Shop Vac hose upgrade question.

[Surly]

Hey everyone:

It`s pretty amazing - I was just thinking to myself that I`d like to get some kit to go around my existing vac to give me better extraction capabilities for carpet and upholstery and lo and behold there`s an active thread going here about just that.

I have a ~17 year old Ridgid 16gal 6.5HP (yah, whatever, too bad 6.5HP is over 4,800W but who`s keeping track of truth in advertising) model with 2-1/2" tubing throughout. I have no idea what the water lift rating is - I`ll see if I can find out. It converts to a leaf blower too - not sure how much the turbine will be built for suction vs. flow. On the plus side, it has separate motor cooling.

My goal is primarily to find a way of connecting to a nice, clear extractor nozzle so that I can spray, brush, optionally steam, then extract. I`m really only looking at doing my car or friends and family, which means there`s not a lot of justification for high budget. I have a saved kijiji search running for a MC1385 steam setup for general cleaning not just cars.

So from what I`ve read - I could get something like the Ridgid premium wet/dry car setup (which is about $65 for me), use the adapter to 1-1/4, add the supplied orange hose to the end of my existing hose, and enjoy the easier to manage hose for other vac needs, and connect the 1-1/4 line right up to a typical extractor nozzle? I`ll keep reading for more financially efficient ways of getting the same result since I`m not sure how many of the other tools I would actually use.

What extractor nozzle is a favourite, AND is available separately for a reasonable price?

I`ve seen a lot of discussion earlier about hoses, "accordian style" and pros and cons of hoses that come with some other vacuums. Does anyone know how the hose on the Ridgid kit compares? This doesn`t seem to be a stocked item on the shelf local to me to allow me to go touch and feel.

Thanks!

 

[Accumulator]

Surly- I do 99% of my extracting with a Bissell Upholstery Nozzle. It has a clear cover so you can see what`s going on. AFAIK they don`t make them any more; I get mine off ebay.

The problem with using the Rigid as an extractor is "how to rig a sprayer". Keep in mind that sucking up the liquid is generally only half the job, first you want to spray some carpet/upholstery cleaner (at a greater pressure than a spraybottle).

Adapting that Upholstery Nozzle to extractors that it wasn`t intended to fit isn`t that hard. Basically you just cobble together an adaptor out of plastic parts that have the right inside/outside diameters. Rigging the sprayer of an extractor to work with the adapted nozzle can take a little more doing, but it`s not that tough either. I do most of my extracting with an old Bissell Big Green Machine that the nozzle does *NOT* fit worth anything, and what I came up with isn`t perfect, but it does work just fine. Just used it quite a bit yesterday, worked so well I never even considered bringing in the "real" extractor from the shop.

I`d look into a used unit from a vacuum/etc. shop. My area has a few of those and the guys who are all about vacuums/etc. are usually happy to be helpful.

Just FWIW, I have three, maybe even four (isn`t it crazy that I don`t know?!?) perfectly good Craftsman wet/dry shop vacuums. Rather than consider using one of those with some kind of extraction setup, I use the Bissell, which I bet you could buy for peanuts. I`d buy a Bissell Little Green Machine long before I`d try adapting the Craftsmans, and I still have the Carpet Cleaning Kit that works with them (needs a N/A part for the sprayer, but otherwise would work fine..but why bother?).

 

[carnage]

Well, if those folks are all *that* busy it`s good that they have you to do the vehicles. Your allergies are a *lot* worse than mine, so !oh boy! you do have some challenges there!

Look like most places will be out of stock on respirators for a few months. I`m going to pick up some Antihistamine before hand.

Heh heh, if my Tahoe is cleaner than theirs, maybe it`s just because it has to last me indefinitely. I bet they`ll replace both their Tahoe and that Envoy long before I would. I gather most people don`t keep vehicles very long any more. Kinda funny since I used to go through them like potato chips when I was younger, but now like to keep `em forever!

They`re in there mid 40`s. They`re mentioning trading in the Envoy, and keeping the Tahoe as the dog hauler.

You`re more into keeping the SUV clean & tidy, plus you take pride in your vehicles. They look at it as a chore. I used to be like this, car always a mess.

Your sister`s boyfriend has the right idea, I bet that little dog isn`t trashing the interior

The dog used trash the interior, scratching everything, when he was younger. As he got older he mellow out.

Blankets, comforters are everywhere more for comfort The dog is to pamper.

And yeah, I agree about taking apart other people`s stuff, and/but that`s interesting about the vents coming out on some vehicles, I`ve never seen that. Sure would make things a lot easier./QUOTE]

My friend had a pen stuck in the vents. When he would take turns I can hear the pen go back and forth. I had to pop out the vent, get the pen out. He to didn`t realize the vents came out.

Sounds like you learned a hard lesson fast when you tried blowing out the vents and got a faceful! One trick, not that I would blow out vents anyhow unless the ductwork was opened up, is to make sure the HVAC-vent selection has the ones you`re blowing out *open* (switch between floor/dash/etc. as needed). Otherwise the air just runs into the ductwork`s flappers/doors (and might even mess `em up).

When blowing out vents. Do you keep the vents close and try to direct the air to the floor or defrosters?

I tried can compress air once. It didn`t do much.

Gotta admit I`ve never tried using it for much, it`s basically just for blowing dust/etc. off the lawn equip and for inflating the tires on that stuff. It oughta be enough to top off tires, and I do think it`d blow out *MF* pads just fine. It`s not really about what the tank holds, but rather whether the pump puts out enough pressure, which I`d think it would for light jobs. It does take a while to fill up small equipment tires, but hey...it`s something better than the (pricey) little cans.

Maybe the next size bigger would be better.

Do you find the Harbor Freight compressor reliable?

Which brand of Harbor Freight compressor do you have?

So I guess that IMO it`s a just *LOT* better than nothing, I mean..what do you *do* when you need to adjust tire pressure or blow out..anything..if you don`t have a compressor? Eh, I`ve never been without a compressor so maybe that colors my thinking...I just don`t see how anybody gets by without one. And of course..easy for me to spend your $

I have the Viair 85P, for tire duty. It draws a lot. I needs a dedicated 15A fuse.

 

[carnage]

Huh, never would`ve thunk that...none of mine have ever let much lint through at all, I`ve cleaned out the ductwork maybe a half-dozen times in my life and never got all that much out of it. If yours is *that* bad it`s sure good that you`re keeping on top of it, friends of ours have had those Dryer Fires that I used to think were really rare (must not be or I wouldn`t hear about so many) and they`re no joke.

I notice different dryer has different lint trap screen. At least this dryer has a finer screen, less lint outside. I might run some round duct work with a lint trap box to the outside dryer vent mounted to the house. The box will catch any lint before it goes outside.

While at HF buying a compressor you could also buy a cheap heatgun and see if that helps Sorry, just kidding, couldn`t resist. I *do* sympathize as it took a little while for the tubing for my siphon-feed sprayer to straighten out, though it eventually did and now seems like no big deal in hindsight (I probably felt differently about it at the time).

While at HF buying a compressor you could also buy a cheap heatgun and see if that helps Sorry, just kidding, couldn`t resist. I *do* sympathize as it took a little while for the tubing for my siphon-feed sprayer to straighten out, though it eventually did and now seems like no big deal in hindsight (I probably felt differently about it at the time).

I going to look for tubing around the house.

I was thinking of hanging the tube on a tree limb and weight it down in the summer time, or a hair dryer.

Yeah, once you get attached to a tool/etc. that`s *exactly* what you want it`s tough to make due with something else. IMO you`re fine just doing that on the new ones, and that guy on the internet saying to always do more must have more free time than we do

I have to find a store with a lot attachments in stock, so I can get a feel for them. The local vac store didn`t have much.

Home depot didn`t have the F4 tape either. They had Nashua Tape.

Can the F4 tape be reused, stuck and unstuck? I seen pictures of people using the tape on extension cords, garden hose to keep them wrap up for storage.

 

[GARY51]

If you’re interested Amazon has the tape available.

 

[Accumulator]

I going to look for tubing around the house.

I was thinking of hanging the tube on a tree limb and weight it down in the summer time, or a hair dryer...

Yeah, good idea. IMO it`ll be like a water hose that starts out "won`t quit coiling back up!" but eventually loses that memory-effect.

..I have to find a store with a lot attachments in stock, so I can get a feel for them. The local vac store didn`t have much..

If you find some kind of hollow plastic cone, you can cut it down so one end fits one thing and the other fits a bigger/smaller one. Just throwing that out there as it`s something a bit outside the box that I use all the time. IIRC (it`s been forever), I used a conical nozzle from one of the wet/dry vacs (big end fits in extractor, small end fits that Bissell Upholstery Nozzle, works great).

Home depot didn`t have the F4 tape either. They had Nashua Tape.

As GARY51 noted, it`s another thing that`s cheap/easy to get from Amazon. I *think* I bought mine direct from the maker, but I don`t really remember (bought enough of it to last me maybe forever, even though I use a *LOT* of it on some fixes).

Not familiar with the Nashua...maybe it`s fine, maybe it`s not (not all of these tapes are equal and some are pretty lousy).

[qupte]Can the F4 tape be reused, stuck and unstuck? I seen pictures of people using the tape on extension cords, garden hose to keep them wrap up for storage.[/QUOTE]

No, can`t be reused because it literally fuses together into a tight blob...like it "melts" together (that`s the "self-amalgamating") into one big/thick piece.

(It has a plastic film on one side that you peel off, which keeps it from fusing together when they wrap it into rolls during manufacture.)

And yeah on fixing extension cords/etc. with it. It`s *GREAT* for that. OK, it`s not the "right thing to do", but scare-quotes intentional as it`s held up fine for me for years of use. Vacuum cleaner hoses (that`s now N/A), electrical cords...and those plumbing repairs. IMO it`s a good example of how a half-@$$ fix can work fine.

I myself wouldn`t use it to keep hoses coiled (I use velcro or long twist-ties for stuff like that).

 

[carnage]

If you’re interested Amazon has the tape available.

Since I don`t have Prime I was going to use Amazon as a last resort.

 

[carnage]

Yeah, good idea. IMO it`ll be like a water hose that starts out "won`t quit coiling back up!" but eventually loses that memory-effect..

My Craftsman garden hose still has memory effect after 10+ years. I also keep it wrap up in storage.

If you find some kind of hollow plastic cone, you can cut it down so one end fits one thing and the other fits a bigger/smaller one. Just throwing that out there as it`s something a bit outside the box that I use all the time. IIRC (it`s been forever), I used a conical nozzle from one of the wet/dry vacs (big end fits in extractor, small end fits that Bissell Upholstery Nozzle, works great).

Is this something like what you`re mentioning, Amazon # B01FHCBV9Y, A Google search will bring it up.

As GARY51 noted, it`s another thing that`s cheap/easy to get from Amazon. I *think* I bought mine direct from the maker, but I don`t really remember (bought enough of it to last me maybe forever, even though I use a *LOT* of it on some fixes).

No Prime but I will order as a last resort, if I have enough for free shipping.

Next I`m going to try a plumbing supply store when I pick up my order.

No, can`t be reused because it literally fuses together into a tight blob...like it "melts" together (that`s the "self-amalgamating") into one big/thick piece.

How do you remove the F4 tape? Does it have to be cut off?

I talked to my sister, her friend had 3 dogs. The last one just died from cancer a week ago.

 

[Accumulator]

My Craftsman garden hose still has memory effect after 10+ years. I also keep it wrap up in storage...

I bet keepingit coiled when stored is factoring in there. But yeah, I vaguely recall that I`ve had Craftsman hoses that were like that for a really long time too. One of my older Gilmours is still doing it too.

My Foamgun/Rinse hoses aren`t coiled up again after I put them in service, but rather laid out long-ways on the floor, and those are *not* trying to coil back up all the time. I`m about to start using a new Swan brand hose (I`ve repaired the old one enough already!) and we`ll see how it does; it`s *really* coiled up tight as-delivered, but the last one straightened out OK.

Is this something like what you`re mentioning, Amazon # B01FHCBV9Y, A Google search will bring it up.

Ah, that looks *great*! Much better than what I`m using on my extractors. Even if it`s not quite right for one specific application I bet it`ll come in handy some day. I`m tempted to buy one myself.

No Prime but I will order as a last resort, if I have enough for free shipping.

Yeah, I`m spoiled having my wife`s Prime available.

Next I`m going to try a plumbing supply store when I pick up my order.

Ah, maybe you`ll get lucky and they`ll have it.

How do you remove the F4 tape? Does it have to be cut off?

Yeah, cut it (I use an Xacto knife). It`s quick/clean/easy to do IME, just gotta watch you don`t cut (too deeply) into whatever the tape`s wrapped around, but that`s never been a huge challenge (with that nice sharp Xacto knife at least).

I talked to my sister, her friend had 3 dogs. The last one just died from cancer a week ago.

Aw gee, that`s tough We`ve lost a few dogs/cats to cancer.

 

[carnage]

I bet keepingit coiled when stored is factoring in there. But yeah, I vaguely recall that I`ve had Craftsman hoses that were like that for a really long time too. One of my older Gilmours is still doing it too.

I`m surprised the hose is still coiling up. It`s all sun faded, softer than what it was.

My Foamgun/Rinse hoses aren`t coiled up again after I put them in service, but rather laid out long-ways on the floor, and those are *not* trying to coil back up all the time. I`m about to start using a new Swan brand hose (I`ve repaired the old one enough already!) and we`ll see how it does; it`s *really* coiled up tight as-delivered, but the last one straightened out OK.

How many hoses do you have and use during detailing? I use one for everything. The spare hose is just sitting on the shelf, in its original package, unopen.

I was using a Swan hose. It had a big plastic end to tight to the outside faucet. It burst when I was flushing out my hot water tank. Swan replace it under the 7 year warranty.

Is garden hoses the same as vacuum hoses? The longer they`re the less water pressure they would be.

Ah, that looks *great*! Much better than what I`m using on my extractors. Even if it`s not quite right for one specific application I bet it`ll come in handy some day. I`m tempted to buy one myself.

They also have the cone style hollow tube attachments.

That is it fit to the hose, and accessories. A few reviews were complaining about fitment issue.

Yeah, I`m spoiled having my wife`s Prime available.

I try to buy items local to me. This way I can see what I`m buying.

I don`t buy enough items through Amazon to purchase a Prime membership.

Ah, maybe you`ll get lucky and they`ll have it.

A lot of local electrical, plumbing supply warehouses sell all different kind of tapes. Even professional plumbers uses tape on drains, pipes in emergencies. until they can properly repair it. I may get lucky.

Yeah, cut it (I use an Xacto knife). It`s quick/clean/easy to do IME, just gotta watch you don`t cut (too deeply) into whatever the tape`s wrapped around, but that`s never been a huge challenge (with that nice sharp Xacto knife at least).

Is cutting it the only option? I don`t trust myself with X-Acto knife. If using it on keeping extension cords wrap up I`ll end up cutting the cord.

Good thing I have a roll of velcro, somewhere.

Aw gee, that`s tough We`ve lost a few dogs/cats to cancer.

Most of her dogs live to about 14 years old. One died from old age, the other 2 died from Cancer. The dogs were her kids.

The Envoy will get clean as planned, but it won`t be for hauling dogs anymore. Most likely it will be traded in down the road, but not anytime soon.

 

[Accumulator]

How many hoses do you have and use during detailing? I use one for everything. The spare hose is just sitting on the shelf, in its original package, unopen...

I always have one new/unused hose in waiting, just in case.

I use four hoses. Two on each side of the wash bay; one for rinsing and the other for the foamgun/pressure washer/CRS/undercar wand/etc. (but usually just the foamgun).

Having two foamguns and two rinse hoses makes the wash go *SO MUCH* easier, zero comparison to trying to get by with fewer, but that`s just me and how I wash.

I was using a Swan hose.. Swan replace it under the 7 year warranty.

I like that the Swans I have are red, easy to differentiate from the black ones for the Rinse hoses.

Is garden hoses the same as vacuum hoses? The longer they`re the less water pressure they would be.

Not that I`ve noticed. Consider that the length of hose could just be extra length in the plumbing. Oddly enough, the sillcocks on the "far" end of the shop (farthest from where the waterline to the shop connects) have slightly better water delivery characteristics (pressure/volume/whatever..). No, I can`t explain it, but the diff is minimal.

They also have the cone style hollow tube attachments...That is it fit to the hose, and accessories. A few reviews were complaining about fitment issue..

Eh, IMO people aren`t really justified in complaining, it`s not gonna fit/suit/please everybody and it`s always a gamble unless you can test-fit before buying.

I try to buy items local to me. This way I can see what I`m buying.

Good way to go when you can.

I don`t buy enough items through Amazon to purchase a Prime membership.

I wlll say that my wife gets her money`s worth and then some.

Is cutting it the only option? I don`t trust myself with X-Acto knife. If using it on keeping extension cords wrap up I`ll end up cutting the cord...

Yes, gotta cut it off. That`s a *good thing* as you want it really tight on whatever it`s sealing. It`s *EASY* to cut it off without going too far/deep. Really, you`d be surprised. And once you`ve cut away ~80% of it you can usually peel away the rest.

Consider the self-amalgamating tape to be a permanent repair that you can undo if desired. It`s definitely *NOT* for something that you`ll be taking apart regularly.

Good thing I have a roll of velcro, somewhere.

Much better for things that get taken apart.

Most of her dogs live to about 14 years old. One died from old age, the other 2 died from Cancer. The dogs were her kids...

Our dogs are as close to kids as we`re gonna get too. Depending on the breed, 14 is a pretty ripe old age, none of ours have made it that long.

The Envoy will get clean as planned, but it won`t be for hauling dogs anymore. Most likely it will be traded in down the road, but not anytime soon.

Probably good to have a dedicated dog-hauler what with all that fur!

 

[carnage]

I use four hoses. Two on each side of the wash bay; one for rinsing and the other for the foamgun/pressure washer/CRS/undercar wand/etc. (but usually just the foamgun).

Do you find the hoses getting in your way?

Does it take more time setting up with 4 hoses, laying the hoses out and wrapping the hoses back up?

Having two foamguns and two rinse hoses makes the wash go *SO MUCH* easier, zero comparison to trying to get by with fewer, but that`s just me and how I wash.

Do you have a helper? To me it seems like a lot of work, if you by yourself.

At the Toyota dealership I used to work, I ask one of the detailer how long does he have per car. He reply, he get paid per car, and have 20 minutes to wash, mild compound, all in one product for the finish. He also said, it`s not the type of work he like putting on customers car, but it`s his job.

I like that the Swans I have are red, easy to differentiate from the black ones for the Rinse hoses.

My net hose I think it`s going to be Flexzilla. The brighter green stands out more than black.

Their goes my Craftsman hose lifetime warranty. My hose isn`t in production anymore, along with the hose nozzle.

Not that I`ve noticed. Consider that the length of hose could just be extra length in the plumbing. Oddly enough, the sillcocks on the "far" end of the shop (farthest from where the waterline to the shop connects) have slightly better water delivery characteristics (pressure/volume/whatever..). No, I can`t explain it, but the diff is minimal.

The house has a front back hose sillcock. The front sillcock is closer to where the water line comes into the house. I don`t see much of a different between the 2 sillcock. I have a frost proof sillcock in the rear. Being frost proof I don`t know if it decrease the pressure.

Good way to go when you can.

I can buy from a place with a good return policy.

I wlll say that my wife gets her money`s worth and then some.

Probably when or if Amazon has a Prime sale I`ll get a membership then.

Yes, gotta cut it off. That`s a *good thing* as you want it really tight on whatever it`s sealing. It`s *EASY* to cut it off without going too far/deep. Really, you`d be surprised. And once you`ve cut away ~80% of it you can usually peel away the rest.

It seem like it`s not a good idea using it for extension cords or garden hoses for storage. I know I would cut through something when removing the F4 tape.

Consider the self-amalgamating tape to be a permanent repair that you can undo if desired. It`s definitely *NOT* for something that you`ll be taking apart regularly.

As you mentioned it`s good for plumbing. Something that someone want a (semi) permanent repair done.

I get it, once it stick to itself leave it.

Our dogs are as close to kids as we`re gonna get too. Depending on the breed, 14 is a pretty ripe old age, none of ours have made it that long.

Probably good to have a dedicated dog-hauler what with all that fur!

Since my sister friend with the Envoy is the one with the 3 dogs, that all pass away. She feel that she won`t need another dogs hauler.

She had 3 Pitbulls. All had fine fur. The fur issue in the Envoy is from years of neglect, plus slobber. She want the fur cleaned up and smelling fresh in the SUV.

Since I having seen the Envoy in awhile it maybe in worst shape than than I remember.

 

[Accumulator]

Do you find the hoses getting in your way?

Does it take more time setting up with 4 hoses, laying the hoses out and wrapping the hoses back up?

Not in the way and they`re pretty close to "set up, ready to go" all the time. The ones on the "near wall" get laid out length-wise near the wall and the ones from the "far wall" get coiled up on the floor just back from the mid-point of the shop. I just turn on the sillcocks and grab the nozzle-end of the hose and I`m in business.

..Do you have a helper? To me it seems like a lot of work, if you by yourself...

No helper, and yeah it`s work! If I work *really* fast and don`t waste any time at all I can usually do a "quick maintenance wash" in under six hours, at least on the easier ones. But consider that I`ve been doing it for decades, every time I wash anything, and I used to do at least two cars every week (for over 25 years). Do something often enough and you can get used to it.

At the Toyota dealership I used to work, I ask one of the detailer how long does he have per car. He reply, he get paid per car, and have 20 minutes to wash, mild compound, all in one product for the finish. He also said, it`s not the type of work he like putting on customers car, but it`s his job.

Sorry to hear he has to compromise his values in order to do his job That`d never work for me long-term, but that`s just me.

I figure that`s the way most Dealership guys probably are. I was very unpopular with my co-workers at the MOPAR dealership because I did it right even if it meant coming in early/staying late/working through lunch..."dream employee" in the eyes of the owner, dream job in my eyes..cleaning brand-new cars! Loved it But it wasn`t a *career* for me, it was a summer job for a teenage kid.

When we had the used-car dealership the guy doing most of the Detailing was expected to do a decent job (and I could always DIY it if he was in over his head), but that wasn`t a high-volume place like a Toyota store by a long shot! Boy, I`d just go nuts if my business depended on production-line Detailing, that`d be a big challenge all right.

..My net hose I think it`s going to be Flexzilla. The brighter green stands out more than black.

Their goes my Craftsman hose lifetime warranty. My hose isn`t in production anymore, along with the hose nozzle...

Hope you like the Flexzilla! Black works for me (for the rinse hoses) since I have a gray floor, but I can sure see green showing up too.

Yeah on the Sears issues The garage washing machine`s replacement under their Maintenance Program is proving a big headache.

..The house has a front back hose sillcock. The front sillcock is closer to where the water line comes into the house. I don`t see much of a different between the 2 sillcock. I have a frost proof sillcock in the rear. Being frost proof I don`t know if it decrease the pressure...

My indoor ones (like in the Shop) are frost-proof and I guess I`ve never noticed any issues...BUT I have a booster pump as the expanded house + Shop is a bit much for our water delivery system (and we didn`t want to tear the house apart any more than we already did to fix it right).

But even when I have the booster pump turned off, I don`t really see any diffs based on which sillcocks/faucets I use from one end of the place to the other.

..I can buy from a place with a good return policy.

That`s great, oughta give you some good peace-of-mind there.

..Probably when or if Amazon has a Prime sale I`ll get a membership then.

Just gotta do the math and see if it`s worth it. It is for my wife, probably would *not* be for me.

..It seem like it`s not a good idea using it for extension cords or garden hoses for storage. I know I would cut through something when removing the F4 tape..

I agree! That sounds like "yeah, it`ll work, but...." kind of things that people do for goofy reasons.

As you mentioned it`s good for plumbing. Something that someone want a (semi) permanent repair done.

I get it, once it stick to itself leave it.

Right! Just gotta check it now and then, though I can`t recall ever having to redo it for a plumbing fix. The trick is to really *STRETCH* it during application and to use a lot more than you think you oughta need.

..Since my sister friend with the Envoy is the one with the 3 dogs, that all pass away. She feel that she won`t need another dogs hauler.

She had 3 Pitbulls. All had fine fur. The fur issue in the Envoy is from years of neglect, plus slobber. She want the fur cleaned up and smelling fresh in the SUV.

Since I having seen the Envoy in awhile it maybe in worst shape than than I remember.

Hope the Envoy isn`t *that* bad!

That`s too bad about all her dogs passing (I`m a great lover of Pits). Maybe she`ll want another after a while. My wife and I sure would! Pits are *so* personable that I bet she`ll get another unless there`s some other factor in play.

The "fine fur" is indeed a different type of challenge compared to longer. Our Beaucerons have *both* types and it makes for a bit of work, which is why I just do the dog-haulers quick/dirty/better than nothing after every use (and then do `em properly after a wash). The slobber is *MUCH* easier to deal with that way, only takes a few minutes.

 

[carnage]

Not in the way and they`re pretty close to "set up, ready to go" all the time. The ones on the "near wall" get laid out length-wise near the wall and the ones from the "far wall" get coiled up on the floor just back from the mid-point of the shop. I just turn on the sillcocks and grab the nozzle-end of the hose and I`m in business.

My sillcock is in the middle of the house. For me to wash the car I have to maneuver the hose around the car to hose off the farthest side.

Do you use 1 extension cord? Plug and unplug into different outlets as you go along.

No helper, and yeah it`s work! If I work *really* fast and don`t waste any time at all I can usually do a "quick maintenance wash" in under six hours, at least on the easier ones. But consider that I`ve been doing it for decades, every time I wash anything, and I used to do at least two cars every week (for over 25 years). Do something often enough and you can get used to it.

Once you get a certain technique or system down, it become natural to do the work.

At the dealership they`re always changing something to make production go faster. The detailer guys are gone by 1 o`clock, work 6 days a week.

I figure that`s the way most Dealership guys probably are. I was very unpopular with my co-workers at the MOPAR dealership because I did it right even if it meant coming in early/staying late/working through lunch..."dream employee" in the eyes of the owner, dream job in my eyes..cleaning brand-new cars! Loved it But it wasn`t a *career* for me, it was a summer job for a teenage kid.

Most dealerships, auction house like to hire college kids. They`re gone in the fall when thing slow down a little.

At Toyota most detailer don`t stay long.

When we had the used-car dealership the guy doing most of the Detailing was expected to do a decent job (and I could always DIY it if he was in over his head), but that wasn`t a high-volume place like a Toyota store by a long shot! Boy, I`d just go nuts if my business depended on production-line Detailing, that`d be a big challenge all right.

If the detailer is slow they tied up the line. Then they would have to juggle the cars around the slow people. As a service tech I sometimes have to go over to the detailing bays and move cars around. It slow down everyone. The more the workers does the harder management push for more.

Hope you like the Flexzilla! Black works for me (for the rinse hoses) since I have a gray floor, but I can sure see green showing up too.

The only reason I mentioned Flexzilla is the hose gets a lot of good reviews. Also Continental hose get some good reviews.

Which hose brand do you use the most, that seems reliable to use on a daily basis?

To bad the Craftsman hoses has change. Not the same as what the hose used to be.

Yeah on the Sears issues The garage washing machine`s replacement under their Maintenance Program is proving a big headache.

When Sear stores starting closing down I stop buying any maintenance plan. The last Sears store in my area just closed down last year.

My Craftsman hose nozzle just sprung a leak. I had to call the manufacturer up, they sent me a o-ring kit. After I installed the o-ring kit I did a quick leak check. The kit seems to work. I find out more when weather get warmer.

My indoor ones (like in the Shop) are frost-proof and I guess I`ve never noticed any issues...BUT I have a booster pump as the expanded house + Shop is a bit much for our water delivery system (and we didn`t want to tear the house apart any more than we already did to fix it right).

Last year when I watering the grass, my neighbor was washing his cars. Every time he rinse the cars I would lose water pressure. I think, I need booster pump. The city like to control the pressure going to the houses.

Do you see any difference with the pump on and off without using any hose and/or nozzles?

That`s great, oughta give you some good peace-of-mind there.

Sometime to return an item it not as easy as the store claims. Plus waiting in line.

 

[carnage]

Continued

Just gotta do the math and see if it`s worth it. It is for my wife, probably would *not* be for me.

Some people watches the free Prime movie or series.

I might try the free Prime trail, to see how it is. I read some people were complaining that they don`t receive there package within the 2 days.

I agree! That sounds like "yeah, it`ll work, but...." kind of things that people do for goofy reasons.

Could also be, that they don`t know any better, or a roll of velcro isn`t easy to come by.

Right! Just gotta check it now and then, though I can`t recall ever having to redo it for a plumbing fix. The trick is to really *STRETCH* it during application and to use a lot more than you think you oughta need.

My copper pipes are around 2" from the sink basin. When I wrapped the pipe I couldn`t wrap the duct tape tight. Either the tape kept on sticking to itself or the bottom of the sink. This repair job was probably be better off doing it with the F4 tape, since I`m working in a tight area, plus it doesn`t stick to anything around the work area.

Hope the Envoy isn`t *that* bad!

Oh, Yes it is.

That`s too bad about all her dogs passing (I`m a great lover of Pits). Maybe she`ll want another after a while. My wife and I sure would! Pits are *so* personable that I bet she`ll get another unless there`s some other factor in play.

She going through different emotions right. Only time can heal.

The "fine fur" is indeed a different type of challenge compared to longer. Our Beaucerons have *both* types and it makes for a bit of work, which is why I just do the dog-haulers quick/dirty/better than nothing after every use (and then do `em properly after a wash). The slobber is *MUCH* easier to deal with that way, only takes a few minutes.

I was thinking of using my Shark Rocket with the mini motorized upholstery brush head. It should vacuum the fur. For what`s fur is left then I would have to use to Shop Vac with different attachments. Hopefully the Shark work good on fur. It would save me some time.

I don`t know if the dog slobber absorb into the seat foam. All the hard plastic are easy part.

What do you use on embedded dirt that is stuck into the fiber? I bought the Craftsman # CMXZVBE38690 attachment. I tried it yesterday for the first time. It was lifting the carpet off the floor. I have to find the best position to use the Craftsman attachment. I was using the crevice tool for most of the outer edges

 

[tom p.]

Re: on topic

.........

 

[carnage]

Re: on topic

.........

Is it the Ridgid kit, or Ridgid parts on a Shop Vac?

My opening for the hose connecting to the canister is under 2 1/2" . Most Ridgid adapters needs a 2 1/2" opening. I read some people wrapped tape to build up the thickness, for a better fit.

What size vac is it? Look bigger than the vac I have.

 

[tom p.]

It`s an old Shop Vac, 8 gallon, Quiet Series. Probably 15 yrs old, won`t die. I bought the extra large hose around the time I bought the vac. The hose came with the correct adapter and no tape or modification needed to get a tight, secure fit. The hose has been pretty much flawless. People that come over to use it (when they`re using up all my supplies) absolutely rave about it, say it`s the favorite part of their visit to my home.

It`s been durable, you can drive the car over it without ill-effect. It came from "mrnozzleinc" in Riverside CA. It`s well-made and in no way cheap/flimsy like the hose supplied with most vacs.

The kit I bought had the hose, a claw nozzle (picture) and the traditional narrow nozzle (picture) and the correct adapter for my Shop Vac. The adapter is simply a tight slip fit, the hose threads up (reverse thread) into the adapter. It`s all very secure. It get`s a lot of use. I don`t see any downside to it and can`t ever see myself using the Shop Vac without it or some equivalent hose. I keep an extra extension cord permanently connected to the Shop Vac so, between the long hose and the long cord, I can cover essentially any vehicle in my garage without connecting/re-connecting the vac.

 

[Accumulator]

My sillcock is in the middle of the house. For me to wash the car I have to maneuver the hose around the car to hose off the farthest side.

Being me, I`d put a splitter on that one source and run two hoses off it. But hey, that`s just me and I`m all about redundant systems. Since my washes take so incredibly long and I`m working so hard, every moment and chance at convenience matters to me..

Do you use 1 extension cord? Plug and unplug into different outlets as you go along.

If I use an extension cord I use one that`s long enough to reach wherever I`ll need it. LOTS of outlets all along all four walls, so plenty of options. As I keep saying, I`m awfully spoiled with this shop.

..Once you get a certain technique or system down, it become natural to do the work..

Yep, that`s why I think it`s normal to spend hours on the undercarriage every time.

..At the dealership they`re always changing something to make production go faster. The detailer guys are gone by 1 o`clock, work 6 days a week...

Eh, different times I guess, compared with the 70s.

..Most dealerships, auction house like to hire college kids. They`re gone in the fall when thing slow down a little.

Guess *that* hasn`t changed.

..At Toyota most detailer don`t stay long...

The best dealership Detailers I`ve ever known were college kids. Really smart ones who actually did nice work. I let the guy at my Audi dealer do a few of our family`s cars and they were fine even by my standards.

If the detailer is slow they tied up the line. Then they would have to juggle the cars around the slow people. As a service tech I sometimes have to go over to the detailing bays and move cars around. It slow down everyone. The more the workers does the harder management push for more.

I feel sorry for people who have to work under such conditions. No thanks.

..The only reason I mentioned Flexzilla is the hose gets a lot of good reviews. Also Continental hose get some good reviews.

Which hose brand do you use the most, that seems reliable to use on a daily basis?

I don`t really have preferences in hoses. The two pairs in the shop are Swan and *OLD* (often-repaired) Griot`s ones, with a Gilmour that I sometimes use with the undercar wand and a smaller-diameter ?Gilmour? hooked up to the CRS.

All my hoses have been pretty reliable; I`ve had the same ones since forever and the only ones that need remotely frequent repairs are the Swans, which get abused something awful what with how I use the foamguns.

To bad the Craftsman hoses has change. Not the same as what the hose used to be.

I bet I`ve never used a newer Craftsman; mine are at least 20YO.

When Sear stores starting closing down I stop buying any maintenance plan. The last Sears store in my area just closed down last year.

Same situation here, but I`ve kept the agreements on the refrigerators since they`re OLD (also..see a trend here?!?) and the whole "sealed refrigerant" thing can be problematic.

My Craftsman hose nozzle just sprung a leak. I had to call the manufacturer up, they sent me a o-ring kit. After I installed the o-ring kit I did a quick leak check. The kit seems to work. I find out more when weather get warmer.

The only nozzles I use on a remotely regular basis are my Lonn "bend-to-flow" ones and the limited-flow one on the CRS. Otherwise I use plastic (female) quick-connects that have shutoffs. For some reason I simply love using those and greatly prefer them over a "real" nozzle. Heh heh, I must have over a dozen nozzles that sit here unused, including all my old Griot`s ones and a few of those that my dad had!

Last year when I watering the grass, my neighbor was washing his cars. Every time he rinse the cars I would lose water pressure. I think, I need booster pump. The city like to control the pressure going to the houses.

Do you see any difference with the pump on and off without using any hose and/or nozzles?

It`s a big difference for me, but I bet most of that is related to the house/garage (we at least doubled the original and the water delivery just couldn`t cope. No, we didn`t "fix it right", spent enough as it was ).

Note that the booster pump, and it`s requisite holding tank/etc. is a pretty involved, and pricey, setup.

But I will say that what my neighbors do has zero effect on our water.

..Sometime to return an item it not as easy as the store claims. Plus waiting in line.

Agree! And my time is pretty valuable to me so I`m kinda careful how I spend it.

Some people watches the free Prime movie or series...

We don`t watch much TV, but most of what we do watch is off that Prime channel via Roku.

..

I might try the free Prime trail, to see how it is. I read some people were complaining that they don`t receive there package within the 2 days..

I`ve debated doing that with NetFlix just to see a few things, but I worry that getting *off* it would be a bother. IF it takes them a while to get you online that could be a hassle unless you plan for it.

Could also be, that they don`t know any better, or a roll of velcro isn`t easy to come by.

Heh heh, the things people don`t know continue to amaze me I got some Velcro *long* ago and doubt I`ll ever use it all, guess I`m glad I got it when I saw it.

My copper pipes are around 2" from the sink basin. When I wrapped the pipe I couldn`t wrap the duct tape tight. Either the tape kept on sticking to itself or the bottom of the sink. This repair job was probably be better off doing it with the F4 tape, since I`m working in a tight area, plus it doesn`t stick to anything around the work area.

Yeah, the F4 oughta be much better!

She going through different emotions right. Only time can heal...

Understood, different people deal with Loss differently. Sorry to hear the Envoy is so nasty though.

I was thinking of using my Shark Rocket with the mini motorized upholstery brush head...Hopefully the Shark work good on fur. It would save me some time.

Fingers crossed that it works OK!

I don`t know if the dog slobber absorb into the seat foam...

Gee, I`ve never had so much slobber that it got into the *FOAM*!

All the hard plastic are easy part.

Which is why I use plastic to line as much as I can of the Tahoe`s interior, so I can just wipe it clean each time. I dunno if you can even get that stuff any more (got mine from HatchBag).

What do you use on embedded dirt that is stuck into the fiber?

On the *VERY* rare occasions I`ve had to deal with that, I used an extractor.

I bought the Craftsman # CMXZVBE38690 attachment...

Huh, I have one of those sets but I`ve never used it on a vehicle.

 

[GARY51]

Great information but topic is very hard to read with the previous posts.