quick connect/disconnect for hose?

DFTowel said:
Allow me to impart some info on this subject. Over the last few weeks I've been researching two things for hoses... shut off valves and quick disconnects. I think I've learned far more than I ever wanted to! :yes:

While they seem like a great idea there is one problem inherent in almost all such items sold in garden center, Home Depot/Lowes, and such stores and that is these items severely restrict the water flow. They can cut water flow by anywhere from 20% to 50%!

The plastic kind are the worst offendors because they can't make one strong enough with a large flow. The plastic throat needs to be quite thick for strength therefore severely restricting flow due to the smaller orifice. Just look at that small hole in comparison to the hose diameter. Metal is best, preferably brass. I wouldn't worry about hurting your car using a metal one because I think it would be kind of hard to hit the car with just the disconnect or shut off valve, just use common sense and don't switch things near the car.

I've settled on what I believe is the best on the market. Dramm makes a cut off valve and a quick disconnect as well as a thumb valve all Made in the USA that literally have a zero% restriction on a 5/8" hose. They aren't sold at Home Depot or such, try Ace Hardware and other local hardware stores. While more expensive than the plastic, they are well worth it and I think they even have a lifetime guarantee.
740.jpg

300.jpg

55.jpg
Click to expand...

This is a very interesting and well informed observation on your part and something i happened to notice this past weekend while examing my PLASTIC valves and QDconnects. I was like what the Heck that hole is only like 1/4"

Great post!

Looks like another trip to ACE is in order.

Richard
 
Well i went and looked at Ace Hardware and took a look at the brass QD they are nice and they even had some with a rubber shield around them. However after closer examination I discovered that the opening for the flow of water is extremely small. Seems that have a plunger type valve inside them that when you connect the fitting allows the water to flow and when you disconnect it it stops the water. Well this opening is so small that i know you will not get any more flow from these types than you will from the plastic ones. Just my opinion and observation.

Richard
 
Every quick disconnect I have tried have never worked real well for me. Ive got them from every store I can think of and for some reason when I turn on the hose sometimes the water wont hardly have any pressure and sometimes it does. Who knows, I just use it without it.
 
Thanks for doing the research Leo. I found that shutoff valve for $10.99 (the cheapest) after doing a Google search. It'll replace my metal one from Home Depot. I have similar brass disconnects already.

I also found it on EBay for $16.99. I contacted the seller and they agreed to match the $10.99 price and tacked on $2.00 for shipping. It was more expensive to ship from the place that was $10.99!

While I was at it, for $8, I bought this for final rinse LINK. I thought it would help save water.

Not bad :yes: Thanks again for the research :beer_smil
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top