Pressure Washer

xlr8r

xlr8r

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2 You're 10
Apr 23, 2012
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This might seem trivial, but I'm looking into various pressure washers. I can use some advice.

My dilemmas are:

1. For washing vehicles, driveways, and the odd-job spraying the siding on my house, what sort of PSI is adeqaute? I really want to make sure i won't damage the 'Vette, but want to use this for a few other applications as well.

2. Electric seems OK to me--as it looks more convenient. Am I wrong, or do I need a bigger gas-unit?

3. Given what my uses are for this, what price-range should I be consdiering to spend. The spread on these things are crazy, and entry-level would look to suffice by my estimations; however, it's something worth asking while I have your attention.

I'm not in a rush, and can wait for a sale. CAD Tire & Wal Mart are right by my house. I don't mind going elsewhere as well--or even ordering online.

If there's other things to consider, please chime in. This is a purchase I's only want to make once..............:canada:

Vince.
 
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I bought a Simoniz one from CTC about 5 years ago. 1500 model. It's never failed me yet. I keep the O rings lubed and diconnect the hoses each time after using it and put it in the basement every winter to keep it from freezing. I've used it to clean the deck, the driveway and the car. It'll peel paint if you're not careful so I'd say it has enough pressure.
 
make sure if it's gasoline it's a name brand engine, that holds true for any power equipment. there are too many brands from big retailers that have chinese motors, you will never find parts. we have equipment come in that we can't fix because of that. stick with briggs and stratton, honda, etc. they can be repaired if need be.
 
For cleaning your home's siding, and maybe washing down the driveway or something like that, one of these units may be ok....But I won't use it on my car.....maybe my truck, but never my vete.

I did have one of the cheapy's from CTC, but it fell apart in sort order. Now if I need to wash down the siding on the house I use my kid's gas powered unit....... it has some serious power, I think he got it at Princess Auto on sale.
 
go to a proper dealer. Canadian Tire and hardware store models have unreplaceable or unreliable plastic fittings in them. I bought mine at Acklands. Costs a little more but completely serviceable with off the shelf brass internals. Also... PSI is in my opinion a gimmick... You can have all the pressure in the world but it is GPM that cleans the dirt off and the electrics just don't match up there. You can get a top notch intermediate duty gas model for $450 or so but it will last you a lifetime. Better than a $250 electric that packs it in after a few seasons.

Just my $0.05. (no more pennies)
 
I can't argue with any of these points. I use mine a few times a year and I got it on clearance so for me it was all I needed. Not much invested; not much expected, but I do try to take care of it and make it last. It depends what your needs are.
 
I found a 1900 PSI electric unit (with a 1.6 rating for flow) at Crappy Tire. It was regular $249, on sale for $99.00--it's a coleman brand machine. Small investment to lose, but I'll see if it fits my needs. If not, I am off to Acklands--thanks for the tips all!!

Brian. whyt not use the pressure washer on the 'Vette and be sure to stand back so the water won't anything at velocity? Just curious. I might take it back if spraying the car down isn't advised..............I got the neighbor for the odd siding and driveway job.
 
I finally bought a 2300 psi gas unit from Home Depot last year for $200 on sale after having an good quality electric unit for years. Why did I not do this sooner!!!! So much better and convenient, No stupid cord to hold me back. I use it on my Vette and bike.....why Brian won't use it on his car is his preference, perhaps it s the ragtop issue?
 
I know a lot of guys might think this funny or odd, but I like to hand wash my car. It never really gets dirty, as I clean it off almost every time I go out. Yes, I do have a rag top.....but it doesn't leak, but with a power washer it might.
The biggest factor for me, and I may be full of BS; but a power washer will take of the dirt, but it will push it around the car at the same time. Little hunks of dirt sliding around the car is what causes little scratches. That is why I use the two bucket wash technique and a wash mitt.
See this article on how to wash your car....... I am probably the only one that goes this route, but to be honest..I like doing it.

WASH MY CAR
 
Yes Doug..the water that one has access to can make a big difference. Most of the time my car really doesn't need to be washed, so I also just hose it off........

To dry my car I use good boarder free micro towels for most of it, then go with the leave blower to get all the rest. You would be surprised of how much water lurks after you dry the car.
 
I don't use a hose on mine either for two reasons:
1. It never gets dirty so I just damp wash it off.
2. I have a small leak at the firewall somewhere around the brake pedal that I haven't found yet and using a hose gets water in the car. That's also why I don't like getting caught in the rain. C3's tend to leak. :(
I only use the pressure washer on my regular vehicles.
[mob][/mob]
 
Very interesting thread. I was going to look at a pressure washer in a couple years when I have a garage to stuff the cars into. My plan was to connect it to a hot water tank. I like the pressure washer for the areas where I can't fit my hand and for the wheels and wheel wells. Plus, I can run the truck through the mud and it won't cost an arm and a leg at the car wash to get clean.
 
I got a gas 2700 psi 2.7 GPM washer at crappy tire for $300 a couple of years ago. In my opinion you can never have enough pressure or flow. For vehicles make sure you have the correct fanned tip and you'll be fine. I always hand washed the vette (no real reason just enjoyed it), but I pressure wash my Vibe and Truck all summer with no issues. Just gotta scrub some bug now and again. Part of the reason for me wanting high pressure is for things like washing my bobcat (grease). The only thing I wish I had (but am not willing to pay for) is hot water heater built in.

Just my 2 Cents.

T
 
i use an electric from ctc on my pick up and the wife's car but mostly for bugs otherwise i hand wash everything. yes i'm a little off.
 
!0 years ago I bought a 3200 psi commercial gas drive power washer(cold water).I wanted it so I could remove paint off construction equipment .It's dangerous at least in my hands ,It worked good removing paint from a crane just like I wanted .Next job cleaning the paved drive way ,I removed the top layer of asphalt before I realized what I was doing .Ripped a shutter off the house before I realized what I was doing , Destroyed a section of house siding .

I've chosen to go back to washing anything I love with a hose :D
 
Elf said:
!0 years ago I bought a 3200 psi commercial gas drive power washer(cold water).I wanted it so I could remove paint off construction equipment .It's dangerous at least in my hands ,It worked good removing paint from a crane just like I wanted .Next job cleaning the paved drive way ,I removed the top layer of asphalt before I realized what I was doing .Ripped a shutter off the house before I realized what I was doing , Destroyed a section of house siding .

I've chosen to go back to washing anything I love with a hose :D
Click to expand...

bath night at chateau elf must be quite the event !!!!! :rofl:
 
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