but changing lances would be a pain. If you'll never change the lance then go that route. For those that are going back and forth between different length lances (or using it shorty-style) the KEW connectors are the way to go.

If you click on the link I provided, it explains the benefits and how it is different than quick connects.

 

[Qualitytools]

MileHighRover, I did look thru that link and as I was reading the reviews I learned that the KEW coupling is not SS. Therefore, rust is one of the factors. I like the idea of the KEW coupler and understand why it is far superior. However, i am not sure if it is available in SS for both the male and female. Thanks for sharing and educating us!

 

[MileHighRover]

MTM Hydro makes a SS version of the inlet plug, but I'm not seeing one for the coupler.

 

[Qualitytools]

^ Thanks, I will continue to look and share what I find.